The Mercedes-Benz E 300 Turbodiesel (S210) T-modell, produced from September 1996 to July 1999, represents a compelling blend of luxury, practicality, and fuel efficiency within the W210 E-Class range. As a station wagon (estate) variant, it catered to buyers seeking the refinement of a Mercedes-Benz with the added versatility of increased cargo space. This particular configuration, powered by the OM 606 D 30 LA engine and paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-range position in the E-Class lineup, offering a balance between performance and economy. It was positioned above the base model E 220 CDI and below the more powerful E 320 CDI and petrol-powered variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class T-modell (S210) |
| Type (Engine) | E 300 Turbodiesel (177 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 1996 |
| End of production | July, 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp, 102.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 190.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 1600 rpm (243.4 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 606 D 30 LA / 606.962 |
| Engine displacement | 2996 cm3 (182.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2310 kg (5092.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 580 kg (1278.68 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 600 l (21.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1975 l (69.75 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4816 mm (189.61 in.) |
| Width | 1799 mm (70.83 in.) |
| Height | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2833 mm (111.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E 300 Turbodiesel T-modell is the OM 606 D 30 LA inline-six cylinder diesel engine. This engine, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering, is renowned for its durability and smooth operation. It features precombustion chamber injection, a system where fuel is partially combusted in a small chamber before entering the main cylinder, promoting more complete combustion and reducing noise. The addition of a turbocharger and intercooler significantly boosted power output to 177 horsepower and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. The 5-speed automatic transmission, a common unit in Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the era, was designed for smooth shifts and comfortable cruising. While not particularly sporty, it provided adequate performance for everyday driving and long-distance journeys.
Driving Characteristics
The E 300 Turbodiesel Automatic offered a relaxed and refined driving experience. The automatic transmission, while lacking the responsiveness of a manual, provided seamless gear changes and made it well-suited for city driving and highway cruising. Acceleration to 60 mph took around 8.9 seconds, which was respectable for a large, diesel-powered station wagon of the late 1990s. The engine’s strong low-end torque made it easy to maintain speed on inclines and overtake slower vehicles. Compared to the more powerful E 320 CDI, the E 300 Turbodiesel felt less urgent, but it offered a significant fuel economy advantage. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 300 Turbodiesel T-modell typically came equipped with a generous array of standard features, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury and comfort. These included power windows, power locks, central locking, air conditioning, and a high-quality audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather options available as an upgrade. Optional extras included a sunroof, heated seats, automatic climate control, and a more advanced audio system. The dashboard layout was typical of the W210 E-Class, featuring a classic Mercedes-Benz design with wood trim and analog gauges.
Chassis & Braking
The S210 E-Class T-modell featured a robust chassis designed to handle the added weight and demands of a station wagon. Front suspension utilized a double wishbone setup, while the rear employed a sophisticated hydro-pneumatic independent multi-link suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. Brakes consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The steering was rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance, offering precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 300 Turbodiesel T-modell was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission could feel sluggish at times, and the overall driving experience was not as engaging as that of the manual transmission or higher-performance variants. Compared to the E 220 CDI, the E 300 Turbodiesel offered a noticeable power increase, while maintaining good fuel economy. Against the E 320 CDI, it represented a more affordable option, albeit with slightly less power.
Legacy
The OM 606 engine, found in the E 300 Turbodiesel, is widely regarded as one of the most reliable diesel engines ever produced. With proper maintenance, these engines can easily exceed 300,000 miles. The S210 E-Class T-modell, in general, has proven to be a durable and long-lasting vehicle. Today, well-maintained examples are sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, particularly those who appreciate the combination of classic Mercedes-Benz styling, practicality, and reliability. The 5-speed automatic transmission, while not the most modern, has also proven to be relatively robust. However, like any older vehicle, regular maintenance and attention to detail are crucial to ensure continued reliability.
