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Mercedes 300D Suggestions

2328 messages,  Last post on Apr 19, 2013 at 8:29 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz 300-Class, Engine, Fuel System, Diesel, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 233 of 233

#2319 of 2328 1985 300D FRONT LEFT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH by reugenio

Mar 25, 2013 (10:22 pm)

The door latch does not latch completely into the door striker. One mechanic looked at it and recommended changing the door striker but problem not solved. Another mechanic(Mercedes Benz) inspected it and said the problem was the latch itself,but the part is very hard to find.Also suggested to look up auto salvage parts.Also suggested to look for a right front passenger side latch.disassemble it..maybe the problem on the left side is only a spring inside? What would be the best way to resolve this and make the door work right..to latch correctedly? Where do you find this latch?

#2320 of 2328 Re: 1985 300D FRONT LEFT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH [reugenio] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 26, 2013 (7:53 am)

Replying to: reugenio (Mar 25, 2013 10:22 pm)
I bet you could actually order that latch from Mercedes...it's worth a shot...you'd be amazed at the number of old parts you can still order from them.
 
Barring that you can try here:
 
http://www.a-r-a.org/AF_memberdirectory.asp
 
Also, breezing through the "Mercedes parts" section of Hemmings Motor News (www.hemmings.com)
 
these door panels come off pretty easily, so if you're handy I agree with your mechanic--take the lock out and see if its just a busted spring.

#2321 of 2328 in the elements by wagonlust

Apr 17, 2013 (8:23 pm)

I've been looking at old mb's and thinking about taking the plunge, but now I've found one that's really in the deep end. It's an 83 300 turbo diesel, but it hasn't been driven for over 10 years. I'm told the filters have been changed, and it runs, but not much more info, other than 'everything works'. Mileage is said to be under 120k. I'm virtually blinded by the red flags waving around but can't help wondering if it could be returned to driving condition, and at what cost? Exposure has done a number on the paint but there's apparently no rust - dry climate here, so this could be true, maybe. I'm not too worried about cosmetics as much as viability. Turn and run, or proceed with caution?

#2322 of 2328 Re: in the elements [wagonlust] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 18, 2013 (9:52 am)

Replying to: wagonlust (Apr 17, 2013 8:23 pm)
Depends on the price of course, and on what works and what doesn't. Some red flags would be a) hard to start----diesels should start right up without cranking very much; b) inoperative heater/AC controls. That can get pricey; c) lots of black smoke that does not dissipate after the engine warms up d) excessive turbo whine (like a police siren).
 
These are very good cars but the mythology surrounding them has to be taken with a dose of realism.
 
Not running for 10 years is not a good sign--the tires will be no good, and one wonders about the condition of the fuel tank.
 
Best thing i could say is don't buy it unless you can drive it around and give it a good test; otherwise, if you have to buy it "as is", buy it as a parts car.

#2323 of 2328 Re: in the elements [Mr_Shiftright] by benzsilver

Apr 18, 2013 (11:13 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 18, 2013 9:52 am)
TO WAGONLUST: The name wagonlust perhaps suggests they are looking at a
TDE. these can be rare in certain instances, and perhaps this is a barnfind. At any rate I concur with Mr Shiftright, however to add to that, if you are willing to take the 'leap of faith' and can afford the risk, go ahead and leap. It may turn out to be the best leap you ever took.

#2324 of 2328 Re: in the elements [benzsilver] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 18, 2013 (11:20 am)

Replying to: benzsilver (Apr 18, 2013 11:13 am)
A wagon would be worth more of a risk, up to a point. I just saw a pretty nice one (not perfect but very presentable) sell for $7,500---ready and running.
 
You have to start with "good bones"--you can't build up a good Mercedes diesel if you are starting on a rotten foundation.

#2325 of 2328 Re: in the elements [Mr_Shiftright] by fintail

Apr 18, 2013 (11:32 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 18, 2013 9:52 am)
One positive...IIRC, 83 is considered a very good year for 123s.

#2326 of 2328 Re: in the elements [fintail] by wagonlust

Apr 18, 2013 (6:07 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Apr 18, 2013 11:32 am)
oops - it's an 81, not an 83, same diff, right? It does seem to be good bones but the seller is too enamored w/ 'low miles, collectible classic' to let it go cheap so it'll probably fall through. I'm thinking 1.5 max but they want over 4. I can't see paying that much if it's not been driven for so long and has lousy paint. Am I wrong? Thanks for the thoughts.

#2327 of 2328 Re: in the elements [wagonlust] by fintail

Apr 18, 2013 (6:42 pm)

Replying to: wagonlust (Apr 18, 2013 6:07 pm)
4 is definitely too much if it won't clean up with a good detail. Neat kind of special interest cars, but a ways to go before 123s become real classics. Make sure the turbo works, too. I am sure 81 is fine, but generally, the newer the model in a series, the better.

#2328 of 2328 Re: in the elements [wagonlust] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 19, 2013 (8:29 am)

Replying to: wagonlust (Apr 18, 2013 6:07 pm)
it's not a classic and the miles are only "low" relative to how old it is. Miles are still miles, wear is still wear, and 120K isn't "low miles" for all the parts of a car. $1500 sounds like more than enough for what seems to be just a roll of the dice. The car has too many unknowns.

Messages Page 233 of 233

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