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Mercedes 300D Suggestions

2231 messages,  Last post on Nov 11, 2009 at 9:21 AM

You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

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

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#18 of 2231 any suggestions/warnings on a 87 300DT with 199K miles by frankiev Apr 15, 2002 (12:14 pm)
Hello everybody. I've enjoyed the discussion. I have an old bronco and a 10 day old son, hence I've been looking for a more family friendly car. I've come across an '87 300 turbo diesel with 199K miles. They say they have all the maintenance records and has had a recent engine overhaul (valves, timing chain, vacuum pump, drive belt, rear main seal)and new brakes. I live in Atlanta, GA so our winters are not that cold. Any recommendations or warnings? Thanks
#19 of 2231 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 15, 2002 (12:30 pm)
That's a hell of a lot of miles. It may have life left in it, but I hope you are buying it very cheap. Even with an engine overhaul, the rest of the car still has 199K, as does the bottom half of the engine. I'd certainly drop the transmission oil pan and have a look, and lift the car and check the front end, driveline and rear CV joints. These are rugged cars, and not too hard to work on, but not cheap to fix either. Oh, check all the heat and a/c functions thoroughly. Play with everything electric 10X.
#20 of 2231 #14 - oil by markkkusa Apr 17, 2002 (8:18 am)
Mr. Shiftright, when you have time please comment on my oil questions in #14 above? Recently someone recommended that I use motor oils available at truck stops (that are commonly used in semis). Thanks.
#21 of 2231 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 17, 2002 (12:21 pm)
I'm no fan of 5 weight oils, no. I think a 10-40W is just fine and especially oils formulated for diesels.. There are additives and block heaters for easier diesel starting, I would not risk using oils that try to do too much at once. Your little diesel is not a Peterbuilt. Those engines are HUGE. They have a lot more friction to contend with and lots more oil capacity to churn through on cold starts.
#22 of 2231 Mercedes 300SD by montaig Apr 27, 2002 (11:14 am)
I'm a newcomer to this forum & to Mercedes Benz. Any advice would be most welcomed. Presently I am in the market for an older sedan. Aside from the price of a new MB, I truly much prefer the classic look & style. Today I drove a 1979 ~ 300SD with 119,000 miles. The dealer was asking $8,900, and when I did some research, this appeared to be way out of line. What do you suggest?   Another thing ~ after reading all of the discussion about start-up difficulty in the winter, I am now feeling somewhat hesitant, because I live in PA!!
#23 of 2231 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 27, 2002 (11:56 am)
Oh, the dealer is only about triple the retail price, but think positively---all that ROOM for bargaining.--LOL!   Diesel cold starts are definitely a problem and you have to take the steps necessary to address it. That includes additives and a block heater. If you can't hook the car up to a heater on frigid mornings, you may have to resort to starting ether (like the big rigs do sometimes--they have injection systems for it). My 300D is hard starting at around 25 degrees or lower.
#24 of 2231 Let's put it this way ... by haspelbein Apr 28, 2002 (7:15 am)
...my neighbor can't sell his early 80s 300D for $4K. (Some repairs on one door, but the interior is real nice.) And we're talking about a California car here. The body is otherwise perfect.   As Shifty said, the dealer price may be a little on the high side.
#25 of 2231 $2500 by burdawg Apr 30, 2002 (9:27 am)
It would have to be in very good condition, with fully functioning climate control and other vacuum powered systems, plus have excellent rubber (door, windshield seals), not to mention paint/rust condition and then I would only go to $2500 or so. If you can't do your own general repairs and troubleshooting then it will be a money pit.
#26 of 2231 Need info on a 240D by rocque May 04, 2002 (5:15 am)
Lately I ve found some nice 240d for sale. One is a 1977 that is in mint condition and there asking about 3800$. I've also found some others in there early 80's going for about 2500$. I would like to know how reliable these car's are.(p.s I know they are REALLY slow.)
#27 of 2231 by Mr_Shiftright HOST May 04, 2002 (6:17 am)
They are pretty reliable if you start with a good one. The trick is to buy one that is very well cared for. A 240D is a real chore to drive, though, so be sure you can tolerate that level of performance, or lack thereof.

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