Originally Posted by konstan

While I am working on the 300D, I wanted a diesel Merc to drive.

So this weekend I brought home this 240D. All it needed is a hood star and some moulding on the doors, a headlight fixed and the dash lights.

Will post pics once I get the moulding and the star installed...Please do!

On the way home (40mi) tranny was shifting 'funny', flaring, etc.

So, I finally get around to play with the new car. Got the dash lights working (can't have no dash lights, right?) and then I thought I'd look at the tranny. It was missing about 2 qts of fluid. Added to proper level -- what a difference!

Hence the question: is it likely that I (or the p.o.) did any permanent damage by driving it 2 qts low? Since it's driving well now......don't fix it!

And question #2. It definitely does not like to start in cold weather (12F) unless it has been plugged in for a while (it does have a block heater).How does the battery crank? SO the question is - do I / can I leave it plugged in overnight?Yes. Will it boil out the coolant if I do?No.

Thanks y'all!