If you're considering a 240D, I suggest looking at/test driving several until you find a good one. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to drive many 240Ds, and the performance variations are all over the map. Even a couple of the automatics I've driven were fairly peppy.

My first 240D, Miss Diesel, had several problems, including a rusted-out left triling-arm. But I actually almost passed because she was automatic. However, for $225 I decided to gamble, as I wanted some diesel experience. Including parts, I probably have about $1100 in her.

As I noted, my 'keeper' 240D, 'Ol Blue' performs so much better than my first two rusty ones, with an engine that doesn't sound strained or coarse when revving or cruising at highway speeds. Not sure if it's because this body is so solid, or the engine is just that much more healthy. Maybe a combination of both. This car did need a windsheild, front shocks, alternator, tires, halfshafts, flexjoints and an AC compressor. So including purchase, I've got about $3200 invested. But I've seen 240Ds advertised as perfect/mint for $6K or more, so I don't think Ol Blue was too bad a bargain.

I eventually plan to sell Miss Diesel for about what I've got in her, to recoup some of what I spent on Ol Blue.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW