I have lived at my current residence for about 8 years. During all of that time there has been an '82 300D sitting in the drive next to me. I had tried to buy this car from the neighbor a few years back but he said he wanted $4,000 (so I passed).

The other day I saw a tow truck that said crusher on the side pull up so I ran out. He said the guy sold it to him for $400 and that it was really more of a hassle to him than it was worth. He let me take it for what he paid (or what he said he paid).

Anyway I aired the tires up and towed it next door to my place. I swapped a battery out of my '83 and turned the key. It cranked for less than a second and fired up.

If this is not a testament to the durability of these cars I do not know what is. I was fully prepared to be cranking for at least a min but didn't really think it would start. I'm not exactly sure how long it has been sitting but it was due for its last oil change 4/20/96.

It is in OK shape. It has 162,000 on the odo. It was dirty as can be but a quick wash really made me feel better about the purchase. The interior is spottless. The under body and floorpans are perfect but it has a bit of rust in the usual spots on the body.

I really just wanted to share this engineering marvel with the forum but I guess I would appreciate any advice for maintenance to preform on a car that has been sitting for so long. I will obviously change out all fluids, do a valve adjustment, new belts and put some fresh diesel in it. So far the only problem with it is that the electric windows do not want to operate.

Thanks in Advance for any advice and happy driving, Alex

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'76 300D Euro Model 4sp Manual 108k
'83 300D 4sp Manual Conversion