Hey Arosen,
Me too!!!!
I like my '85 300D better that my Toyota Camry. I also was afraid that the clanging I was hearing was not good. I'm new to diesels as well. I've only had mine for 3 weeks now.
The guy I bought it from, always had the maintenance done at the same dealership. He now has 2 newer MB's and sold me the 300D. I went to the dealership and went thru his service records and took notes. I noticed that the valves hadn't been adjusted in quite awhile, so I took it to my German mechanic (if in Detroit area, lemme know and I'll give you name)and had him give it the "once over".
He adjusted the valves, replaced a glow plug and gave it the German stamp of approval. It still makes the same clanging and runs like a champ.
All in all, I just think it is a different smooth-as-silk noise that we have to get accustomed to.

and also the periodic routine maintenance that owning a diesel requires.
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FrankieZ
84 500SEL EURO 87K
85 300DT 267K (not my miles tho)