So I need an auto trans vehicle due to an upcoming surgery on my ACL. I figure now is a good time to make it a diesel since Ive always wanted to run on WVO and stick it to the man..www.vegenergy.com.

Anyhow, Ive got somewhere between $3-$4k to spend (dont want this 1st attempt to be on too nice of a car). Can anyone steer me in a good direction as for model and year mecedes I should be looking for?

I have been thinking about the turbo diesel 300D (from like 1984) or the newer 1987 300 SD. I wonder how long those turbos last though? I know they can be very expensive to rebuild or replace, and typical lesser makes only get 100-150k out of a turbo. Seems all the mercedes in my price range are pushing at least 200k. Perhaps I should just stick with a non turbo 300D.

If anyone knows a source for these cars near Atlanta, what kind I should get, or any advice on buying to go the WVO route, please help me out!

Paul

Paul,
The older mercedes do the best on straght veg, 85 and older. and they are less expensive to buy and repair.A 617 engine will tolerate cold oil while most diesels will not.(ei cummins).Do not worry about the turbo they last forever.They're a couple hundred bucks used.Turbo models tend to last longer as well.Mine has 200 plus runs great burns no oil. Tried out a wagon the other day, had close to 280 and it run better then mine.
It would be good to hear from some of the people running on veg with the newer engines.Do they run as well?
way to go Paul

Also if you go with the 1985 or older you dont have to worry about your head gasket. This is the problem with the newer vehicles because they utilize an aluminum head with a cast iron block.

If you get a N/A (naturally aspirated-nonturbo) make sure you test drive it first, because there will be a severe lack in performance.

Look out for a 300sd because they have the same engine (617) but a different, longer body that I think is more appealing.

I will be converting my 1985 300SD to WVO this summer once I start making some money to buy what I need.

Well, currently there is 2 1985 SD's and an 87 D turbo nearby.

The 87 looks a little more recent (124 chassis) than the 126 chassis 1985 SDs.

So what Im hearing is dont go anything newer than 1985 due to AL head / Cast iron block ??

They just say the iron on iron is better for WVO and it doesnt have a problem with the head gasket blowing.

I would go with the better looking '85 300SD.

How fortunate! I'm looking for a 300SD, but they seem to pop up one at a time in my area, and then they keep turning out to be junk. The '81-'85 300SD is a nice, reliable, safe and comfortable car. Its engine, the OM617 3.0 liter, 5 cylinder turbodiesel is as powerful as it needs to be, and cheaper and easier to maintain than the later engines. If you want a car that's a little less bulky, the '82-'85 300D has the same engine (earlier 300Ds had the same engine, but without the turbo). In fact, it's basically the same car except it's smaller and has a few less gadgets.

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1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K
2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's)
1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K

what does everyone think of the 87 300 DT? it looks newer than the 300D and 300 SD, but how is it for reliability / price of parts? I like the looks of that one the best so far...thanks for all the help. Ill be jumping into the foraray soon !!

ACL...... man.... been there done that. There are hand controls you can buy for your car that are lot cheaper than buying a whole new car, but... sounds like a good excuse to buy a diesel and go veg.

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"If anyone knows other lessons I need to learn, please tell me. I'm tired of learning them the hard way".
by JerryBro

The Glow Plug Wait: This waiting period is a moment of silence to pay honor to Rudolph Diesel. The longer you own your diesel the more honor you will give him". by SD Blue

My normal daily life; either SNAFUed- Situation Normal... All Fouled Up, or FUBARed- Fouled Up Beyond All Repair

62 UNIMOG Camper w/617 Turbo, 85 300SD daily driver- both powered by blended UCO fuels

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