240D blues ... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

revphil1 · #1 09-10-2004, 09:53 AM

Hello out there,
I have a 1981 240D which I bought for $900 a year ago - the mileage says 53,000 although who knows if it's correct? Since then, a lot of things failed on it. I replaced the alternator, the transmission, the muffler. Then the engine blew. At this point I paused for thought and to catch my breath. My question: If I replace the engine, what else may I reasonably expect will go wrong with it? Am I "over the hump" already, having put about $3000 in so far? Can anyone recommend the preventive maintenance I should perform to make it a reliable vehicle?
Much appreciation, this is hopefully only the first phase of my owning this thing.
My goal is to run it on vegetable oil!
But I'll sell it now and cut my losses if it's just gonna be a MONEY PIT!
Please advise!

kerry · #2 09-10-2004, 10:07 AM

It's really hard to answer your question. Older vehicles are always going to require more maintenance than a new car, but a new engine and transmission will reduce the high $$ part of that maintenance. I'd consider the replacement of the alternator and muffer just routine. Same with starter, water pump, radiator, master cylinder, glow plugs, vacuum elements, etc. If it were me, it would all depend on the condition of the body, suspension and interior. If they were all in excellent condition, I'd probably put in a new engine (myself).

What happened to the transmission and engine? What were the symptoms and causes of the failure? Very few of these vehicles have those components fail at that low of a mileage.

kamil · #3 09-10-2004, 10:27 AM

i would definitely keep the car. there are only so many parts you can change.
i recently changed a full exhaust, starter, injectors, motor mounts, engine mount, engine shock, rear brakes and flushed every possible liquid in the car.

enjoy your ride once you get it going

bill murrow · #4 09-10-2004, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

It's really hard to answer your question. Older vehicles are always going to require more maintenance than a new car, but a new engine and transmission will reduce the high $$ part of that maintenance. I'd consider the replacement of the alternator and muffer just routine. Same with starter, water pump, radiator, master cylinder, glow plugs, vacuum elements, etc. If it were me, it would all depend on the condition of the body, suspension and interior. If they were all in excellent condition, I'd probably put in a new engine (myself).

What happened to the transmission and engine? What were the symptoms and causes of the failure? Very few of these vehicles have those components fail at that low of a mileage.

Kerry-I'd be wiiling to bet the low mileage is not actual unless someone REALLY neglected it. At this point, if body and int. are good, I'd keep on wrenchin'!!

Cheers--Bill

cscmc1 · #5 09-10-2004, 02:00 PM

Yup... keep wrenching if it's rust-free. If not, buy one that is and keep yours as a parts car. If the engine is really "blown" you won't get much (if anything) for it if you sell. What is wrong with the engine? Have you gotten a second opinion on it?

Chris

franklyspeaking · #6 09-10-2004, 02:16 PM

I own a 1982 240D and my costs are minimal, but I do all of the work myself. One of the major advantages of these cars is there isn't anything on them that a shade tree mechanic can't fix. No computer diagnostic tools are needed; everything is mechanical. Help from this forum and a Haynes manual is all you need.

If you have no desire to acquire the modest amount of learning that is required to repair your car, then you can expect to pay a lot to keep an old Benz alive. Finding a good reliable mechanic would help, but it is getting pretty difficult to find one that will treat you fairly...and even if you do it is still costly.

So IMHO, if you are not into DIY, then you would be better off with a newer far eastern model or a domestic.

engatwork · #7 09-10-2004, 02:22 PM

I agree with fs's last sentence.

bill murrow · #8 09-10-2004, 03:39 PM

I agree with fs/s first PARAGRAPH!!

I never worked on a benz, but am somewhat mechanical. First job was ps pump replacement. In/out in lees than 1/2 hr.!!

Cheers,

Bill

leathermang · #9 09-10-2004, 04:22 PM

Mercedes published an actual book named " maintenance manual" which tells you what to do....

Hatterasguy · #10 09-10-2004, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamil

i would definitely keep the car. there are only so many parts you can change.
i recently changed a full exhaust, starter, injectors, motor mounts, engine mount, engine shock, rear brakes and flushed every possible liquid in the car.

enjoy your ride once you get it going

Yeah after your up to about $15k worth of parts you will have a new car. This is what I tell myself I'm running out of things to replace.