Well, I've got only 1,000 miles of driving left until I hit the big 300,000 mark. I've had all kinds of random maintenance ideas running thru my head--things I should do, and things I'd like to do. I was wondering if anyone has a comprehensive list of necessary maintenance issues that should be addressed at this mile mark? If no list exists, just your personal ideas and input would be appreciated. Thanks.
Damon Fite---1983 300 TD Wagon

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1984 300TD Wagon--Astral Silver--Retired
1983 300TD Wagon--Dark Blue--Retired

Give your car a good once-over, check every little thing. Then buy it a present, like a bottle of Cetane booster or something.

Then wait 10,000 more miles and get your 500,000km badge from MB.

peace,
sam

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"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

IMHO Timing Chain and Chain Tensioner if you haven't already replaced these items. Having BT 300K+ in my old W123, I was sure it was indestructible until that fateful day, sitting at a red light, the light turned green, I hit the pedal, the car moved 20 or so feet and died. What??? Diesels don't quit unless their out of fuel... Had to hop out and push it across the intersection. Opening the oil cap confirmed my horror, timing chain piled up around the cam sprocket. I think I was around 320K when it let go.

I guess I got lucky, I only lost the cam and cam towers, no bent valves. Got those broken parts used from PGAuto as a matched set. The mechanic that put it all back together said he though the Chain Tensioner was the component to fail. He also said the bottom end crank and bearings looked like new.

Just my .02

Mark

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1987 300DT 127K
1987 300TDT 283K (Sold)
1999 528iTa 75K
1991 300D 2.5T 214K - Dead Tranny
1984 300DT 375K (Sold)

So at what mileage are the badges awarded? My 240D is only at 150k miles or almost 1/4 million kilometers.

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'10 Chrysler T&C Stow-N-Go White. Grandpa's ride.

'13 Chrysler 200 Touring Candy Red. Grandma's ride.

Age and cunning will always over come youth and vigor.

High Mileage badges are awarded at 250,000km, 500,000km and 1,000,000km

AKA, 155,342mi, 310,685mi and 621,371mi.

Just go to an MB dealer where you fill out a form, they verify the odometer reading, and then send it into MB headquarters. You get a certificate for hanging on your wall, and a badge to put on your grille (all for free). I've got the 250,000km badge and wear it proudly.

peace,
sam

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"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

83 300TD - My guess would be that, because 300,000 can be divided by 30,000, the service and adjustments should include everything listed in the maintenance booklet for that mileage. I'd also do the brake fluid and coolant replacements if they are due. If you are asking about other preventative items, it really depends upon how well it has been serviced in the past. I certainly wouldn't go replacing every hose, belt, glow plug, etc. unless they are tired or worn enough to justify it. Regarding the timing chain, you might check the stretch (actually, wear), but if it isn't making noise or worn too badly, I'd leave it alone too.

Mine is approaching 300,000 too.

Cheers,
Wes

While not a "maintenance item", I would have a digital camera at the ready.

Post us a pic when the time comes

- Patrick

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1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6

I was lucky. My car turned over 300k right as I pulled into my driveway. I had everyone come over and look at it.