New member with "new" 300D and questions... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 11-26-2004, 12:26 AM

Hello, this is my first post here. I picked up an 87 300D the other night.

300D It looks and drives real nice, but there are some glitches. I've found solutions to some of the problems, but I've still got some questions. I've been reading about 300D's for the past few days, and I feel like I've just scratched the surface. Any advice would be much appreciated.

There are scheduled service records up through 110,000 miles. Right now the car has 153,000 miles. A Mercedes mechanic checked the car over before the dealer handed it to me. Anything I should check or service now (besides oil)?

The LCD display for the temperature reading is bad. So are an indicator bulb or two (tail light went out after I drove it home). The parking brake does not work (can't believe this passed inspection and the "mechanic"). It feels like there is plenty of tension in the foot pedal for the parking brake. Is this something I can easily repair, or should I insist that the seller make it right. The car was supposed to be "perfect, like new". I understand some of the minor stuff, but anything else I'm going to try and have corrected. I don't mind doing the work myself.

During the MD state inspection, the rear brake pads failed. The dealer installed a set of el cheapo pads purchased from Salvo (discount parts shop in MD). Should this be a concern? I'd hate to have to buy new rotors. I see that OEM pads are pretty inexpensive. I have read that generic brake pads are bad for Merc rotors. Could new pads require a break in period before the parking brake will hold (I doubt it)?

There is a hole in the drivers side glass headlamp lens. Anybody know where I can find a replacement? The dealer offered to pay for a new one. Used is OK too. The passenger headrest no longer works, motor is running (no big deal at all).

I pulled the oil fill cap off while the car was running, and there was no smoke pouring out. Just sloshed oil from the rockers. I'll have to look again to see which part number head is installed. The trap has been updated to the new thingy. The EGR is still connected (anybody have easy link or instructions on how to disable this?)

The car drives great, with lot's power and comfort. I'm having a blast driving around in my first MB. Thanks in advance.

Lukejt

whunter · #2 11-26-2004, 12:38 AM

Fix the parking brake first.
Exterior lights are safety issue, this is repair #2.
The temperature gauge is very important, this is repair #3.
Will edit in more later, good night.

#3 11-26-2004, 12:45 AM

Thanks!

What temperature does the LCD screen read anyway, the dealer told me he thought it was outside air temp.

I found a source for the lenses. $75 shipped sound about right?

I keep trying to find excuses to drive the car. It's really nice for an old beast.

Lukejt

JimmyL · #4 11-26-2004, 01:06 AM

Lukejt,
Welcome aboard. You will certainly enjoy your new Benz. Which brings me to one small detail,
Merc = Mercury
Benz, Mercedes, great dripper of fluid, all are recognized MB nomenclature.
By the way, you have purchased a very nice model of diesel Mercedes. Enjoy the search feature and all the info it contains, which it sounds like you are well on the way to doing. Facinating reading for we MB dorks.
Again, welcome,
Jimmy

#5 11-26-2004, 08:54 AM

Thanks and thanks.

I've been using the search feature like crazy. This is a great site. I read most of the manual last night. I'm going to try to engage the parking brake while driving per manual to see if it starts working. May have something to do with the new pads overall.

I see that the MB OEM pads and rotors are pretty affordable. Should I just install OEM pads all around to protect the rotors?

Oh yeah, the speaker fader does not work, and the seller just installed a new radio. When adjusting the fader, the volume pretty much drops out on all channels. I'm guessing the radio is not connected correctly.

I purchased this car just wanting an affordable, efficient safe car. I find myself wanting to drive in it, sit in it and look at it all the time. Very cool car. I guess I'm a new Benz fan.

Lukejt

Hatterasguy · #6 11-26-2004, 09:21 AM

First welcome to the forum! Nice car to.

Now if the W124 is like the W126 their is a drum brake inside the rear disc's, thats your parking brake. My guess would be that the shoes are worn down and shot, Fastlane could sell you a kit for $36.

Now as to the cheap rear pads if they don't make noise I wouldn't worry about them, MB rotors are soft and don't last long either way. If it bothers you though get a new set of rear pads their cheap.

A few other tips: why your back their replace the soft brake lines if they havn't been done in the last 10 years. They get old and will start to get soft. Their only $10 each so do all 4 and change the brake fluid.

Change all of the fluids and filters, do a search if you have any questions they have all been covered. Do a search on oil and sit back for a days worth of reading!

Now you have a 603 diesel their a sweet engine but don't ever overheat it. Never, never, never let the temp get much over 110C. It could cost you $2k+. The original heads were numbered "14" they will crack if overheated. To check your casting number it is stamped on the head right above the 2nd intake runner (I think). Their will be a long MB part number with either a 14 in it or higher. The higher the number the better 22 is the latest. Also make sure to use only MB coolant, flush it right away if something else is in their.

P.E.Haiges · #7 11-26-2004, 09:26 AM

Lukejt,

The non OEM brake pads will not hurt the rotors untill they are worn out. Just use the pads until they are worn out. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The parking brakes are independent from the service brakes. The parking brake is a drum brake inside the rear rotor. There are 2 small brake shoes that are pushed against the drum by the mechanical linkage.

These brake shoes are adjustable thru a bolt hole in the rotor via a star wheel. Often these adjusters rust solid and can't be adjusted. Then they must be replaced. The linings maybe worn out and also might need to be replaced. You have to remove the rotor to get at these brake parts.

P E H