i bought it about a week ago, and i have a few questions:

1. when i first start the car, particularly after i haven't driven it in a few hours, the engine "hiccups" (that's the best way i can describe it). it does this in park, but i'm not sure about other gears because i always wait until it stops acting up before i shift. what could be the cause of this problem?

2. a relative of mine suggested that i change the transmission fluid/filter, as we are not sure about when this was last done. where is the best place to find the correct fluid?

3. i'm looking for a good manual. i've heard that the haynes manuals aren't very thorough, so i've ruled that out. apparently bentley doesn't make one for my car, and i downloaded the alldata mercedes cd set off of bt, but i couldn't get that to work either. i've seen the link to the web page of a guy who put his mercedes w123 manual online...am i to understand that that is the actual manual published by mercedes-benz? i need something pretty thorough. any suggestions?

4. the rear power windows do not work (including the two switches in the front, and the two in the back). the front windows work fine. i was thinking maybe a stuck safety switch?

5. i changed the oil and oil filter last week, but i didn't know at the time that it's good to change it hot. how important is the hot part?

thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer

#1. sounds like one or more bad glow plug.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

When you see what a set of MB manuals is going to cost, you might change your mind about the Haynes manual. For a new MB owner, I think the Haynes manual is worth the money. It is quite thorough on many of the routine procedures. For example, it does recommend that the oil be changed after being brought to normal operating temperature.

It just occured to me, does Bentley make a manual for these cars? Bentlely is good in general. Otherwise, make friends with someone local that has the factory manuals.

__________________
One more Radar Lover gone...
1982 VW Caddy diesel 406K 1.9L AAZ
1994 E320 195K

Why buy any 1982-1985 300D?
All you need is on the internet.
http://www.thedieselstop.com/therapy/index.php3
http://skinnerbox.steaky.org/Service/W123/Index/617Tindex.html
http://207.210.95.34/~boostd/
http://engine.articles.mbz.org/diesel/
http://www.buellwinkle.com/MBOBD2.html
http://www.mercedeslist.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes/
http://www.mbca.org/

Have a great day.

Exactly how many factory manuals are there, anyway, for the W123. I have Chassis Manuals Vol 1 & 2, the 617.95 engine manual, and the Electrical Troubleshooting Manual. I know that there is a Climate Control Manual and there must be a transmission manual. So far I have spent around $250 on books. If I buy a couple more, the books will be worth more than the car!!!

Don't ask how much I just spent upgrading from Craftsman to S-K. My tool box in now worth more than both cars!!!

I recently got my first MB also and started out by looking for a good manual. Before I found a good manual I had already found almost everything I was looking for on the internet, primarily through this site. If you have specific questions post them and you will almost always get the information you need.
I have found that these cars are great because they were designed with the idea that someone will have to work on them, unlike so many cars now.

__________________
1983 300SD
200000miles

When your tools and box are worth more than your house and cars, you are a Master Mechanic. LOL
Vehicle service information is a tool any mechanic needs, be glad you only work on MB.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Get the Haynes,
Get those CD ROM MBZ manuals you see on Ebay,
then keep your eye on Ebay for the paper ones, (pricey)
grab em when the price is right.
Then you have all bases covered!

__________________
Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

thanks for the advice/links. anyone have any ideas about the rear windows not working?

Since both front windows work, you can rule out the fuses. Sometimes the windows just get stuck, especially if they are not opened for a while. I would first try pushing down on the window while a helper actuates the switch. (Put one hand on the inside of the window, other hand on the outside.) Also try slamming the door closed while the switch is actuated. Dirty switches also cause window problems.

Be aware that you run the risk of getting the window down, then not getting it back up.

There is a saftey switch that may be stuck or the switches need cleaned .
Pop them out and clean.

i bought 5 new glow plugs which i will install tomorrow. hopefully that will take care of the hiccups

i'll work on the windows tomorrow also. thanks again for your help, folks.