I did it - I bought an '85 300D
 

I don't even have it at my house yet but soon I will. I've done alot of searching/reading and couldn't find the answer to one of my first questions......What sort of specialty tools or supplies can I anticipate needing as I start to assess and sort this car? (this is my first MB)

I've been reading the online manuals and bought a haynes last night. I ordered a mighty vac. from Harbor freight....If you have tools (valve adjustment wrenches for example - what are my options there?) to reccomend, cost estimates and sources would be terrific as well.

Rob M Concord, MA
'85 300D ~160k miles

Besides a few metrics (sockets and open/box end) I would recommend an allen wrench set (short and long ones).

You can make your own valve adjusting wrenches from cheaper regular metric wrenches (as long as you have a torch)

A screwdriver with an assortment of different bits. Needlenose pliers. A pin (or a nail in a pinch) for the brake removal process. A floorjack or two. Jackstands. Tie rod end separator can be handy too. A good flashlight and a mirror. Rags and latex gloves, and lava soap for when the gloves tear.

Other members will post additional items :) Might wanna search too...I thought there was a post on recommended tools a while ago.

One of the beauties of these cars is that they don't require a lot of expensive, special tools unless you start to get into pretty major work. About the only thing I'd add to Larry's list is a set of metric feeler gauges. As a new (to you) car owner you may want to start with the standard 30K service to make sure all the basic stuff is covered. About the only thing you might want for that in the way of special tools is the wrench set. Some can get away with the wrenches they've got, others buy a set or make their own. It seems to depend somewhat on the specific engine because some valves seem to be easier to adjust (stay put as you adjust them) than others. If you want to buy some tools for your car you can find them here: Samstag sales They seem to sell the same stuff as the dealer but at far lower prices.

I will also chime in to say easy on buying a bunch of tools right off the bat. A lot of work can be performed with basic tools. If you don't have a deep 27mm sockey though, it's probably worth getting. Turns the engine over from the crank bolt and R&R injectors - can be had for under $10. The other exception is factory manuals. I don't think much of Haynes manuals and I wouldn't buy one on a CD either. I think you have to find used ones. When I bought my SD, I plunked down about $200 at the dealer for an engine manual, body manual and climate control manual. IMHO, still worth every penny. This was in 96.

Thanks for the input. I think I'll be spending alot of money on parts as opposed to tools. I have a significant collevtion of tools from my existing forrays into automotive repair and maintenace....The reported simplicity of the 123 platform was a big draw for me in pursuing getting this particular car.