What's the Difference Between an 82 & an 84 300D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

veg_burner · #1 03-17-2005, 06:16 PM

I *heard* that 84 is the best year for these cars but now I've got my eye on a sweet silver one that's an 82...

speedy300Dturbo · #2 03-17-2005, 06:23 PM

The difference is mostly small interior changes. On the 84, (1983-1985 actually) the seat patterns are slightly different, with narrower pleats, and the front seatbacks are intented for more rear seat knee room. Also, the speedometer reads 120mph instead of 85mph, the passenger side exterior mirror is power adjustable, both front sunvisors have illuminated mirrors, and the front dome light has a time-delay function.

TomJ · #3 03-17-2005, 06:37 PM

Quote:

"What's the Difference Between an 82 & an 84 300D?"

Roughly two years. Give or take.

djugurba · #4 03-17-2005, 06:51 PM

I've heard the 85 is the one to get, due to the different final drive ratio in the rear end for lower RPMs at highway speed.

rg2098 · #5 03-17-2005, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djugurba

I've heard the 85 is the one to get, due to the different final drive ratio in the rear end for lower RPMs at highway speed.

Wait a year then get an 85. The credit union gave me up to $5500 for my 83, but would only give $2500ish for an 85. It all had to do with the year.

DieselAddict · #6 03-17-2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedy300Dturbo

The difference is mostly small interior changes. On the 84, (1983-1985 actually) the seat patterns are slightly different, with narrower pleats, and the front seatbacks are intented for more rear seat knee room. Also, the speedometer reads 120mph instead of 85mph, the passenger side exterior mirror is power adjustable, both front sunvisors have illuminated mirrors, and the front dome light has a time-delay function.

You sure know your stuff. I like the power mirror on the passenger side in my 83. In my 82 I have to lean over which is quite cumbersome, but it's not a big deal to me.

The 85 model also had the trap oxidizer and that alone would discourage me from buying the car unless it was really pristine.

rg2098, I guess your credit union is going by the Blue Book values. The BB only covers cars up to 20 years old.

Wasuchi · #7 03-17-2005, 07:18 PM

Only the CA versions of the 85's had the trap ox as far as I know.

DieselAddict · #8 03-17-2005, 07:36 PM

Yeah you're right, but since California has always been the biggest market in the US for MB, most 85's are probably the CA version.

PatrickW · #9 03-17-2005, 08:14 PM

Best "bang for the buck" is probably an '84, for the simple fact that everyone seems to think the '85's are the best - and that drives up the prices.

I agree with the comments about trap oxidizers. I'd shy away from an '85 with the California emissions equipment and favor the '84 or '83.

- Patrick

85drtysthbenz · #10 03-17-2005, 08:36 PM

get an '84, then swap out differentials and speedos with those from an '85....youll be sitting sweet then...

nevremj · #11 03-17-2005, 08:56 PM

I have had one of each(still have '82). Virtually no difference that matters. Some are listed above - another is different tach pick up & amplifier arrangement. 82 has sensor at front of engine and amplifier on lh front wheel well. 84 pick up at rear of engine, no amplifier.

MS Fowler · #12 03-17-2005, 09:53 PM

I would prefer an well-documented '81, or 82 over a questionable '85. All theses cars are M-B. There may be minor changes year to year, but they are all Mercedes.

veg_burner · #13 03-18-2005, 11:17 AM

Thanks for your replys.
Well I did it & I now have two 300D's. Plan to sell the '84 as the '82 is well-documented (all receipts since 85) and had been well serviced and in better overall cosmetic condition. Plus I got a prety killer deal. It's not as quick 'off the line' as they say, as the 84 - which always impressed the hell out of me on that car (ever since I adjusted the ALDA... whoa!). There's a little bit of oil leaking on the 82 (from the crank pulley? nothing that I can see from above, only underneath) but nothing that really makes a mess in the driveway.
It was kind of a no-brainer which one to keep but I had developed some attachment to the 84.

boneheaddoctor · #14 03-18-2005, 11:57 AM

'85 300D's like most other modles has year specific transmissions and a different turbo setup........something to remember.

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