1979 240D Regarding Selling
 

My 1979 240D needs a new engine or rebuild. I think I'm in over my head both physically and financially, and would like to sell the car. :(

How much is it worth? Where can I sell it? It's perfect, except that it doesn't run. the interior and body are nearly flawless. Everything works except the sunroof.

Thanks for all your help along the bumpy road. Next time, hopefully, we have more fun, and a better and more interesting outcome. :)

If it was me, I'd carry a bunch of pictures around and market it through word of mouth among California MB techs and boutique classic auto salesrooms..... even cutting a consignment deal where you might get up to 40% of resale value after they've fixed it up and turned it over.

Yours is a sad story, been there myself, but gotta believe the 30mpg 240D is in high demand with Detroit stuck in the mud with fuel guzzling gas-aholic V-8's.

Janet, I'd post it immediately under the "cars for sale" section of this site.

You have nothing to lose by doing so, and, if someone is close by, they might have some interest.

I'd have interest if it wasn't 2486 miles away. :o

240Dieseldog
thanks for the tips. that's the reason I bought it. That, and the notion of going bio diesel. My truck gets about 8 mpg, and I need a little balance here.

I am selling a 240D engine (140kmiles) but I think I already have a buyer :(

That car looks to be a very nice looking example, seems a shame to get rid of it. Maybe we need to do a West coast version of the Sady repair!!! Any forum members nearby that could help??

Do you ever get it Started???

240D for sale
 

It is truly a shame that Janet's first exposure to MB is this kind, coming from a loyal following of Cadillac 70's models, she got involved into this project and I am partially taking the blame for it.
I guess that there are two or more options: mine would be to get a decent replacement engine and have it installed in a day or less. Option two (Janet's) is to sell, bail and return to Cadillac. Or else find a proper 80-85 SD and continue.
There isn't much I can say; I have had nothing but pleasure riding in older MB's, just recently purchased another one and personally, I would have another Diesel in my garage as the inventory of first-class Diesels shrinks every day.
Go look for another. There are plenty around if you keep your eyes open, ask Walter and all other people in the circle including this forum
Other than getting you a car you will like (and love) we also would like to keep you as a 'good poster' and of course, including the challenges and charm, which come with the ownership of a MB Diesel

I have an '85 300D that runs perfectly - If I was to buy a car like this, what do you think it might cost to switch the engine and transmission over?

Graham:
sounds like an idea. But you are far away. We live in California and should have no problem locating just an engine. Tell us more about your car and the condition and add some pictures, I might be interested.....

JC how many miles on the odometer?

Is the interior flawless etc?? Power windows or manual? Where is silver Lake? North or cenral or southern Cal??

240 woes
 

janet what is wrong with the engine? what have you been told? it could be algae in the tank and a very simple fix... just buy algae killer at at truck or tractor supply and dump it in the tank and let it kill kill kill.
the swap from 123 body to a 115 body is possible but has many incompatablilites, better to get a same body and same year to switch over.

If the car is as good as you say have you considered having the engine rebuilt? You can buy a rebuilt short block (without head) for $2500 or a long block (complete engine) for $4500. Here is a link.

http://www.autoshoppingcenter.com/rebuiltengines/mercedesdiesel.html

Yes it's a lot of money. But it could be worth it if the car is really good and you are going to keep it for many years. Otherwise, it's basically salvage value for a car that old.

Are you SURE the engine is shot? Has it been checked by a good diesel mechanic?

all your questions
 

The engine is shot. I had a Mercedes mechanic do a compression test. The numbers were 240 240 220 200, not necessarily in that order. It never will start.
Brandon, let me know if the engine is still for sale. Is it in the Los Angeles area?
What is Sady repair?
The interior is flawless, but I will examine it today, to be sure.
Windows are manual
Silverlake is next to Downtown LA. And, there is a lovely lake called Silverlake

80's 300SD
 

iSmelldiesel
The mechanic, Walter, has a client with an 81 or 82 300DS for sale. I started a new therad asking for opinions on the car. No one responded, so I figured it isn't a good consideration.