I'm extremely new to the MB fold, but my wife has fallen in love with the early to mid 80's 300D. I see alot of folks looking for models in the 83-85 range. Was 82 a bad year?
Also, we plan on running it on biodiesel at first and then, eventually, installing a kit/components for WVO. I've read enough to feel comforable that either option is a no-brainer for this type of vehicle.
At any rate, I'm happy I've stumbled across this great site. Any help would be appreciated.

1982 is a great year! It's the first year of the turbocharged engine in this car. The only reason I can think of that later years might be better is because some minor improvements were made in the transmission, but my original transmission is still hanging in there with 188,000 city miles on it.

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1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K
2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's)
1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K

1982 300DT models are unique because they're the only 300DTs to have the chrome vents by the windshield, in 1983, they were changed to the black vents. That's how I can always positively identify a 1982 300DT.
-Joe

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

Far more important is the condition for the money. Remember there are still lots of them around so excercise your judgement. Of course finding a car in your price range becomes important as well. Hopefully my next purchase will be a 300sd. Preferably a 1985 but I will be pretty fussy. I would take a 1882 in really good condition over a 1985 in average or worst condition anyday.

for those of us in the rust belt, it seems that the rustproofing from the factory was alittle better after 82, but not much difference. otherwise pretty much the same.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

82 was the last year for the 85mph speedometer. 83's got a 125mph speedo. In 1984 the 123 got a slightly updated interior. In 1985 the cars got a different rear gear and 722.3 transmission.. best year IMO. I'm sure there are other subtle differences, but those are the major ones.

I believe the 82-83 300DT sedans were the best. The 84 and 85s had wierd vacuum systems and the 85 had the infamous trap oxidizer. which destroyed many a good engine.

I have had 240Ds, 300D non turbos, and 300DT turbos. Both of my 300DTs (82 & 83) gets the same gas mileage as the 240Ds and non-turbo 300D. An 82-83 300DT has to be severly neglected to be in bad shape

Three years ago I bought an 83 300DT from a northen Virginia car dealer, Don Beyer Volvo for $1000. It had 296k miles and had a lot of problems, or so Don Beyer thought;
1) No AC - replaced the fuse and worked fine.
2) Only one hi beam and one low beam, on opposite sides. - fuses
3) Tranny banged when shifted - Vacuum line had fallen off
4) Would take about 3 seconds to begin moving after accerator was floored, and then about 6 - 8 seconds to get up to 25 mph, very dangerous in city traffic - ALDA adjustment, now the 300D is a rocket
5) Axle boot cracked - replaced with the axles from a donor car.

I've put 20,000 miles on it in the 3 years I've owned it, mostly in city traffic. The only things I had to do was, the aforementioned, plus brakes, glow plugs and motor mounts.

The engine starts up with one second of glow at 5-10F in the winter and gets 27-29 mpg at 70 mph. I can go on and on about this vehicle and an engine that runs like it's brand new, with gobs of power when accelating from 80-100.

You've got a potential winner there. I hope it works out if you get it.