For some unknown reason, I've had a strong desire to purchase one of these older MB diesels. I've read the first 10 or so pages of this forum, and done other research on the net about the various models and engines.

However, I'm still not sure as to what particular model/engine combo would be my best bet.

I'm by no means rich (I drive a 1990 BMW E30), so I'm looking for the car that has the best CHANCE of not giving me major problems.

I was hoping some of you could suggest what models I should look for and/or avoid and what problems I should run from (or not worry about too much).

I understand some repairs will always be necessary, but I'm just trying to do my best at avoiding getting "bent over" by going into this search more ignorant than I have to be.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Absolute best ...
1980 240d manual shift, manual AC controls, manual windows, no sunroof.

...........only if you are an old fuddy-duddy.


The absolute best are sitting right beneath this sentence.

All of the MB diesel cars, except one, are a good choice. It depends on how fast and comfort level, newer, or older, bigger or smaller. Avoid the 350 diesel unless it has been rebuilt with upgraded parts.

Brian is 100% Correct

__________________
BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

If you like to work on your own cars my vote goes for a 300D. If you don't do your own work just concentrate on buying the best conditioned, well maintained MB you can afford.

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Peter
1984 300D MB "Klara"
1996 4Runner SR5 "Toy"
1997 Impreza Outback "Subie"
80's Diesel PU Rig (to be purchased)

I would like something a little newer than the 240's.

Is there something special about the 84's and 86, or would an 85 be just as good?

What should I look for and watch out for?

I can do limited work. I don't have the space or tools to do anything major, though I have good friends who can help with that stuff in a pinch.

What's the difference between a 300d and a 300sd, and turbo or no?

If you are first getting into a diesel M/B, start with the 300D, which is a bit smaller than these two. It was manufactured with a turbocharger (which you will want) in the years 1982 (IIRC) to 1985. It has the five cylinder OM 617 engine.

My SD has the same engine.

You should look out for vehicles that have 200K on the clock with no maintenance records so that YOU have to do 200K worth of maintenance and repairs.

There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes Benz

Remember Rule #1
There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes

There are hundreds of things to look for and especially things that don't work like windows, cruise, guages. My basic guidelines are #1 engine (compression) regardless of what the odo says #2 Transmission and #3 Rust the enemy of the MB

Be prepared to fix things on a twenty year old car regardless of what you paid for it. I feel 100% certain that those (EBAY) $15K 300D's with 40K on the clock leave the new owner with some repairs to do.

__________________
BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

How much money do you want to spend?

Go to a get together and look under the hoods of any turbo compared to the 240 four cylinder non turbo.... the difference in working room is amazing....
You can find the 240 with the manual trans... these other cars will have an old automatic in them...and you can read the archives as to how hard and expensive it is to fix them when they go out....

It'll depend on what I can get for my BMW, but I don't want to spend more than $5000CDN (about $3700USD???).

Browsing the local ads, there are quite a few 82-85 300sd's in that range.

To reply to some other people...

I would only accept cars where MOST of the interior electronics work properly. I'm mostly worried about major drivetrain components and other potentially expensive repairs.

I will keep in mind, though, the compression, tranny and rust.

What is "Devoidarex" is it a new pill you can take for after marriage? Kidding!

I know, but I've been driving a manual transmission car for 15 years, and I'm kind of itching for a big cruiser with an auto for once.

I was hoping to find one that had already had the transmission repaired/replaced.