My 240D with the air conditioning off moves out pretty well from the red light. When the air conditioning is on it is like its dead. You have to put the pedal plum to the floor and it is second or two before it comes alive at all. Does this sound normal for one of these cars? I don't know much about it haven't owned it long. I wouldn't the think the ac would do that much hiderance. Any help or advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

What year is your car ?
Is your car an automatic ?

Pretty much the same for me... I had 35 hp at the rear wheels during my dyno test at inspection. With the AC on it dropped another 6-7hp

I just turn it off for a sec and it turns into a rocket ship!

I think your Normal
* yeah if it's an auto ... your hosed!

A 240D a rocketship? bwaaaahahahahaha

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The car is an '83 and yes it's an automatic. The car idles rather shaky at the stop sign...is this normal or are they supposed to be smooth like a gas car? The car runs out on the road ok it will set there at 75 or so with the ac on no problem. It's just not a good feeling trying to get going with the ac on.

The 240D is known for it's lack of power.

Read this thread to feel better.
http://www.thebenzbin.com/hotrod.html

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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
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Just my opinion, but if the car seems sluggish new fuel filters might help. The shaky idle might be from worn motor mounts or too low of an idle speed with the a/c on. The a/c comp. really slows the car down. Others here might know, but I wonder if his trans. is starting off in second rather than first from a standstill.

240D was never made for speed, it is a supremely reliable and economical commuter vehicle which came with a detuned long life engine, my first MB was a 83 240D with 4 speed, lasted through my under grad and post grad years, if you know the pros of diesel engines, then right shifting would get you some good speed but don't expect gasser performance, a/c has to be turned off to get respectable pick up.

Wonder why MB never bought the 72bhp OM 616 option with 5 speed, that engine revs around 1000rpm more and with the 5 speed, it is a pleasure to drive. The only difference between the 65bhp OM616 and 72bhp OM616 was the IP setting and the governor.

My question is how did they sell those cars if they were like a snail with the ac on coming out of the hole? Does anyone know what is supposed to idle the car up with the ac on? Also, is a diesel suppose to be smooth at idle speed other than the knocking sound they make?

That's a great laugh there.

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There should be a unmarked small black knob on the dash. I think it is to the left of the ignition key, turning it counter clockwise should increase idle speed. It really helps on cold mornings.

Yes, they really are snails. There is a 240D in my town with a personalized plate, it reads "PASS ME". You won't get a speeding ticket in a 240D. The car does grow on you after time. I miss my old W115 240D.

For the shaky idle, you did not say the last time you changed fuel filters, adjusted the valves, or ran some diesel purge/ biodiesel through there. Motor mounts could also be definitely worn. We might be able to help you more if we knew a little maintenance history. The nice thing about diesels is they run on fuel and air. Most symptoms will be something to do with the fuel system.

As for power, I don't know your experience with diesels, but they accelerate differently than a gasoline engine. If you tromp on the accelerator, usually you get a rush of fuel and nothing but black smoke and a feeling of a dropped anchor. However, if you run by the tachometer and find that rpm "sweet spot" they accelerate quite nicely. Once someone learns the technique, they find is better than once thought.

I can't tell you how many times I have taken a diesel vehicle to a shop and heard the mechanics revving the engine because they were unfamiliar with diesels.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

The 240d engine was never designed for AC, and on top of that if you add auto transmission you really can not even keep up with riding lawn mowers. The earlier versions came with York compressors, about the worst AC system that has been installed on any car, period. On my 240d 77 I primarily used the AC as emergency brake system, on these cars all you have to do is turn the AC on and it will bring the car to a dead stop saving your brakes.

Vahe
240d 77 350K

240Ds arent THAT slow, even the autos. The A/C definatly slows down the car. If it cant peg the speedometer, something isnt right.

The 240D engine is a throwback to the old 190D models. It really wasn't designed for automatic transmissions, AC, or power steering. A 240D is a great car. You just need to leave a few minutes early in the morning.