Since you're not versed with the 70's to 80's Mercedes nomenclature and chassis designations (yet!) as well as all the other details that fall into each model/chassis... then definitely do some more researching instead of diving-in right away. Everyone here is giving good advice, so that's a good sign to listen and learn. With the range you're looking at - friom a w123 coupe (300CD) to a w126 sedan (300SD) - there is quite a difference between the chassis-types so make sure you know what you're getting yourself into... Good Luck!

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My Mercedes-Benz Homepage and W123 Owners Photo Gallery and W111/W112 Coupes & Convs Gallery
2005 Northeast GTG and 2005 Mid-Atlantic GTG and Summer '09 Central FL GTG on YouTube

Thanks for the link. I am trying to get this model stuff down. It will come in time?
The one on craigs list is deleted. Guess I am way too late on that one.

The Coup is that yellow color, not the gold. And hass a stack of records 2-3 inches thick

So it sounds like maybe the 84, So if they can get it started then I will have it looked at. He called last night and dropped it to 2500. So lowering the price is possible.

Do these cars drain the battery from just sitting around?

What possibilities would make the car run much better after a 5 minute warm up, as opposed to right after starting?
They think it is the turbo, but I do not understand why a turbo would do that. I am thinking more like compression or something.
Give me some ideas to have the shop check out to find the cause, or do I just tell them that is the specific issue, as well as a pre-purchase inspection.

What would be a fair price for the 85.

I do like the 84 better (not much for the maroon color) but a check up is in order.

thanks

If you are interested in the 84, I would strongly recommend that you have it looked at by a mechanic who knows MB diesels. Do you know someone in the area? Will you be able to get the car to him for an inspection? You do not have enough info yet to know what, if anything, is wrong with the car. Let him do a good overall evaluation and tell you what it will need and what it will cost. Once you have that info, you will be in a position to decide on an offer. It is well worth the cost on this inspection to know what you are getting into.

I don't think you know enough about the 85 to even guess at a value. The car has high miles and an engine with an unknown history. With a car like that, its value is based on condition and could vary quite a bit. SDs are fairly complex, and have lots of expensive stuff that may need attention.

Just don't rush into anything, there a lots of these cars out there. Make sure you find the right one.

What part of Washington are these cars located?

Any slow turbo diesel mercedes is usually related the ALDA boost line being plugged.
It will make them a dog and is a easy repair.
THe turbo is usually not at fault

Ok, What is the ALDA? From what I have gathered it is connected to the turbo plenum by a bolt with a hole and a hose.
What does it do, and a basic of how it works.

Thanks
Doug

Search to find out more however basically the deal is, the tube plugs up (due to EGR crap), the car makes boost but no additional fuel = very slow.

When I got mine it would barely break 55mph on flat ground....

If I was gonna look out of town, I would post here and see if anyone in that area from this forum could go check the car out for you....
Have you considered a 300D Turbo?
or just not available?

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'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Here's a helpful link for new car search...

http://mbdieseldiy.tripod.com/dog.htm

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Wait. If you don't know what you're doing, wait. I've been "looking" for 10 months. I even looked nation wide seriously for a few months. Don’t do it. It sucks, and is a waste of time. If it's a good deal and a nice car, someone locally will pick it up before you do. Besides, you want to see it and drive it before you drop money on it, in my opinion. Screw Ebay, Screw Auto Trader, Screw Craigslist for searching nation wide. You'll just torture yourself. Deal with the "damnit, I'd rather be driving a Benz" syndrome every time you are driving whatever it is that you don't really like driving.

Then again, if you just buy one of these right now, you won't have to deal with any of that. But you may deal with a car you shouldn't have bought or don't really like (color?).

This advice is also coming from someone who has been kicking himself for not buying the first one I drove. They lady told me it would be the nicest one I'd see, it was perfect, I'd buy it right there... I attributed it to her being a wine saleslady (which she was). But what did I know? It was the first one I've driven? I posted here looking for advice and was told "for $4k it better be damn nice," or "that seems way too much for me," or "Offer $2000 and then walk if they don't take $2500." That's really confusing when you see "there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes" quoted all over too.

Well you know what? It has been the damn nicest benz I have seen and driven. Condition was amazing. Nothing for service records, but damnit, that thing was nice. And if it was that nice, then you know it was taken care of. Period. If somebody is not into maintenance, they won't keep their car that sparkling nice. That's all there is to it.

After a little break, I back to looking. And I've finally found one that comes close to the condition of the first one I drove. And how much is he asking? $5900. Well, now I have a benchmark in my mind. $4k for the best one I've seen, no way am I paying more (I think he can get 5k for this, honestly.) That bench mark is going to be the ruin of me.

After glancing at this, I don't want to sound harsh to the people on this forum because I think they are great and have given out a great deal of help. But I really think everyone here expects you to get the deal of lifetime. It's what every guy wants. So it's no skin off their back to tell you to hold out.

"Find the perfect no rust, all maintenance records, low miles, original owner car for $2000 or screw it." (obvious exaggeration there.)

So I guess I don't really have any advice. Maybe, quit while you're ahead?

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B
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1983 300SD

If you drive at altitude at all, don't even consider a non-turbo. Most older diesels runs better once warmed up since they rely on heat for ignition.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Thanks, I am in a little differant boat. I love driving my F-350 Turbo IDI. But I am to the point that I can not afford it any more. 15 MPG. I am in WA state near portland so the highest elevation is around 1500 feet. I am in kind of a hurry but do not want to get taken. I have learned a lot about the international diesel in the last couple of years.
These 2 cars look nice. But looks are not everything. I will take my favorite to the shop and see what they say.
You guys have been very helpful, and many more questions lie ahead in this adventure.
These prices do not seem out of line for what I have seen on craigs list. 2-4000.
So I guess we will see what the shop says.

What should the compression on this be to be good?

Thanks
Doug

I have a 240D stickshift I would sell you
That might be too slow for your tastes though...

Brandon