Well, I'm a hardcore Toyota fan, but my ancestors are rolling over in their graves. This and the nasty gas prices are making me want a diesel Mercedes. I really want to run it off of biodiesel (including and very possibly wvo). I'm currently looking at a 1977 300D with 185K that i'm hoping to pick up for around 2K. No rust, and the owner says the AC/heat works great. It is my understanding the the AC controls in this year are a problem.

It is an auto, but he says that is running fine too. From what I have read, most people are using the early 80's 300D's for bio fuel. Do the fuel systems in the 70's/80's have rubber in them (rubber being susceptible to breakdown with biofuels)?

Will the 77 still be fine for this? I realize the turbo 300D's came later, but power isn't a huge concern for me. I guess I am looking for some advice as to whether to seriously consider this 77 or to wait for what I currently think would be my perfect Mercedes (early 80's with turbo and manual tranny and very little rust).

Any suggestions/advice would be very appreciated - I have to let the guy know by Sunday.

Just take it to a reliable MB mechanic to check it out before you buy anything....Depending on where you are you should be able to get a nice 240 or 300D-T for a bit more.....Look for service records from previous owners....The less the better....
and you can and should run WVO, just reserch for a while here on threads....

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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..."

fyi, 300D turbos didn't come with manual trannys. You have to convert it either from a NA donor or from a manual 240.
Actually it sounds like you should look for a little manual 240D. About the same acceleration as an auto 300D non-turbo, very easy to work on, very little to break, manual AC controls on most, many even with manual windows. Worth it to get a manual tranny.

**edit**
by the way, the '77 300D will have the "evil climate control servo"
See announcement at very top of forum for the 'cheaper' replacement option.

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Thanks so much for the fast responses. I guess it is probably common knowledge, but I didn't realize the turbos were only in autos. Thanks for clearing that up. Do all 77's have the AC control problems? If this one has made it till 185K does that mean it will likely have problems in the near future, or that it is a good one?

I'm not sure when Mercedes switched to aluminum heads, but I am kinda fond of the idea of steel ones (my Toyota's aluminum heads have been a PIA occasionally). So the fuel sytems in the 70's don't have any problem with deterioration due to bio?

I guess I hadn't thought too much about the 240, but I kinda would prefer to stick to the 5 cylinder if possible. I think this leaves me with the 300D (plus I like the looks better). This car is in such great shape it is hard to pass up - though it does have some current problems with the cruise and power locks. Thanks again for the advice. Still open to any other advice you may have too.

Heck, don't worry about the cruise. It rarely works on 123's with that type of cruise setup. The door locks you can fix, no problem. If you like it, and it looks good, and is RUST FREE you can't go too wrong. You will definitely have a steel head! My parts car is a '77, and it's too bad it will never see the road again. (broken chain )
If you get it we will help all we can (I use the term 'we' loosely!
fyi, 240's also come in the 123 chasis, which is the same body.

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

they did have 240s with sticks.

tom w

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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.