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.