Considering a 1981 240D

I have found a 1981 240D automatic that I am considering for a teenager who is about to get his permit. It has 213K miles with a new ‘factory’ engine at 150K miles. The current owner has had the car for 20 years. The cost is low and I do not expect much as it has some rust. The car is a bit of a drive from me so I called the contact for the car to find out as much as I could before I consider making the drive to look at it. The person that I called is selling it for the owner, therefore, he was not to keen on the specifics of the car. I was told that the engine runs smooth and the car drives well, however, there was one issue mentioned that concerns me in order to drive the car home. The person that I spoke with stated “the car will not go above 35mph”. My first thought is the primary and/or secondary fuel filters and air filter. The person I spoke with is the owner of a repair shop and therefore I am a bit surprise that he did not check into this as it could possibly be a very simple repair with new filters. Are there any other thoughts as to the power/speed limitation? Thank you in advance.

[Stevo]

Thats a tough one to comment on. Most likely filters but how come they weren't changed. Its a 'pig in a polk" at this point. It would be a great car for a young driver if it doesn't have a serious problem. Being at a shop and not having an answer to that 35 mph thing, sends up a red flag too me. I would go there with cash in hand and make a low offer.

The price is $600 or best offer. I am entertaining the thought of offering $300-$400.

Let me toss tis into the ring. There is a 1979 300SD for sale as well. It some distance away as well. It has 153K miles on it. The engine has a knock and it sounds like it needs a new crank and bearings. The rest of the car is in exception condition. My thought here would be to buy this one and repair the engine which would result in a very nice W116 300SD and then have my son drive my current 1985 300D.

Going this dircetion is more expensive, but I believe could yield a very nice car in the end versus going with the 1981 240D.

Thoughts........

[rs899]

Much nicer solution, but to "repair" an OM617 is not a cheap solution. In your neck of the woods, especially, I would look for a used early OM617 (or a later one, but you will have to swap upper oil pans). W116s tend to rust badly, so be very careful here. I would not be too quick to condemn the 240D with a recently rebuilt engine at that low price.

[Stevo]

[QUOTE=rs899]Much nicer solution, but to "repair" an OM617 is not a cheap solution.

Either way sounds like it could work out well. I love the 116 and if you'r willing to do the rebuild (could be a great son & Dad project) you'd have a very nice car. I agree that would be the way to go.

[Ken300D]

Another possible issue that would cause a speed limitation is some kind of transmission problem - considerably more serious and costly than a fuel restriction.

Ken300D

Originally Posted by rs899

Much nicer solution, but to "repair" an OM617 is not a cheap solution. In your neck of the woods, especially, I would look for a used early OM617 (or a later one, but you will have to swap upper oil pans). W116s tend to rust badly, so be very careful here. I would not be too quick to condemn the 240D with a recently rebuilt engine at that low price.

When I spoke to the owner of the 300SD (Michigan) he told me that he purchased the car two years ago in Mississippi which is where it had spent its life. Also the owner told me that he only drove it during the summer and kept it out of the snow. The owner informed me that he replaced the tie rods, and climate control servor and that the prior owner had replaced the timing chaing. As I mentioned earlier the rest of the car sounds exceptional and if it cost $3000 to repair the engine I think that it would be worth it to have a very nice W116.

My wife likes the 240D because it is less money (at) least to purchase and it is not going to be a fast car for a teenage driver.

Ideally, I would like to get both cars whereas my son gets the 240D and I get the 300SD, however, that direction would likely result in an additional 'repair' to my wife. She knows that when I heard 'Mercedes diesel' I am like a dog at a duck pond.

[rs899]

You didn't state the price of the W116 300SD, but if you are ready to spend $4-5000, why not just look for one in primo shape? They can be had in that price range, especially out west.

Originally Posted by rs899

You didn't state the price of the W116 300SD, but if you are ready to spend $4-5000, why not just look for one in primo shape. They can be had in that price range, especially out west.

He wants $1500 for the 300SD.

I was just contacted about a possible early 80's grey market 300D with manual, cloth seats, manual A/C..... no price yet.

[t walgamuth]

sounds interesting. but they are rust prone and the 116s are too for those of us int eh rust belt.

the first 240 may very well only need filters. if the guy is not diesel savvey he may not know to do that.

i bought a pretty nice 240 from colombus oh that had algae in the tank. i had to stop three times to change filters on the way home. and next day i notice that there are filters in a box in the trunk!

i payed i think 1700 for it and it was worth at least 3k after filters and a new brake caliper.

tom w

[moetown]

The 1979 300SD was purchased by a friend of mine sunday for 700.00.
I will be repairing the engine when the weather gets better.
Other than needing tires and the engine noise fixed, it is in great shape, started right up after sitting for a year. Here is a pic of it.

Your friend is a lucky *&*$^& for beating me to it.

[moetown]

We actually looked at the car when he first put the ad out 2 weeks ago, he was not flexible on the price at the time. I decided to let him sit on it for a while to see if the price would come down. The guy called friday and said the least he would take was 700.00. We said see you sunday.