I am wanting to get a MB-Diesel but my initial funds will only be about $4000? I can handle most any mechanical and electrical repairs on my Volvos (1983-244, 1990-244, 1993-944). The 90-244 is departing.

I am not opposed to a late 70's or the early 80's.

I have read various threads in this forum on the diesel issues.

What is the best model to look for for ease of repairs and availability. I do not care if I have fast pickup (I drive old Volvos...), I want basic repairibility and I am willing to learn.

Thanks and I am looking forward to getting to know this forum...Oh, I live in the Raleigh, NC area.

Don

I'm tired...I meant Best FIRST MB Diesel...

Thanks

1981-85 300SD or 300D of similer year. Take your pic whatever body style suits you better.

At this point in the game condition is everything. Their is a lot of junk out their being pawned off as good examples.

Search the archives their is probably months worth of reading on these models.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

You would be very happy with a clean little standard tranny 240D, and could have $ to spare. It's about as basic and maintainable as anything you could ever hope for, and bullet-proof.
Glad to see your aren't looking for a Volvo diesel....

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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

DITTO!

dazsa

I sent you a PM about my 1983 300Dt.

Regards,

Alex

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2005 E320 CDI 47K (Daily driver)

the 240 stick for simplicity and quality and reliability.

i like the sds as noted above but they are a lot more to maintain. more stuff. best basic car is 240 with manual windows and such.

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.

If you drive in hilly terrain you might want a car with a turbo. Otherwise it sounds like a 240 is what you're looking for.

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Ralph

1985 300D Turbo, CA model
248,650 miles and counting...

Stay away from anything newer than a 85.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Thanks to all. I am really interested in staying older than the '85s because I do like to do most of my own work and I like the looks. I cannot find a 240 at all (I would love a manual 240) and all of the 300's in this area that I have seen are either very high mileage (300K+) or rusty and rough. Oh, some are fine looking but over $6K.

I guess I will have to be patient.

I will continue to read here on the forum and take any input. Obviously, if someone comes across one in NC, let me know.

Don

an 83 240 stick which i have listed here at $3275. pretty nice car. has issues but is sound as a dollar mechanically and the ac has just been done.

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.

Be patient. "Good things come to those who wait, better things come to those with cash..."

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

I found an excellent 85 300tdt (turbo/wagon) with only 119,000 miles on it. Virtually no rust, great condition, maintenance manual all filled out. I just got it and started driving it. It needed nothing to liscence. $3700 USD. Found it throught another forum. I just kept my looking and waited.

Peter

Welcome to the forum, and congradulations on taking a right first step. The archives of this forum contain much that would be good for you to read. Where to look for rust, etc.

I will repeat my own advice, based on my experiences. Do not be overly impressed by the condition of the interior, especially if it is MB Tex. That stuff almost always looks great after 25 years. Be wary, if the interior doesn't look awesome.

I agree with this

Have you sold your gasser yet. Let us know when you put it up on e-bay