The virus spreads and causes confusion - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tenknots · #1 03-08-2006, 07:28 PM

I've been hanging out here so long that the MB Aquisition Virus has infected me now. I picked up a 1982 300SD from a little old lady (really) who had owned it for 16 years. She bought it used from an MB dealer (it was owned by a Dr before that, who traded it in). I have all records except the Dr's - I guess the dealer kept those.

The good:
Gorgeous Anthracite Grey color. Not a speck of rust or even a chip in the paint. I think it's been repainted recently. Interior almost perfect. Leather seats (I know they're leather because they are identical to Hans' seats and I have Hans' window sticker showing leather was ordered) are in great shape - no tears or big issues, mostly just dirty. New tires and brakes (kinda, more below). New battery. Records show new GPs recently as well as a radiator. Clean engine and more powerful under boost than any I've driven.

The bad:
Wouldn't start. The son-in-law selling it didn't know how to jump it. Brakes go to the floor. Trans slips in 3rd and 4th. No turn signals, no radio, lots of little stuff. Wheels were painted silver (not bad really).

It's obvious she didn't drive it any more, but it was at least stored inside, out of the weather. I could only test drive it up to 20 mph since the brakes were almost nonexistant. I figured I could fix the 2-3 shift slip with a K1 kit.

I had it towed home and began working on it a few days ago. I was hoping that my daughter would like it and replace her old Volvo. That way, I'd have my 300D, my wife's 300SD and a 300SD for my daughter - all MB diesels. Having a deer-wrecked 300SD for parts is gravy. Two problems right off the bat: My daughter has decided she wants a manual transmission (I taught her to drive a 240D 4-speed and she's never gotten over it) And, once you start fixing things, you start bonding. I replaced the brakes and bled them, fixed the transmission shifts, changed filters, wipers, put in a new radio, fixed the power antenna, new turn signal relay (having a parts car is great!) and other odds and ends. Up to this point, I'd never driven the car over 20 mph, due to the brakes. So a couple of days ago, I went for a drive and I'm in love! It tracks straight, no shimmies, plenty of power and quiet and smooth like my old Hans.

But I have Strider who is faithfully reeling in 150 mile days. My goal was to get the third mileage badge (750,000 km) and at 417,000 miles, I only have another 40K or so to go. And I really like Strider. I'm trying to run comparisons through my head and this is what I get:

Newbie (300SD): A looker. Perfect body and color. I've always liked the 126 style, that aero front end, expensive looking windshield wipers, the long hood, the courtesy lights under each door. The car is bigger and perhaps safer in a major accident. The power seats are infinitely adjustable, the back seat passengers have an AC outlet and more space, and with the second firewall (and perfectly intact hood pad), the car is somewhat quieter on the road.

Strider (300D): A classic body that won't ever look dated. The car, even at over 400K is rock solid. There are no rattles going over dirt roads, no squeaks, and the doors close like a new Lexus. It's a bit more nimble around town. Strider has a bit of rust and some of his clear coat is coming off, but otherwise looks nice. Inside is also leather (again, I have the window sticker) in perfect shape except for the back seatbacks. Everything (including cruise and antenna) works except the door locks, which were disconnected a few years ago. Strider show no signs of giving up and is as reliable as the sun.

So, I have to decide. Sell Newbie and make some money and keep on truckin with Strider, or give in to the 126 siren song, sell Strider and hope Newbie is as dependable as Strider. Either way, one of them has to go.

I'm afraid that no matter what happens, I'l always have an eye out for another MB diesel (is a polyBenzer a sinner?).