'80 300D (na) questions...
 

hey all,
i'm new to the diesel/mercedes world, and have a ton of question. I recently acquired a 1980 300D (na) with bad rust, steering box problems, desperate need for new muffler and pipes up to the engine, and some general less critical problems (need new headlight, dash/instrument lights, some windows don't work, cosmetic problems in interior, and lots of worn out parts). somehow, this beast seems to drive ok, with no knocking or smoking. shifting is a little rocky, but i think the transmission flush and new filter will help. I've replaced fuel filters, air filter, oil and filter, tie rod assembly (well, mechanic did that one, i didn't have appropriate jack stands at the time) and i'm debating my next move. I've got a long list of things that need doing on this car, but i may be able to get a '80 300sd (or 81, the fellow was unclear and i'm waiting to hear back) with a restored rust-free body in need of a new engine. now i realize that this is a turbo and my chariot is, instead, a turtle, so i'm putting a slower engine in a heavier car, but i've read on this forum that a numer of the parts are interchangeable. would it be possible (or worthwhile) to put my engine in this 300sd? if the sd is in decent shape otherwise should i just look for a new engine for it? I'm not really interested in a resto project so i am very close to selling the 300d for parts or restoration and starting again. i acquired the 300d without thinking it through, so yes, i realize it is a beast and i should not have taken home something so rusty. but it was $650 so i thought even with the parts that worked it was a decent deal. so there's the long story. advice, wise ones?

also, sometimes the 300d produces a sulphur odor. is this simply a product of missing muffler bits and rust holes in the floor pan, or a sign of something specific?

Welcome to the forum.


If you are going to make the effort to change the engine, why not obtain the proper engine for the vehicle? A 617 turbo engine in good shape can usually be found for less than $800...........sometimes considerably less.