should i buy??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stcbenz83 · #1 07-15-2006, 03:32 PM

ok there is a 1977 300 Turbo Diesel for sale for like 600$ the guy said the trans went out, that ammco said there was no presure in the lines??? does that sound like a bad trans or an easy fix?

rwhyde · #2 07-15-2006, 04:01 PM

It depends. Plan on the trans 12-1500 to fix. Find an independent transmission shop not an AAMCO. Better yet, find a better car.
Best Regards,
Wayne Hyde

stcbenz83 · #3 07-15-2006, 04:16 PM

but im just thinging if its an easy fix, then i could have the altimate winter beater,. like just a vacum hose or somthing

iNeon · #4 07-15-2006, 04:37 PM

a 1977 300D has no turbocharger as factory equipment-- COuld the transmission have gone out because of increased stress due to a later engine being fitted?

stcbenz83 · #5 07-15-2006, 05:15 PM

sorry its a 1978, could it just be some messed up vacume hoses? its on craigs list

iNeon · #6 07-15-2006, 07:20 PM

A 1978 still has no turbo as factory-- Turbos came on in the early 80's, they were found in wagons a year or two earlier than on sedans-- I want to say it was 1980 and 1982, but I could be wrong as well.

They were available earlier in w116 300SD cars, but that is a different matter all together.

The silence may be a clue here-- It will not be an easy type of question to answer on a car that you have never driven, you know ho service history on and one that you can not even troubleshoot.

My advice is thus: If you can afford the car AND(this is important) a replacement used/rebuilt transmission, and the car is in decent condition-- you might do ok, but if you NEED the transmission issue to be minor to be able to make it a functioning car-- pass on it.

300SDog · #7 07-15-2006, 07:23 PM

1978 w116 "whale series" 300D that was only imported at/near/less than 2 years?

If thats what it is then being the first MB deluxe class diesel production car since 1953/54 it's probly one of the most restoration-worthy classic daily drivers anybody could own. Scratch up a cheap replacement tranny + 4 hrs shop time for the in-and-out and even then the car will probly be worth it - all other factors: engine, electrics, rust, cosmetics being in decent/operative shape.

stcbenz83 · #8 07-15-2006, 07:26 PM

yea, it was just a thought, i was looking for a winter beater (i know its only july) but i dont want my 240D euro to go on the road at all in the winter, so i was just kinda browsin around for somthin... thanks you

iNeon · #9 07-15-2006, 07:49 PM

I understand what you're attempting, and I've tried to track one down for myself-- I'd love to be Benz-only, but at the end of the day...

A beater costs just as much(usually more due to their beater status/deferred maintenence) to keep on the road as a decent car.

Someone else can chime in now, because I have never lived where there is snow or salt, but wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to just seriously hose down the undercarriage and heat the garage(to help evaporate the water) all winter than to insure/purchase/maintain another motorcoach?

Small domestic cars like saturns, neons and escorts used to be pretty cheap and might make a decent winter car(saturn especially-- no rust) but with fuel prices, I think all 4 cylinders are in higher demand and are actually worth more now than a couple years ago!

Sorry I couldn't be of more help!

bgkast · #10 07-16-2006, 02:29 AM

I second the saturn. My mom's '96 has been a great car with no problems for over 100k miles. And rust and dent proof to boot!

Jim B. · #11 07-16-2006, 02:39 AM

An old American car in good fettle for a few hundred $$ would probably work as a worry free beater, like a Crown Victoria, or Mercury Grand marquis, (rear wheel drive) or old Chevy Celebrity, Cutlass Ciera (front wheel drive for better snow traction) could last you for 2 orr three winters with little investment or upkeep. They are not high performance but for cost per mile to run they could be pretty cheap, reasonably safe and get the job done.

Just find one that is in decent shape, minimal or no rust and been kept up pretty good.