Hi Guys,
Iam considering of buying a diesel powered MB.

1981-1985 model.Is there any guidelines on
this particular model?
Thanks in advance.

Clauser1

Which diesel model are you reffering to. 300TD(wagon),300D,300D(turbo), 300SD etc. What I can tell you is if you want a turbo diesel then your choices depend on what size of a car you want. The 300SD (W126)had turbos on them right from the begining. The 300SD originally came out in 1978 as the W116 chassis. I own a 1980 300SD which was the last year for the W116 chassis. In 1981 MB introduced to the US market, the W126 chassis. The 300D (W123) only had turbos starting in 1982 through 1985. Then MB came out with the W124 chassis. Since you indicated years 1981-1985 then your choices are the W126 chassis or the W123 chassis.

If you are looking for the wagon(TD), I was told on this forum by a tech, that '85 was the best year.

Yes.Its the 123 chassis.Are they dependable in the
witer time? Here in Chicago,in the winter,the temp. can
go down as low as 8-10 deg.below zero.
Thanks again,

Clauser1

You'll want to make sure the engine has a block heater. If it does, you can plug it in at night and it will start right up below zero. I live in Des Moines, and it get's very cold here. I plug mine in overnight religiously if it is below 20 degrees F.

Lets assume, it started,at work, we dont have indoor
parking,I guess that will be the problem.But Ill buy it
any way.
I appreciate all the inputs.
Clauser1

I've had an '85 wagon for the past 16 years and it has been a really great vehicle! Aside from religous oil changes every 5K miles and adjusting the valves every 15k it has always run well with no strange problems.
Note that the '85's are slightly different from the 81-84 models and when you order parts don't naturally assume that because it works on an 84 it will work on an 85. The vacuum system especially...I scratched my head over that one for a couple days.
I live in the Northeast and keep the car garaged so I only plug it in when it goes below 0. A strong battery is a must! no cheap diehards. I'm on my third battery..they all last 5.5 to 6 years and then die. read the battery threads for some good tips on which to buy.
On really cold days after work I give it two cycles of the glow plugs and it kicks over fine. Also, use redline in the winter..it really helps the starting.
good luck..

As far as needing to plug the car in while you're at work, you probably won't need it. Since the engine block and head are made of cast iron it takes a good while for it to thoroughly heat up. So by the same token it takes a long time for it to lose all it's heat. I have found with my car that she can sit in the cold, unplugged for up to 8-9 hours and still start. Now let's say you get home at 6 pm and don't start her again until 6 am, then you will need for it to be plugged in. Though most of us here have the same 3.0 diesel engine, they all have their individual quirks. As Dracman said a GOOD battery is a must. I have only had my Benz since last Oct., but my father has had a diesel since 1995 and he has had the car not start due to a weak battery. Diesels need alot of ooomph! to get started.

I'm new to the list, have monitored some other lists where climate controls, leveling systems and general vacuum components all seem to draw criticism. I'm also considering a w123 diesel for reliability, but as an asthmatic, a functioning air conditioning system is a real priority. I've owned BMWs and VWs, and the Germans have never really seemed to produce one that works. Has anyone successfully upgraded/replaced this 20-year old system with an American unit?

AS ironic as it seems, the early climate control systems MB used were Chrysler units. What I have read and heard, is that in Germany and Europe in general, air conditioning is not considered a "basic" necessity. Their climate, I guess, doesn't get as humid as ours so there is really no need for A/C. So in the early days MB used Chrysler units. Now as far as how long they used them, I don't know. Only in America does "luxury" mean cruise control, power windows, automatic trans., air conditioning, etc. My chassis manuals for my car show an interior picture of one with a stick shift. In America there is no way a big "luxury" car would have a manual. So you will find most of the bits and pieces that do fail on these cars are the things that MB wasn't used to designing or building. Not that their transmissions fail, but the other "toys" tend to not be as reliable.