I just picked up an 83 300cd, but it's not the California one, but I sure like the way it handles and rides, I have been fixing up the little things that needed to be done to it, the window that doesn't work is a simple fix after you remove the rear seat, side panel, and the lower cover that the motor is behind. Then remove the 2 torx screws that hold the motor to the regulator and locate the capactor on the bottom of the motor, either replace it, or solder the 2 terminals together, (that's how I fixed mine) the armature and brushes looked like they were new, but the motor did not run until I soldered them. I wish I would have taken some pictures of this repair , and the repair I made to the front window regulator that had 3 stripped teeth, I wire welded teeth back on, and ground them back down to look like the other teeth, now my front window works like new!

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i have an 85 kali 300D and i love it. ya i have to pay $45 (not $60) for the air filters, but you can swap them over to federal if you want to later. i checked my car and it had the newer oxidizing catalyst installed. i will get that taken out and a straight pipe installed. but overall i love the car, and would buy another. if the CD is in great shape, no rust, awesome interior, and the vacuum stuff mostly works then i would go for it. vacuum issues is what i heard is more annoying on this car than others, but i have had very few issues. i have actually more problems with my 80 240D, which is very very simple compared to the 85.

if you wont get it, send me the info, my wife would kill me but i always wanted a CD.

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Grey '91 350SDL 214k Dad's car
Beige '81 240D 4 Speed 254k SOLD
Blue '82 300D 225k SOLD
White '95 E300D 46k SOLD
Blue '87 190D 2.5 Turbo 315k SOLD
Brown '80 240D 4 Speed 716k SOLD
Beige '80 300D N/A 119k SOLD
Blue '85 300D Model 186k T-Boned

Winchester- I think i have the exact same problem with the rear window. it was stuck down, and at the time I addressed the problem did not have a spare motor, nor did I have torx drivers to pull the motor and look at it, so i jammed the window up (with wood and fabric, it's held for months without signs of weakening). the front window also had stripped teeth, but i have a replacement regulator on the way. thanks for the tips of the fix.

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1992 300D 2.5T 249k - Parked with a bad transmission
1981 300SD 142k - Daily driver

The list price is actually $75 but you can get them for $45 as has already been said. But that's a once-a-year expense. The right side of the engine bay is a little harder to work on because there's more junk in it. If it really bothers you (it doesn't bother me) you can find a wrecked car and pull all of the parts to do a Federal conversion.

Since it's getting harder as the years pass to get a W123 in really good condition, I wouldn't let the CA emissions make the decision for you unless it's a choice between two nearly-identical cars. I'd be more concerned about the fact that the CD is relatively rare, with harder to find body and interior parts, than I would the trap oxidizer.

Speaking of which, you might want to run the VIN through the Mercedes computer at your dealer. Find out of the trap ox ==> trap cat conversion has been done. Some people never got around to it; it could get you most of an exhaust system for free.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Much appreciated to everyone whose taken the time to reply to my thread. I figured there would be a heckle or two, but not repair manuals already! Great tips, insights, and differing opinions! The windows tip will come in handy right away.

Gotta say the mileage makes me dizzy, so the more long-haul stories out there the better!

Definitely feeling the MB aura right now, and honestly can't wait to look out the window and know that a CD is waiting for me in the driveway. (She's mine tomorrow.) I'm already looking at other cars on the road in a different way.

Knowing there's a forum to address real-time issues with live people goes a long way towards making my decision. I'm cutting my teeth on this one, so will post as I go. Thanks again!