Is it a baptism by fire to consider an '85 300 CD turbo (with Cali engine), as my first MB? 254k miles

Will it convert me to the MB way of life, or scare the glow plugs right out of me?

It's in excellent shape, with a few items not functional (rear-left window, antenna). Seats, carpet, dash, wood literally look unused. Exterior is straight, original paint with minor scratches. Champagne with black MB Tex interior. No dents, dings, major scratches.

I've spent hours searching thru this forum for anything on 300CD's, and have found only one meaningful thread: Spire 7/22/05 Is this the dreaded 1985 California MB 300CD engine?

...which doesn't bode well.

Any and all counsel much appreciated! (Most appreciated would be tips on searching all the thousands of threads. Forum Search function is not specific enough, as far as I can tell. This is my first posting, so let the hazing ritual begin...!)

There is actually nothing to dread about a 300CD 1985 kali edition.
Once you make the convertion from the trap oxidizer to the regular airbox you got yourself a very desirable vehicle... with one of the most reliable engine of the automobile history.
Part for the body are not very easy to find but eveything else (engine, suspenssion is shared with the more vanilla sedans.

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Aquilae non capunt muscas! (Eagles don't hunt flies!)


1979 300SD Black/Black MBtex239000mi
1983 300TD euro-NA. White/Olive Cloth-MBtex 201000mi. Fleet car of the USA embassy in Morocco
1983 240D Labrador Blue/Blue MBtex 161000mi

the CD is pretty rare since it was a US market car and not many were made... couple thousand i think.. but still rare

If it checks out, go for it! Mercedes Benz parts are going to be somewhat expensive by nature, but the mechanical components are the same as the sedans and wagons, just the body style is different. Got any Pics?

the CD's interior is different than the sedan and wagon.. no interior pieces will really transfer over(depends on what it is).. but everything is generally the same(suspension, driveline, electrical for the most part)

Well, true! I never considered the interior, but I was talking about mechanical parts. I've never had one of these, but if I found one in my area I would definitely consider it. The interior thing is good to know though! Does tis include the front seats? Are they different than the sedan front seats?

Welcome to the forum!

I have been on the lookout for a clean 84 or 85 CD with a good maintenance history...

My guess is you will enjoy this model even better than the sedans and you know how well we all love those!

Good luck

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Bama1


2008 SLK 280, Firemist Red - "Hurricane"
2001 F150 Lariat 4x4, Black on Black - "Badboy"
1982 240D 4 speed survivor -"Pearl" - Donated to Vietnam Veterans
1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 -"Gertrude"

1954 model original owner - ~2.5M
Gray softtop/solid exterior/modified chassis

the front seats on the sedan have a vacuum device on it that do not allow them to be tilted forward while the car is in Gear/Motion. and they also have the tilt lever

The coupe front seats are vastly different than in the sedan. How do you think you are supposed to get to the back seats with non-retractable front seats?
Like in most others coupe from most others makers the front seats in a coupe 123 have a lever that slide the seat forward.

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Aquilae non capunt muscas! (Eagles don't hunt flies!)


1979 300SD Black/Black MBtex239000mi
1983 300TD euro-NA. White/Olive Cloth-MBtex 201000mi. Fleet car of the USA embassy in Morocco
1983 240D Labrador Blue/Blue MBtex 161000mi

Run away. Find one with a Federal emissions engine.

i dont think the cali engine is all that bad. a little less power.

the front doghouse and all mechanicals are same as sedan (except driveshaft). the doors, windows, body are unique. interior parts of doors are same too some but not all. dash is same, steering wheel pedals etc. seats unique. trunk lid same and trunk interior. same bumper and taillights too.

very very nice cars. they drive a little more nimble than a sedan. you sit an inch or two lower. the only drawback imho, is a small backseat and the long door in a pull in parking space.

i have an 82 300cd.

feel free to pm if you like.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Not all that bad? It sacrifices power, economy, reliability, turbo life, simplicity, maintenance costs, emissions, and overall cost to *look* cleaner out the tailpipe.

I wondered if my sedan had coupe seats!!! I either thought they all had retractable levers or someone made a seat swap in my E300D! Oh well, I like my seats the way they are and the upholstery is really good too, perfect! the tilt feature came in handy several times while carrying large bulky objects in back!!!! Like the live Christmas tree I bought today!!!

but really, if it is a good car that runs well, isnt that more important than maximum power, etc?

is it 5% more trouble? 10%? at 265k will it make a big difference?

i have never owned one, i am just going by what i have read here.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The $60 air filter alone should be enough to throw off most people.