Hi folks,

I'm in the market for a diesel MB and came across one in Autotrader that I'd like you fine folks' opinions on. I'm going to go out and see it in a couple days but I'd like some heads-up on known issues that I should be checking for, so thanks in advance.

The car in question: 1984 MB 300SD, white w/tan int., 163k miles (2nd or 3rd owner) new radiator, supposedly all power options work (windows, sunroof, a/c, etc/) and the tranny shifts smooth, has good power and upper 20s fuel economy, suspension is still good he says and he's asking $3100 for it.

What should I be looking for as far as maintenance records, service, etc. and issues that might be hidden to the casual observer? I will go see the car, maybe take some pics and let you folks give me more insightful feedback. Thanks again, great forum you have here.

Maintain a primary emphasis on the big ticket items first, engine, transmission, rack, suspension, etc. Run a Carfax and see where the car has lived. If you see some northern exposure checking for corrosion is a must!
Always check the trunk area of the car. Whenever there is serious corrosion damage, the trunk will be the first place where it is revealed. Always remove the trunk lining from the car to get a good look inside. The car was designed to redirect the waterflow from the front of the car towards the rear of the car, rather than across the sides. This construction means that the rear window and the trunk area have to be watertight. Older cars can develop leaks through the trunk seal, the rear window seal and the taillight seals. Water can make it's way down into the trunk area and cause severe corrosion damage. An incurable problem with Mercedes-Benz cars from the 1980's that cannot be fixed is the 'delamination' process. MB front and rear window are made from several separate layers of glass. Over time, these layers become separated, eventually fracturing the glass. First sign of trouble is a white, milky discoloration of the window sides. In case of the rear window, the process will eventually take out the rear window heating as well. On a W126, usually the first spots appear in the lower corners of the rear window.
Work backwards from a dollar point that you would pay for the car in excellent condition. Every defect you find on the car deduct the cost of what it will take to repair or replace that item. Your end amount would be your offer to the seller.

Remember it extremely easy to get in backwards with these beauties, and there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. If you are not familiar with these girls it's money well spent to have an independent MB familiar mechanic take a look for you. With all that said want an 85SD?

The attached pictures are some prone areas for corrosion on W126's

Attached Thumbnails

       

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