1980-1987mb advice

[unknownbenz]

I would like to know what u guys thought was the best to buy i was thinking turbo but i dont have any idea how expensive it would be to replace and if i could do it my self this will be my first mb and i want it to be a good one any pointers would help thanx

[rrgrassi]

The turbo's are pretty robust and seldom fail. Price depnds on if you want used, rebuilt, or new. I've seen them on e-bay go for $100+ used. This is for the OM617, which was used in the 300D and 300SD until 1985.

[unknownbenz]

well what would be the best model to get between 1980 and 1987 that is a diesel i was thinking of doing the biodiesel not the straight wvo maybe later but for know diesel is still 35 cents cheaper and it would be better than my go cart i drive know(civic ) which is fun but...

[rrgrassi]

Originally Posted by unknownbenz

well what would be the best model to get between 1980 and 1987 that is a diesel i was thinking of doing the biodiesel not the straight wvo maybe later but for know diesel is still 35 cents cheaper and it would be better than my go cart i drive know(civic ) which is fun but...

It all depends on what you are looking for. Test drive all you can. Each one has merits over the other, like the 300SD w126 rides better than the 300D w123, but the w123 is easier to work on. The best one for you would be the one you feel good about. That is why you need to test drive them all so you can make a good choice. Also make sure you can see the maintenance records.

[unknownbenz]

i found a 1987 300d for around 3,750 with 177,000 on it i really dont know what a good price is . i have seen them for as much as 7500 which seems really outrageous i was told 1800-3500 for one that has all records and is pretty cherry or was i told wrong thank you

[rrgrassi]

What you were told seem right. Also get a pre purchase inspection.

[unknownbenz]

where would be a good place to locate cars i am in oklahoma and dont really know the e bay nuts want like premo price and the ones that i find here locally are either crap or are sold quickly if they are clean i dunno if they are doing the biodiesel or what any help would appreciate

[mtldieselguy]

there is no 1 place. I got mine on ebay because there are no MB diesels in my area (or very few) I had a poor experience because the seller didn't disclose rust issues.... Other's on this forum have had good experiences. If I was to do it again, I would make the effort to buy a southern car with zero rust. Everything else can be fixed....

[barry123400]

You might have to become a little creative to find a good one in your area. At least the rust issue tends to be fairly small in the oklahoma area compared to a lot of other areas. .
Try advertising that you want to buy one in various mediums plus see if there is a mercedes benz club chapter to contact in your area. You want as good a sample as you can afford in my opinion.
Half the fun can be in the hunt sometimes and it can be educational. Since this is your first example do not believe the odometer. There will be geographical differences yet I feel in general the interior should be really pretty good up to about 250k.
I just love the ones claiming under 200-250 k that have the drivers seat and other interior components looking like a grenade went off in it. That plastic tex is about the toughest material I have ever seen for a car. Without spending a fortune you cannot put miles back into a car. I personally believe plenty of examples make it to 500k. It may not be the joke people think it is. It's just the odometers do not indicate it. You do not want one of them.
I wish more logic and understanding existed in the overall milage on these cars. Most people buy new diesels to drive them excessive miles. If you rationalize a 20 year plus diesel indicating low miles per year you should be suspcious. Only common sense really. A commodity far too scarce. Also in short supply when engaged in an emotional experiences like buying cars.
I suspect most fairly good ones are the ones the owner has tried to keep everything functioning well during his ownership. The guy otherwise may not really have carred for his car. On those examples you will most likely pay for his neglect as well as the purchase cost. Plus the ongoing milage related failures as they occur. Also make sure to post in our cars for sale and wanted section and be explicid in what you want as to condition. My opinions do not reflect what others think. I just hate to see people get into bad deals. I can relate to that as well. Best of luck.

[vstech]

the 87 300D is close to the best of the best. Great motor, Great body and excellent power to weight ratio. beware of the #14 head, overheating is VERY dangerous. SERIOUSLY test the motor BEFORE you buy the car. open the hood on a cold engine, verify 0 pressure in the upper rad hose. start the car and let it idle for 2 minutes or so, and make sure the pressure does NOT build instantly. look for bubbles in the expansion tank.
good luck!
John

[unknownbenz]

Thank you for you tips make sure the radiator hose doesnt build pressure right off the back(whats that a sign of if it does ) are there any more tips i should know like five or 10 tha ti could use to make sure the car is up to par i dont want to pay 3000 for a junker that looks good sitting in my yard lol but not really thanx guys jason ps where is the cars for sale forum on here i didnt see 1 but i know there is one i linked to it once

[vstech]

go back to forums, click on cars at the bottom of the list.
John