1985 Diesel Wagon - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lws1 · #1 05-25-2007, 09:26 PM

I am going to look at a 1985 diesel wagon and not sure if 245,000 is too many miles. The lady is asking $3400. When it has that kind of mileage, do I need to look for anything special mechanically? The car is located in South Florida. I guess what I am trying to say is if it's been maintained mechanically, should I go for it? Just not sure if buying something with that many miles is buying a lot of problems. What questions should I ask her? I am not a mechanical person but can tell when something's been cared for. Appreciate any feedback.

winmutt · #2 05-25-2007, 09:54 PM

Check the SLS system. Other than SLS if it start drives and stops chances are its a good deal. SLS... When the car starts you should feel the rear end pick up an inch or two. Going over bumps should be pretty firm not overly bouncey. Check that the power locks work and the climate control works properly. Any kind ot paper work? Also update your info with your location.

Biodiesel300TD · #3 05-25-2007, 10:38 PM

If the car is not loaded down the Self-Leveling system (SLS) shouldn't lift up up the rear when you start the car. If the rear is loaded down the rear will lift up as the system lifts the car back to where it should be. If the rear end doesn't sag, isn't bouncy or isn't hard then the SLS is probably fine. Other than the SLS the wagons are pretty similar to the sedans.

t walgamuth · #4 05-26-2007, 07:58 AM

that is not too many miles on a 300 turbo motor. they often need head gaskets between this and 300k miles though. and while the head is off it is a good idea to do valves, and guides as necessary, also checking the cam chain and oil pump chain for wear. can chain guides will be needed for sure too and of course valve seals. valve springs can be measured. some may need replacing.

after all that the engine should be good to go another 275K on the bottom end providing it has had reasonable care.

condition of body should be excellent. service records will provide a picture of how it has been cared for. you might get lucky and find the head has already been done.

the upside is if it is all in really excellent condition it will comand from 7500 to 10K perhaps.

wagons of that condiition are fairly rare.

they are wonderful driving machines though and really well made.

and i always thought they were very handsome too.

tom w

lws1 · #5 05-26-2007, 01:16 PM

I am going to see the wagon probably later this weekend or first thing next week. The owner has all maintenance records and says everything works. She is the second owner. The only thing I am not crazy about is that it has been repainted from white to gold. The good thing about paint is I can always change it back and I have friends that own a body/paint shop that could do it for me. I will check out everything you-all have suggested and will let you know the outcome. Thanks for your help. Really appreciate and appreciate this forum. - LWS

winmutt · #6 05-26-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biodiesel300TD

If the car is not loaded down the Self-Leveling system (SLS) shouldn't lift up up the rear when you start the car. If the rear is loaded down the rear will lift up as the system lifts the car back to where it should be. If the rear end doesn't sag, isn't bouncy or isn't hard then the SLS is probably fine. Other than the SLS the wagons are pretty similar to the sedans.

Yes but at start the system lifts as the hydraulics pump kicks in.

MTUpower · #7 05-26-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt;

Yes but at start the system lifts as the hydraulics pump kicks in.

Only if the valve has issues. If the valve does not bleed then the rear stays at whatever height it was at when the car shuts off. If it does have issues with bleeding then when the car starts the rear will be pumped back to the level the valve says to go to. That how all three of my wagons have worked- one has the valve issues and the other two do (or did) not. BTW my first wagon sold for 4K and it had 300K plus. If the car looks, runs, sounds and drives great and appears to have no major problems- buy it.

lws1 · #8 05-27-2007, 10:40 AM

Thanks again for the info. I will take note. It sounds like it's in good shape. The lady had maintenance done and she said anything that it needed she did, at the suggestion of the mechanics, and she has the maintenance records. I guess I'll see when I see her for myself. Pics can be deceiving but it sounds like it's in decent shape. I'll keep you posted. I am going to take my camera and take some photos. Pretty sure I am going to get it.

Just in case the dash is cracked (the car's always been in Florida) is there an ez fix that doesn't look too bad? I've never had a cracked dash and am anticipated that this one has one. The other interior stuff can be ez-ly addressed but the dash I know nothing about.

Sbean · #9 05-27-2007, 12:19 PM

Here's my idea for checking SLS function: With engine off, add a few hundred pounds of weight to the back end - a couple of volunteers, a few bags of cement, bricks. Then start the engine and observe. Steve

vstech · #10 05-27-2007, 12:45 PM

best way to check SLS... look at car cold. verify it sits level. have someone start car, verify it does not move. shut down car, load up the rear, so it sags a few inches, again have someone start car, and verify it levels itself up. after all this, get under there and look for recently cleaned or oily parts of the system. if none, sls passes my tests.
now inspect the sls pump on the head, and check the hoses condition. look over the fluid tank, verify it has clean fluid.
on the car, check all the seats, check the frame members under the car for rust, check carefully around the jack points as well. look under the car on each corner for rust I have found the fenderwells to be prone to rust out.
and in the rear, fenderwells penetrate the cabin, so rust out is a bad thing there, but easy to fix.
a repaint could mean it had a LOT of rust covered up, take a magnet paint tester with you. see if there are any THICK parts, or parts that show beyond it's ability to test thickness (that means fiberglass patch) any autobody place should have one to borrow.
good luck, I have been happy with my wagons, you ought to love yours.
John