I've heard that the 85's are kinda a breed of their own so to speak, is this true??? If so can someone tell me what they changed on the 85's??? Will be going to look at an 85 300D that has been ina garage for the last 3 years, when the Owner passed away, the daughter is now able to get rid of all the autos in the estate due to bickering amongst relatives. I looked at the car back in October of 2006, but don't recall much other than she could not find the keys for it...
Was running when parked, still had oil in crankcase when I looked at it and tranny fluid was still full and red...Didn't have any tools with me that day to turn over the engine by hand to see if locked up or not but will this weekend...

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Looking for another Mercedes 300D or SD as a project vehicle..

There were, I believe, some emissions equipment differences – someone will post shortly with details.

To me the most important difference is the transmission vacuum amplifier, introduced in 1985. The ‘vac amp’ made (makes) for smoother shifts.

The late 84 and 85 models have additional emissions controls which includes a computer that only controls the EGR.

Models sold in California have a particulate filter in the exhaust manifold before the turbo and should be avoided if possible. Otherwise they are little different than the 82-84 models.

I think the rear end ratio is also different in the '85s

Also the electrical stuff like memory seats, & etc was new in that year as far as I know...

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"I have no convictions ... I blow with the wind, and the prevailing wind happens to be from Vichy"

Current
Monika '74 450 SL
BrownHilda '79 280SL
FoxyCleopatra '99 Chevy Suburban
Scarlett 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Krystal 2004 Volvo S60
Gone
'74 Jeep CJ5
'97 Jeep ZJ Laredo
Rudolf ‘86 300SDL
Bruno '81 300SD
Fritzi '84 BMW
'92 Subaru
'96 Impala SS
'71 Buick GS conv
'67 GTO conv
'63 Corvair conv
'57 Nomad

Not much, the are geared slightly higher. Some minor emissions stuff as said above.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

you could allways just remove the trap..

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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
George Carlin (Wonder where he is now..)

1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.

Rear end was different but no fancy electricals that you mention.
I had one and I know.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Along with the slightly lower numbered rear end ratio, the torque converter had a somewhat higher stall point which added together should give the 85's a bit better fuel mileage.

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

No memory nuthin cepting the radio. Totally different tachometer circuit, and I hear that a few of them actually work. {NOT mine} Tach pickup in different location, and no tach amp, but has said EGR "computer".
All tranny stuff above is correct, and they do shift smoother. Promise!
2:88 rear end.
Klima relay for some AC function.
Some kind of different electrical doo-dad on IP
Somebody once told me the front sunroof drains were more likely to rust on the 85's, but I'm not sure why. Mine haven't.
More vacuum lines then you could ever know what to do with.
I don't know when the "fluffy" carpet started, but I miss the old loop style....
Nothing to really scare you off, but nothing to fixate on either. Just slightly different.....

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Hey now I like my fluffy carpet.
Maybe I have one of the few with a working tach, been ok past 10yrs.

there is also a vacuum thingy on the turbo, it`s also on the 84.
the electric gizmo on the back of the IP, (also on the 84, saw one @ Pick
N Pull) it`s a Control Rod Travel Indicator .

section 14 in the service manual engine 617.59 explains it.

charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

If you can change the oil easily before starting do it, if not just go for it, at least I would. It will probably start right up. If there has not been water in the fuel it should be fine too. If it has had water in it it will probably be infested with bacteria. If that is the case the fuel will need to be treated with biocide. After a treatment the stuff will all run through the engine and usually will cause no more trouble.

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.