Hi, to all.

I've been lurking in the background for a couple of years and have registered a while back. Just wanted to say hello, finally, to all who share this interest in DBAG's finest (I'm sure everyone has their absolute favorite; mine being the '55 W196 monoposto and its transporter. Or, maybe the huge G3 from many decades ago).

I had always had a strong interest in the '87 300D. Aside from it's relative scarcity, it really is a unique Diesel powered Mercedes in its own right. After a few 123's over the years, I found a nearly immaculate '87 124 at the beginning of the year and have never enjoyed owning and caring for any other Mercedes. Twenty some years ago, someone once told me that you neither pamper nor abuse a Mercedes but rather, simply give it the care it requires and it will take care of you.

After having scoured these pages for insight about the 603 and the '87 300D in particular, I am thankful for having this resource that is so readily available. I have read many posts about what each person's favorite engine is...617, 603, and so on. When I found "Adenauer," I knew enough about the 603 to stay out of trouble. I recall first popping the hood and at the very sight of that engine thought, "Oh my, what have I done." "What is all this extra stuff that the '85 didn't have??" I am converted, wholly and completely though. The 603 is such an incredible powerplant from so many perspectives.

My first Diesel was an '83 240D with a manual. I put well over 200,000 miles on that car and thought that blowby meant it was perfectly natural for everyone else to blow you by in the passing lane. The '85 300D was a rocket compared to the 240D. I had a huge grin the first time I drove it. Thanks to all the good gouge I have picked-up from this community, I have taken an already great '87 and tweaked things here and there (by the book in most cases) and now have a Diesel powered Mercedes that refuses to do anything but run like a scalded dog.

After having poked around inside and out in every area, I am curious...

What is the function of what looks like an air flapper door attached to the inside of the left front inner wheel housing? It has a spring attached to the length of its pushrod. Is that some sort of thermostat to open the doors when the engine area reaches a certain temperature?

Also, I have heard and read of many conflicting reports on the number of 1987 300D sedans brought in to the states. Anyone care to share their number? I had heard that quite a number were imported in late '86 by MBUSA to be 'loaned' to the EPA for emissions testing. These units were evidentally to be returned to MBUSA then shipped back to DBAG for 'disposal.' Build date on mine is 12/86.

Tom

Welcome to the '87 turbo, Tom. I really like them too, but I also appreciate the relative simplicity of the 617 turbos. If I didn't have so much invested in my 123 wagon I might have sold it for a 603.
You figured right, that flapper is a thermo actuated vent to help the engine to warm up when its cold, or that's what I figure. It needs the under body covers in place to function properly.
There were some stats on the W124 on the MBCA website, the MB Canadian group. I suppose someone wanted to make way for more modern text as it disappeared and I was unable to search for it there. It was something like MB Baroque or something. Someone will probably pop up here with figures for you.
Do you have any pics of your car?

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

My understanding is that it really is a vent for when it gets too hot in the engine compartment. When the car was brand new there was a pan that covered the bottom of the engine bay (and one for the tranny area too). Sound encapsulation panel I believe is the proper term. 98% of the cars out there don't have them anymore because the mechanics have tossed them in working on the cars... Once they are tossed there isn't much use for that little vent though.


Glad you're enjoying your MB and welcome to the forum

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John Robbins
'05 E320 CDI - 240k
'87 300TD - 318k

My car does have the covers in place underneath. I believe that it truly must have been owned largely by the little old lady on the other side of town. There isn't anything on the car that is not functional. Basically put, it is unmolested - with the exception of a disappointing and deep, 23 inch scrape along the top of the right fender. I do happen to have a mint, original "slotted" fender from a later 2.5 124 and the associated ductwork. After spending some time carefully looking at the rubber boot (the part that mates with the inside of the slotted area, it is clear to me that it would be a direct swap. I removed the wide, painted cladding from the lower part of the fender and popped a spare rub strip from an '86 300E I had into place. It looks like it had always been there. Because I have no plans to get rid of this car, I think that it would be a swap I can live with in terms of authenticity. May even help it breath a bit.

I've seen a slotted fender retrofit onto an early 124 diesel. Its subtle but for those who recognize it its a nice mod.
Then you can get the 94-95 hood and grille and side panels (skirts) and the trunk lid and rear tail light lens and have a classy looking car!
You can do away with the original air flow box under the filter when you do the retrofit, gsxr published details somewhere in the forum

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

While the facelifted 124's of '94 and '95 are one of the most balanced designs in my opinion, I appreciate the dated, spartan appearance of the early 124 as well. When I was looking at the '87 300D, I was also looking at a '95 E320 Sportline. Drove the '87 and was hooked. I found a 124/400E for the cost of the 300D but just couldn't stomach the thought of that huge sucking sound going south (fuel economy). I drove the 300D from Seattle to Chicago in May and out across Montana and North Dakota, the car averaged roughly 33.4 mpg - even with the nasty wind conditions along the upper plains. I'll stop at the fender swap and just be happy with it as is. I have, however added E code Bosch headlights and the vacuum switch for dipping the headlights. What an absolute night and day difference. The 4W city lights are pretty slick, too.

Spartan? I think the early ones looked just plain cheap. The interior material and fit and finish was just plain junk.

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DJ


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