87+ MB diesels

[chetwesley]

I am a fan of the early 80s and late 70's MB diesels, but I just spotted an 87 300D for a reasonable price... I am wondering... would I be disappointed? Is there a lot of extra electrical junk? Are they harder to work on?

Thanks and sorry because this has probably been discussed in one way or another before. If you don't want to contribute, feel free to ignore this thread.

[Jadavis]

They are horrible cars. Don't buy one.

By the way, where is it? What is the phone number?

-Jim

I think that if you prevent it from ever overheating, it would be great.

Honestly, now don't let my 240D read this...., if I had done more research when I was looking to by my first MB diesel I'd have chosen an 87 300D.

[chetwesley]

I will post the info up here if it turns out my wife isn't into the idea of buying another car (very possible, but we have been discussing replacing her gasser with a diesel). However, chances are it will go pretty quick at the price and condition, so it might be a slim chance.

Is the DIY stuff as simple on this car as in the 617s - ie brakes, regular maintenance, etc?

I have read a little about the aluminum head and overheating issues. Anything in particular in general that I should look at if I look at the car?

Convince a 617-head why he would or wouldn't want to step out of his safety zone.

[Adenauer]

It's my opinion that if you begin with a just right 'find,' the '87 300D is hands down, the only 300D that offers the greatest compromise on everything from fuel economy to performance; comfort to styling; ease of maintenance to miles of smiles behind the wheel. Seriously, the W124 300D (1987) is a wolf in sheep's clothing. When dialed-in just right, these cars will just flat-out move.

The 1987 300D is a one year only vehicle. Mercedes-Benz did not import a Diesel powered E-Class in 1986 and 1985 was the last year for the W123 series (though I understand that technically, that body ran on in to '86 sometime). Because the 300D is a one year only vehicle, In my opinion, again, it makes for a pretty unique and rare car and I've found that those who do own them are very fond of them.

There is so much to be understood about the OM603-powered W124 before considering whether you'd like one in you garage. A while back, GSXR had a write-up on what to look out for when scouting a 1987 300D. I'll see if I can track that down.

Here's a link to a good review though, that covers most of the details...
http://articles.mbz.org/buying/checklists/124/

My recommendation would be to not jump on the first '87 300D you come across unless it is just too nice to pass on. Nice examples are out there but it will take some creative hunting to track one down and you'll likely end up having to find one out of state. Once you drive one of these (hopefully it is well-tuned and in decent condition so as to really impress you), you'll be hooked to the point that finding one out of state may not even be an issue. What I'm getting at is that like with any Mercedes, begin with the nicest example that your money can afford. You'll be glad you took the time to look around. And, if the car is dialed-in just right, get in, buckle up, and hold on! These cars seem to have a sweet spot at no less than 75 mph. With a broad, flat torque curve, the 603 just keeps pulling and you definately feel it in the seat of your pants unlike any other Diesel out there. As for fuel economy, I drove mine from Seattle to Chicago in April and averaged 34.5 mpg across Montana and North Dakota. That's a pretty good number for a twenty year old car.

There a quite a number of '87 300D owners here. Keep your questions coming and you'll get the answers you'll need in order to make an informed decision.

Good luck!

[chetwesley]

How can you tell if the trap oxidizer has been removed? I have no idea what a trap oxidizer is or where I would find it.

[Adenauer]

Click below...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=1492

See that large 'football' looking thing that looks like a tank of some sort at first glance on the right hand side of this 603? That is the original trap oxidizer. If you've got that in place on a 300D, you'll be able to have it replaced with an improved, updated system from the dealer at no cost under a warranty recall campaign.

[chetwesley]

By right hand you mean "left," right?

aka "the other right"

thanks though... I know what to look for -- might try to look at it tonight.

[DslBnz]

Originally Posted by Adenauer

It's my opinion that if you begin with a just right 'find,' the '87 300D is hands down, the only 300D that offers the greatest compromise on everything from fuel economy to performance; comfort to styling; ease of maintenance to miles of smiles behind the wheel. Seriously, the W124 300D (1987) is a wolf in sheep's clothing. When dialed-in just right, these cars will just flat-out move.

The 1987 300D is a one year only vehicle. Mercedes-Benz did not import a Diesel powered E-Class in 1986 and 1985 was the last year for the W123 series (though I understand that technically, that body ran on in to '86 sometime). Because the 300D is a one year only vehicle, In my opinion, again, it makes for a pretty unique and rare car and I've found that those who do own them are very fond of them.

There is so much to be understood about the OM603-powered W124 before considering whether you'd like one in you garage. A while back, GSXR had a write-up on what to look out for when scouting a 1987 300D. I'll see if I can track that down.

Here's a link to a good review though, that covers most of the details...
http://articles.mbz.org/buying/checklists/124/

My recommendation would be to not jump on the first '87 300D you come across unless it is just too nice to pass on. Nice examples are out there but it will take some creative hunting to track one down and you'll likely end up having to find one out of state. Once you drive one of these (hopefully it is well-tuned and in decent condition so as to really impress you), you'll be hooked to the point that finding one out of state may not even be an issue. What I'm getting at is that like with any Mercedes, begin with the nicest example that your money can afford. You'll be glad you took the time to look around. And, if the car is dialed-in just right, get in, buckle up, and hold on! These cars seem to have a sweet spot at no less than 75 mph. With a broad, flat torque curve, the 603 just keeps pulling and you definately feel it in the seat of your pants unlike any other Diesel out there. As for fuel economy, I drove mine from Seattle to Chicago in April and averaged 34.5 mpg across Montana and North Dakota. That's a pretty good number for a twenty year old car.

There a quite a number of '87 300D owners here. Keep your questions coming and you'll get the answers you'll need in order to make an informed decision.

Good luck!

I second the sentiment. I am driving one right now. Makes me think twice about staying strictly a 126 man. Boy, I love the way these cars handle even on skinny 195/65/R15 rubber. They seem to have almost zero roll, and the steering is accompanied by a turning radius that is ridiculously tight. What a soulful machine. However, they are quite a bit lighter than the S, and you will feel it once you get past 110 mph when the road is slightly uneven.

[chetwesley]

This one is out of town (someone I know found it), but it is under 200k miles and under $2500, "no rust..." but I need to check it out to know the real situation.

Is there any way to know when looking at it if it has been overheated? Will there be obvious symptoms?

[Adenauer]

Is the car in Wisconsin - Illinois? I'd be happy to drive down and take a look with you if you are interested. I am up in the Rhinelander area. Let me know if that would be of help.

Tom

[dieseldiehard]

Originally Posted by chetwesley

This one is out of town (someone I know found it), but it is under 200k miles and under $2500, "no rust..." but I need to check it out to know the real situation.

Is there any way to know when looking at it if it has been overheated? Will there be obvious symptoms?

Price and mileage sound very attractive, rust can be a big negative though, check closely for that.

It is impossible to just look at the engine and tell whether or not it may have been overheated. But if the the coolant tank has an oil film or crud in it then it may be indicative of a warped head. Cold, there is a test for pressure in the cooling system, by which you squeeze the upper rad hose (provided the cap hasn't been loosened yet to relieve pressure in the coolant recovery tank) but I do not ascribe to that test.
Does the car use coolant or burn excessive oil? If the seller says yes then you have grounds for being worried. The 603's are tight and use very little oil, compared to the 617's I've seen of similar mileage. The turbo bearings can be a source of oil consumption though and fortunately not terribly expensive to fix.

You should look for bubbles in the tank with the cap off and engine running that is a valid test but only a large crack will allow that much exh gas into the coolant so still a questionable test. A compression check is the best thing.

If the engine starts easily and runs smooth the chances the head is bad is still possible but at least less than if it runs poorly.
I look for the evidence of regular maintenance like a new radiator? are the hoses all weeping or leaking? etc.

A/C can be very costly to restore as can be the leaking heater boxes that were common on some early 124 chassis. The interior parts are fairly common and a worn seat or carpet should be a deal breaker.
Let us know what you find! These are incredible cars. With fuel headed to $100 a gal diesels will come into another light.

[hangit]

I'm in Shawano and would be happy to go with you. As one member's signature states, "I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look"! If you're wife won't let you buy it, maybe mine will let me.

John

[JackG]

Sorry, but IMHO, MB quit making real cars after 1985.
They have been living off the name ever since and today
they are just another production car......no different then
a Chevy.

I do not see anything coming off the line that will go the
distance like the pre 85's.

[muleears]

I have one, 328K mi. uses no oil, ac works, seats work, windows work, 30+ mpg highway, can't complain. Head has been replaced with a #17 head (original heads are #14). My speciment points to them being a good car.