Got a tip on a 1990 300D with the 2.5 turbo for sale. Seller claims that the bearings are shot on the turbo and it needs a rebuild. From searching it seems like people are pretty fond of this car. Also from searching I couldn't find any problems specific to the bearings on the turbo but found some info on some vacuum related stuff and the transducers that can affect turbo performance. Being more familiar with non turbo 123 vehicles, what are some tips if i decide to look at the vehicle? If the bearings are shot should the vehicle still be able to drive, just a little sluggish? What is a reasonable price to have this turbo rebuilt if needed?
Thanks.

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1981 300TD - SOLD
1981 Euro 300TD 4 sp. parts car
1982 300 SD - SOLD
84 300 TD 4 sp n/a 241K - SOLD

It'll drive OK with no turbo. It'll shift like a mule if it's a vacuum related issue and will accelerate like a 240D. You'll learn to keep the RPM's up. That at elast was my expirience with a '90 2.5 that I owned previously whcih had Y31/Y32 vacuum issues.

Very flexible lil engine (rpm's) and a fun and nimble car to drive with a working turbo.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

121 hp, 165 lbs. torque at 2,400 rpm. 27/34 mpg (got 34.6 during a recent tour up the Calif. coast). Power could be affected by a bad overboost protection valve, which fills with soot over time. Mine's now unplugged.

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'91 300D 2.5 Turbo 330K
'00 VW TDI Golf, 190K
'67 BMW R50/2
'73 Norton Commando Interstate

Car had 430K on the clock. Air filter housing and some hoses were off for him to get to the turbo. It started up but I didn't drive it at all. I did shift through all gears. Body was very straight, no rust. Oil pressure was pegged while idling. Might have been too much of a project, might not have. His asking price was under a grand. I passed for now.

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1981 300TD - SOLD
1981 Euro 300TD 4 sp. parts car
1982 300 SD - SOLD
84 300 TD 4 sp n/a 241K - SOLD

Calebc3 I would not pass up that car with a straight body and NO RUST for that kind of money.If it starts & runs & drives and shifts all gears and has a decent interior its probably worth twice that price. My $.02 Don

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Red Green "This is only temporary,Unless it works!"

97 E300D 157000 miles
87 300TD ?141k? miles

I'd be happy to pass on info about the car to anyone interested. No history at all, a little more title-work than usual (owner signed title but never sent it off to get it in his name), and an interesting seller.
I wasn't really looking to buy, just curious in case it was a real find, which it still may be for the right person.

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1981 300TD - SOLD
1981 Euro 300TD 4 sp. parts car
1982 300 SD - SOLD
84 300 TD 4 sp n/a 241K - SOLD