What are some things some 300SDL owners should be aware of, to prevent any accidents or damage to these expensive engines?

I think it would be a good topic for people like me, who feel like they're car is a ticking time bomb going down the street.

ANY ideas, thoughts, or input is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

Why do you believe it's a ticking time bomb?

The only "bomb" is the potential for an overheat before you realize it. A brand new OE replacement serpentine belt should prevent that from occurring. If you're anal about it, change the water pump and put in a rebuilt OE pump as well.

Otherwise, it's just as durable as the 617.

Vacuum pump and radiator were my concerns. Replaced them at 305,000 miles. They looked original.

Yes, agreed. If the vacuum pump is original, it needs to go. Radiator is also very marginal at this point..........if original.

I dropped quite a bit of temperature with a new radiator. If you don't know when it was last replaced, do it.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I have replaced the radiator already. It went when my dad was driving on the interstate to MB and it started acting funny. He claims it would not shift and it was losing power, so he stomped on it and boom, a huge cloud of carbon, which looked like old antifreeze.

It was the first thing to be replaced. I have been told the serpentine belt is in good condition. I'm just scared to invest money, because I'm afraid the transmission is possibly going out. I would hate to have thousands invested and have to spend thousands more just to actually drive.

What are some things that are mandatory to have replaced after 200,000 miles??

What are some simple fixes, tricks, tips, for these sometimes frustrating cars??


ANY and ALL help, comments, or anything is highly appreciated!!!

Thank YOu!


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Umm trans are cheap, you can get a rebuild for $1,200.


These cars cost a few grand a year to take care of, they are not cheap cars. Just don't fix anything driving until something big brakes and junk it. Thats what most people do anyway.


When the radiator blew it sounds like your dad overheated it, if so be ready for a possible head and headgaket job soon. How hot did it get?

At 200k miles the following will need, or is close to needing attention.
Front end
Flex joints
Engine and trans mounts.
Trans
All engine driven accesories.
Cooling system.
Wheel bearings.
If the vacuum pump is original its way past due.

Someone else can continue the list if they want. If you spend a few bucks a year and do all the work yourself they are very enjoyable cars.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Is it possible for the car to still drive with a blown head???
I still drive this car from time to time, being 18 and it's considered MY car.

I've been driving for at least 8 months now and it seems like more and more little problems keep popping up. I've been told by a mb diesel tech that the reason the car's not shifting properly is either because of a bad transmission governor or the valve body in the transmission is sticking.

What is the routine maintenance for these cars to keep them alive and well?

Is there a device in the door panel that will fall by slamming the door, that would cause the window not to close all the way?

What is the best treatment for the "window cancer" in the corner of the rear window?

Thank you for ALL replys, comments, or suggestions!

For the window: Open the door, stradle, place hands firmly on both sides and lift up, never touch the control for that window again.

Change all your fluids: Power steering fluid, Brake fluid, coolant, oil, etc. This will lessen the chance of more expensive repairs later on. Change the transmission fluid and filter, see if that improves things.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

Fixing the things that break is a good place to start.

Door cancer? Whats that rust? Depending on how bad it is, replace the door and repaint it.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200