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-   -   Turbodiesel Advice (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/208806-turbodiesel-advice.html)

DMM 12-22-2007 02:20 PM

Turbodiesel Advice
 
I am hoping that some kind member could connect a newbie to some good advice on what to look for when selecting a 300 series turbodiesel. I'm pretty well versed in the mainstream gasoline mechanical world, but am itching to venture into the relatively unknown (to me) MB diesel universe.

Thanks,
Dan

airbus 12-22-2007 02:52 PM

Keep reading, I believe there is not a single MB diesel related issue that hasn't been discussed here. Welcome to the forum.

The main difference in "300 series turbodiesel" is the engine. There are 5 cylinders (up to 1985) and 6 cylinders (1986 and up). Both engines came with or without turbocharger, are equally reliable and fairly easy to maintain. There are also some '300D 2.5' out there (1986 and up). This is a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine, which I don't know too much about.

toomany MBZ 12-22-2007 03:24 PM

Yes, wide range of 300's. Much info on this site.

junqueyardjim 12-22-2007 04:05 PM

Dan
 
They are not to hard to figure out. Most of them are not fast sales, so you have a good chance to check them out. First thing, diesel or not, check the body for rust. If it has rust that you can see, it probably has a lot more that you can't see. rust is a killer. The 617 turbo is the one I am familiar with and it is a pretty straight forward deal. Can you test drive it. If in driving it around, you are happy with the way the transmission shifts, that is a real plus. Get it up to operating temperature and take it for a couple timed test runs. From a standing start at full throttle it should do zero to 60 in about 17 seconds. You can do that using your watch and driving. But you have to find a quiet level road without to much traffic for best results. Does it run out close to that? That is really a big plus. Is there excessive smoke when doing the runs? There shouldn't be. Then check how it starts cold. If it has been started just before you look at it, try to come back when it is stone cold, say around 35 degrees. Does it fire right up and run nice and smooth? That too is a big plus. There are more tests. A compression gauge is cheap. Doing the test is a great idea.

Bio300TDTdriver 12-22-2007 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbus (Post 1712361)
Keep reading, I believe there is not a single MB diesel related issue that hasn't been discussed here. Welcome to the forum.

The main difference in "300 series turbodiesel" is the engine. There are 5 cylinders (up to 1985) and 6 cylinders (1986 and up). Both engines came with or without turbocharger, are equally reliable and fairly easy to maintain. There are also some '300D 2.5' out there (1986 and up). This is a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine, which I don't know too much about.

The 2.5 was used in the 124 from 1990-1993. At least in the US. What years are you considering? What body style 123, 124, 126? What is important to you? Easy to work on, larger car, medium sized car, etc.?

Skid Row Joe 12-22-2007 06:42 PM

What years of turbodiesels?
 
They were made a bunch of different years. Which years are you interested in?
Quote:

Originally Posted by DMM (Post 1712342)
I am hoping that some kind member could connect a newbie to some good advice on what to look for when selecting a 300 series turbodiesel. I'm pretty well versed in the mainstream gasoline mechanical world, but am itching to venture into the relatively unknown (to me) MB diesel universe.

Thanks,
Dan


DMM 12-23-2007 10:57 AM

Thanks for the info.......
 
Thanks for the information, especially junqueyardjim. That is practical advice I can do. There is an SD on Ebay here in Colorado Springs but I like the older round-headlight body style. A couple on Craigslist I'm going to see. Aside from obvious body differences, what else in different between the SD & a regular TD?

Thanks.

bgkast 12-23-2007 01:15 PM

TD is a wagon. The pre '85 SD and D have the same powertrain, but the SD is a larger and has more gizmos.

vwbuge 12-23-2007 05:39 PM

Sounds like you are looking for a W123 300D.

lietuviai 12-23-2007 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbus (Post 1712361)
Keep reading, I believe there is not a single MB diesel related issue that hasn't been discussed here. Welcome to the forum.

The main difference in "300 series turbodiesel" is the engine. There are 5 cylinders (up to 1985) and 6 cylinders (1986 and up). Both engines came with or without turbocharger, are equally reliable and fairly easy to maintain.

I've owned both models and they are not equally reliable and easy to maintain. The 6 cylinder model is no where near as reliable as the old 5 cylinder. There are numerous threads here about the troubles of the 603 6 cylinder engine, including cracked heads, bent rods, and rough running. These cars are rarer than the 617 equipped models so spares are harder to locate or be available at a reasonable price.
The only maintenance that is easy on both cars are the oil changes but oil filters are harder to find and more expensive for the 6 cylinder.

bill murrow 12-23-2007 06:12 PM

Yes, TD is a wagon but the TD doesn't stand for turbo diesel. It's touring diesel.

I've got the 300TD and a 240D with a stick, both of course the 123 body style. My wagon has aftermarket square headlights. The euros [meaning the ones sold in Europe] came with square headlights while all of the American versions have the round headlights. Both are great cars.

There are some parts that are very expensive for these cars. The ones that top the list are the oil cooler [located on the drivers side of the radiator], the tranny the A/C, the front end componets and the power steering pump. You'll want to check the cooler for signs of leaking, check the tranny fluid for the burnt smell and for leaks, and try the A/C. Drive it and see if it drives straight. Sometimes the tires can cause it to pull so its not always front end parts that need replacing. Check the power steering pump for leaks. There are seal kits available but I've found if the pump is leaking the shaft usually is grroved which means the unit will need replacing. Oh...one other thing is the climate control unit if so equipped but that can be repaired rather than replaced. The gauges in the instrument cluster are also quite pricey too but at times you can find good used ones for cheap.

I'm sure there are other expensive parts that I've left out but those are the main ones I've encountered.

Cheers,

Bill

airbus 12-23-2007 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lietuviai (Post 1713205)
I've owned both models and they are not equally reliable and easy to maintain. The 6 cylinder model is no where near as reliable as the old 5 cylinder. There are numerous threads here about the troubles of the 603 6 cylinder engine, including cracked heads, bent rods, and rough running.

I still own both of them and I've never experienced any major problems with either one. They are equally easy to maintain, and mainenance for me is more than just oil changes. As for parts, all parts for both cars are available in abundance (at least where I live) and if I can't find it at the local pick-n-pull, there's fastlane and as a last resort the dealership $$$. I compare this to my Volkswagen which I can't get parts for anymore even at the dealership.

toomany MBZ 12-24-2007 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe (Post 1712507)
They were made a bunch of different years. Which years are you interested in?

Yes, I believe all SD's were turbos, that would be a 116 chassis from 1979 to 1981, (four same size round clear head lights) from 1982 to 1985, 1986 to 1991 (SDL) a 126 chassis. ("square" headlights)
The 123's had two round head lights, and two smaller fog lights inboard, many were yellow. They started turbos around 1982, I think.

DMM 12-24-2007 10:32 PM

Turbodiesel advice - thank you all
 
Great advice & comments that I can use.

If anyone knows of a decent 300CD in Colorado, please let me know.

Thanks,
Dan

Hatterasguy 12-24-2007 10:44 PM

Keep reading. Look in the archives and learn about the trouble spots.

This is the best way to make an informed purchase. Remember MB's needing thousands in repairs will look and drive nicely.

My side hobby is picking apart used MB's.:D Lots of junk out their.


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