I'll be taking my newly-purchased 1982 240D to a foreign-motors place for the state inspection and also to have them give it a general look over. The inspection has to be done within 10 days.
I asked them whether its current vacuum leak, which results in it shutting off sometimes but not others, is an inspection item. The guy on the phone said he'd have to check, but mentioned that if I bought this for transportation and not as a show car, there's an easy solution:

Cap off the vacuum system, so that it's no longer running to the doors and trunk. While I'd no longer have power door locks, this should come close to eliminating future vacuum leak problems.

Anyone done this? Any reason I shouldn't?

Depends on where your leak is - if it's in the door lock/fuel filler cap/trunk branch - yes, it may help.

There are other branches - and no need to pay your mechanic for this. Find your vac diagram and start plugging away with golf tees.

I've had my door system off the loop for a couple of months now - I found the leak with my mitivac - but I prefer a smoother shifting tranny versus power locks. I'll fix it when it's warmer.

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1981 240d - 135k - Arlene

Again, the search feature will give you the answer.

Do you have a Mity-Vac? Essential tool to have.

If so, have you checked the shut off valve on the IP, does it hold vacuum?

There is a yellow valve behind the oil filter adapter, should be a green vacuum line and I think a black or brown vacuum line. Green is for the lone vacuum pod on the 240's Type I heat/ac controls. The other one is for the central locking. Plug off the other one.

Again, there is extensive information available how to trace vacuum leaks on the 123 chassis, just do a search.
Alan

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DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, DON'T BE A HACK
Political Correctness is NOT part of my vocabulary
and finally FIGHT CRIME...SHOOT BACK

'82 240D Stick
'85 300D Auto
Drove my first MB at age 16 1960 300SL W190