My new 81 240D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 06-14-2008, 03:04 PM

Hello,

My new baby for fun and the weekend use, road trips, etc. - a 1981 MB 240D.

Just got it today. On the way to my home, it encountered an identical one that was in much poorer shape, but was running great after >1 million miles! (1.2MM, IIRC)

Anyway, here it is:

JHZR2 · #2 06-14-2008, 03:05 PM

JHZR2 · #3 06-14-2008, 03:05 PM

JHZR2 · #4 06-14-2008, 03:10 PM

shot these on my Nikon D300, with a 24-120 Nikkor lens, and since Im not on my mac, used IrfanView 4.10 for batch postprocessing to get the files to a reasonable size.

Unlike adobe on my mac, this program significantly mottles colors, shine and luster, and seems to make the images less sharp. Surely it is something Im doing, but Ive never really played with this program before...

The car averaged 36 MPG with the AC on coming from near Chicago to NJ.

The car was washed this AM, and since the paint is slightly oxidized, I applied a layer of Klasse AIO which helped some. Ill have to do another layer or two afterwards. I took off the GD sticker (Graeful Dead), and will have plates on it as of Monday.

It does need new engine mounts. The AC blows cold, but especially with the AC on, its more rough than my 300Ds ever were. I can tell the engine is vibrating too much. Im not sure that engine mounts are a DIY, so Ill have to see who Ill have do it.

Now I also have a real nice 85 300D with a new engine, just in need of some windshield and sunroof seals, and a small patch in the rear floor... however the wife's deal was I could get this one if I sold the other... so I guess Ill be selling it soon. I came to the decision that I love the w123 cars, but having another silver and blue 300D for sentimental reasons was kind of silly, so now Im giving a 240D a try...

Best,

JMH

cuban8 · #5 06-14-2008, 03:13 PM

Congrats! Great looking car.

I have an SD in that same color. A little bit rare.

280EZRider · #6 06-14-2008, 03:36 PM

I think you have found a gem, and clean! One of the nice things about your 240D is that you won't have to deal w/constant Climate Control problems.

The motor mounts are DIY job. While you're at it, you might as well replace the transmission mount too.

If you are replacing just the side felt strips for the sunroof, use any brand; it's a simple job. If you're doing the front seal, use Meyle brand; this will be the most difficult MBZ repair ever, as it is truly the job from hell. If you are doing the rear seal, the best is MBZ original. Rusty at *************** can get you one for $28 ($40 at the dealer). I have tried 2 aftermarket brands and they don't work well.

Your neighborhood looks nice! My dad was born in Collingswood. Enjoy your new 240D!

#7 06-14-2008, 03:39 PM

Looks very nice, clean car. Replace your brake fluid when you get a chance.

nissanzx1 · #8 06-14-2008, 05:28 PM

A classic! Congrats!

-GH

JimmyL · #9 06-14-2008, 06:16 PM

Looks like a very clean 240D! Nice.
Here is what you would look like with tinted windows:

jaschanks · #10 06-15-2008, 07:14 PM

Holy cow thats nice!!!! I have the exact same year and color combo but yours is MUCH
nicer. Mine has lots of rust and cosmetic issues but is in pretty good shape mechanically.
Mind if I ask how you got it and how much? Good luck, JEFF

jaschanks · #11 06-15-2008, 07:16 PM

....also, The engine mounts are not that hard. Check the prev. posts here for directions. If you have questions I will try to answer them. JEFF

pizzachef · #12 06-15-2008, 08:55 PM

This is OT from your car, but you mentioned it in your first post. I use Irfanview quite a lot at work to batch resize/rename photos, and I love it for its ease of use and keyboard commands. I'm not taking artistic pictures for work, so it doesn't matter if it flattens the colors or whatever. But at home, I have a mac and I haven't found a program that's as simple as Irfanview for batch resizing. What do you recommend?

And very nice car, by the way.

yellowbenz · #13 06-15-2008, 09:48 PM

Beautiful car. Thanks for sharing the great pictures.

JHZR2 · #14 06-15-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaschanks

Mind if I ask how you got it and how much?

Right place at the right time... seriously. Found it in the classifieds here on mercedesshop. I cant imagine a better place to find sweet old MBs, even if it is just leads from folks who have an eye out.

I paid a good deal. I paid a premium over the NADA classic value for the car, but the owner was top notch, I had a friend go and check it for me as well and he obliged, and he even brought it to me, special delivery.

JMH

JHZR2 · #15 06-15-2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzachef

This is OT from your car, but you mentioned it in your first post. I use Irfanview quite a lot at work to batch resize/rename photos, and I love it for its ease of use and keyboard commands. I'm not taking artistic pictures for work, so it doesn't matter if it flattens the colors or whatever. But at home, I have a mac and I haven't found a program that's as simple as Irfanview for batch resizing. What do you recommend?

And very nice car, by the way.

Irfanview is a great piece of SW, despite what it seems to do to the colors.

On the mac, I use photoshop and adobe imageready to batch process the files to size, jpeg quality and do other mods.

The auto levels, color and contrast on photoshop generally help the pictures, though the colors on my new D300 are so good, it really isnt necessary. All the same, I didnt like the auto color of Irfanview, when I tested it out.

Granted adobe is $$$...

JMH