1984 300D Turbo Diesel from europe - "Manual Automatic Transmission"?? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TylerH860 · #16 07-04-2008, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

That MB mechanic that "confirmed" it thought you were BSing with him.

Not necessarily. There are a few older powerglide like transmissions that could be misunderstood with a similar description. Porsche is even coming out with some kind of dual clutch transmission.

#17 07-04-2008, 01:14 AM

Those are automated manuals, not manual automatics. Any automatic can be manually shifted by moving the selector but MB has never made an automatic that shifts like a powerglide.

crownsfan · #18 07-06-2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

And BTW thats not a Turbo.

Not to be stubborn, but it is. I can hear the turbocharger when I take the air filter off. Also, the locks are not automatic; they are manual.

sixto · #19 07-06-2008, 10:34 PM

The point is that car didn't leave the factory with a turbo. Maybe someone swapped in a turbo engine somewhere along the way.

Manual locks could be central locking that doesn't work

Sixto
87 300D

#20 07-06-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownsfan

Not to be stubborn, but it is. I can hear the turbocharger when I take the air filter off. Also, the locks are not automatic; they are manual.

If it does have a turbo, it's either not the original engine or someone added a turbo to the non-turbo engine (not good). Can you see the turbo under the air cleaner, it's pretty obvious?

C Sean Watts · #21 07-07-2008, 08:15 AM

I'm not sure MB ever did. The VW shifter looked just like a manual stick, with the same pattern but the car lacked a clutch pedal. The only time you use 1st or 2nd is the same as in an auto - steep hills. I think this model stayed in the German market, though.

winmutt · #22 07-07-2008, 08:16 AM

The only W123 turbo diesel produced in Europe was the 300TD.

crownsfan · #23 07-07-2008, 08:22 PM

The Turbo is right there, but only functions when the air cleaner is disconnected; As for the central locking system, there are no buttons for this, but would there be normally? Someone mentioned they may just be run by vacuum tubes or something. Clearly, I'm very new to all of this. Also, with what we have discovered about this 'machine' so far, would it even be worth putting any $$ into? It is not in great shape inside or out (was rear-ended before I got it) and I don't want to sink anyone money into it if nobody else will ever want it. hell, I only paid $450 for it in november when I bought it.

sixto · #24 07-07-2008, 08:55 PM

The turbo only functions when the air cleaner is off or you only hear it when the air cleaner is off? Maybe you can quantify - what's the 0-60 time with and without the air cleaner? 0-40 time should be different enough with and without turbo to help diagnose if you can't find a road to do a 0-60 timing safely and legally.

Central locking doesn't add buttons and switches. It's a purely mechanical system. There are vacuum pods at each lock and at the fuel filler flap. When you lock the driver door (or trunk?), all the locks lock. When you unlock the driver door, all the locks unlock.

Sixto
87 300D

300GD · #25 07-07-2008, 09:10 PM

The door locks are vacuum operated (or manual) so no, there won't be any power lock buttons. The system is designed so that your driver's door lock functions as the master switch.

You can determine if the engine is original by checking its serial number against the one given earlier. Check this page for the location of the number on the engine block.

If it is the original engine but with a turbo added, that's bad, as mentioned above. If it's a turbo engine swap, the fifth digit should be a "5".

I don't understand what you mean about the turbo only functioning with the air cleaner removed but it's not good to drive it around like that. The compressor vanes spin at extremely high RPM and need good, clean, filtered air hitting them. If you're just observing the engine at idle, the turbo shouldn't be doing any work, with or without the air cleaner.

To be honest, I think you're in a good position to just unload this car while you're still ahead (sorry). It has been said, there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. I bought mine not-so-cheap and have still been amazed at the money I've sunk into it, and I'm not nearly done yet.

winmutt · #26 07-08-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownsfan

The Turbo is right there, but only functions when the air cleaner is disconnected.

That is not the original engine then. No worries you are better off with the turbo.

vstech · #27 07-08-2008, 10:07 AM

better off, IF the turbo BLOCK was added when the turbo was... if somebody just put on a turbo and IP... then not so much.

JimmyL · #28 07-08-2008, 10:50 AM

Wanna bet he's calling that big bulbous intake a turbo? A pic of things would clear this matter up.
From the sound of things you should probably sell it and buy a Honda. Far less to mess with.......

vstech · #29 07-08-2008, 10:53 AM

do you have any pics of the turbo motor? can you see if a 617.951/952 is cast or painted on the block? euro's with turbo's are typically an add in. if it's on a .912 block you will not get near the longevity as you will with a true turbo block.
is there a working tachometer in the dash? or just a big clock. this is not conclusive evidence, because my euro TD came with turbo, but no tach... but it's something to look at.

Jetmugg · #30 07-08-2008, 12:33 PM

I see you are located in StLouis. Where in the StL metro area do you live? If you want to get together at some point, I'd be happy to take a look at your MB with you. Check my sig line - I've had a few of these cars and know how they are supposed to operate, and how they act when they are not right.

Your auto trans is definitely not acting right. Whether or not the car has had an engine swap can be determined by serial #'s. Whether it has a functioning turbo can be determined visually.

SteveM.