'82 300sd
 

Well, the 190D was sold out from under me... so I'm looking for another MB now... I looked on Craigslist, and there is a 1982 300SD for $1000 OBO... it looks (from the pictures) like it's in decent shape... The only issues he said need looked at, is it needs a new winshield, the dash lights don't work... and the drivers side door doesn't open from the inside... is it worth a second look? I'm asking y'all since I don't have any friends in the area that would be able to go with me to look at it that know MB cars it seems... ( I hope I'm not posting too much for being such a newbie...:()

300 sd
 

I'm assuming this is it.

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/811548100.html

Yes it is, sorry I should have posted the link ... I guess I'll have to figure out how to put links in here :)

I would think the door problem is a linkage issue, so you'll have to pull the panel to work on it.
How many miles, anything else not work? Cruise control, windows, A/C, etc.
Kind of a vague posting on C'list.

I'll be checking it out tomorrow afternoon if it's not sold already, I emailed on it... but it's hard to know for sure... I'll check out the things you mentioned, although the cruise control isn't THAT big of an issue for me... (I've been driving my parents Nissan Sentra manual :P it doesn't have cruise... ) Any thoughts on it are appreciated... I just don't want to get a lemon for my first car..........

What is the overall quality of the 617? Are there any major issues I should look out for? I'm hoping for short answers, I have been doing searches on the engines in the forums... but I'm still too new to really understand what all was said...

Well, I got a response from the seller... she said the transmission shifts good... I will need to do an oil change on it... I figure I'll replace all the filters, and change the various oils out... at least that was my thought... Hopefully before tomorrow is out, I'll have possession of it :D I hope y'all don't mind my asking plenty of questions this week so I make sure it's in good working order... (My judgement on things mechanical isn't as good as most of y'all, I'm 17....)

$1000 looks like a fair price, try to talk him down to $800 or $900 though, then you can buy your self a new radio.

Make sure the engine is stone cold when you go to test drive it. It should start quickly and easily after the glow plug light goes off. Check carefully for rust and take a magnet along to be sure that the hood and trunk are the original aluminum pieces. If not you can try to talk him down some more on the price.

Okay, my original idea was to offer $800, and haggle up to $1000 if they didn't take the $800. Thanks for the tips on what to check, I already know to check well for rust... I've got several magnets around here... I'll take one of them along... I'll probably be leaving to check it out around 12:30 CT tomorrow, so any other tips I get between now and then to check on I'll put on my list :D

A lot of interior rattles are normal. And yes, start it COLD. Check for any unusual smoke.
Good luck.

Okay, sounds good! Erm, does it work to put diesel in a gas can as long as the can isn't used for storing/transporting gas again? Or do I have to get a diesel specific can... Is it any harder to change the oil on these than a 'normal' gas engine?

I have used gas cans for diesel for years... it's not right, but it works. the thing about changing oil is you need to change the copper washer on the drain plug, and there is a large o-ring on the oil filter canister top, and two very small o-rings on the oil filter shaft. get the small o-rings ahead of time. some filter brands have the crush washers with the filter, some don't. check the box before you drain the oil. the large o-ring has come with every filter I have ever bought.

Fuel cans are just that, fuel cans. doesn't matter what you put in them, generally, as long as you don't get confused which is which and refill a machine with the wrong fuel.


Oil change on these engines is as simple as pulling the plug out the bottom, pulling the filter off the top, putting a new filter in, putting the drain plug back, and refilling the oil. Some will recommend a vacuum suction device to pump the oil out painfully through the dipstick tube. This is fine if you want to... but particularly in the position of being 17 and needing a cash reserve for the car - I'm 19 and in the exact same position - I'd save that money for a repair instead of a vacuum oil changing toy.

Take a good close look at the condition it's in before you buy it... if it looks like it's been beat to smithereens, it probably has been. The missing hood star (I think it's missing... I could just be looking at that picture badly) is a major clue to me that they definitely weren't concerned with repairing every issue as it occurred, and weren't particularly concerned about keeping it in like-new condition. Not saying it's a sale killer, esp. if you get it for $1k or less.... but just keep an eye on it. You don't want something that's going to be more trouble to fix than it's worth.

Okay, I'll just use one of dads gas cans and keep using it for a spare...:P

I'll be looking at this one VERY closely, especially now that I've been looking on here and have a better idea of what to look for.

I should easily be able to change the oil then, I've been doing it on the family cars for the last several years...

Oil changes on the MB are actually easier thanon most cars as you remove the filter from the top and don't get that nice stream of hot oil runnig down your arm.

Change the oil hot and make sure that you use diesel rated oil (Shell Rotella 15W40 for dino oil is good or Rotella 5W40 for synthetic is good)

Check very carefully along the plastic body cladding as these cars tend to rust where the plastic meets the metal. Check the rear wheel openings. Check the area around the back glass as well.

Get a bunch of fuel and oil filters. I usually buy four oil filters (Bosch or Mahle) four primary fuel filters ( clear plastic inline dealies) and two secondary fuel filters (look like 'oil' filters and live near the front of the engine up on top of the power steering pump. The gizmo with the linkage directly in front of the secondary filter is the cruise control actuator.

If you buy the car, look up 'Diesel Purge' on this site and follow the instructions on how to do a purge. Then change the oil, transmission fluid, we have a drain plug on the torque converter so you can drain that too, brake and power steering fluids.

I change my oil, go about 2500 miles than change the filter then go an additional 2500 miles before changing the oil again, but I use synthetic. If you use dino, do the filter at 1500 and the change at 3000...


GOOD LUCK!

Also take a look at the front end suspension rubber. It will likely be old and cracked, but that's just one more haggling point. Also bounce the car by pressing on the front bumper and listen for squeaks.

You should also take a look at the condition of the oil cooler lines and engine mount rubber. These last items will likely need replacement, and it is easiest to do them at the same time. I had to do them on my "new" '82 SD.

Okay... I think I'm going to need to make a list of all this stuff before I leave :D Not that I'm complaining...:) Any other suggestions? Thanks for all the hints/tips/suggestions so far

Things to check
 

Check for fuel leaks around the injectors and injection pump, oil leaks- valve cover, oil pan, turbo drain and oil filter canister. Check trunk for any water intrusion. Check power windows operation and sunroof operation. Gently lift up the air cleaner and see if there is any play(this would indicate broken air cleaner mounts). Check for any unusual noises. Make sure the engine turns off properly with the ignition key. Check belts. Try to test drive it even if its in a yard or driveway. Even with checking it as much as you can you will probably still find some minor issues after you buy it, but thats what this website is for. Good luck.

Okay, I'm definitely making a list :D I don't dare try to remember all of the stuff to check now...:P Thanks for all the responses... I'll probably be leaving to check on it within the next hour and a half... so any more hints/tips I get between now and when I leave I'll add to the list (I'll post a short note when I leave) And I'll let y'all know what's happened when I get home later this evening... hopefully I'll have a car... but if not, oh well...:)

Look between the firewall and the wall in front. leaves and junk get in there and can cause rust issues. there are drains on either side that will get plugged up.

also under the battery can be rust issues from the battery acid. on my 84 there as a hole rusted through the firewall from the acid and neglect. had to patch that. so if owner will let you remove battery and tray for a peek would be good.

look under the carpets for rust in the floor pans. rust can be between the undercoating and not see it.

check rockers and wheel arches, around rear tail lights where they seal against the body.

lift up the carpet and lid in trunk and check the spare and for tools/jack and any rust in the tub. kind of hard to lift out the trunk liners in the quarters, but there are drains under them and could be rust there. look under the car to see the rubber drains. check to see if they are open.

there are MB shop members in your area, one in SAILOR15015 with a85 300D. he is in Norman, Ok. not far from you. do a member search and maybe PM him.

Charlie

Don't be in a rush, take your time. Their are a ton of good MB diesels out their for a grand. If this car is beat to hell, pass, a good one will come along.

I can't really tell anything from the crappy pictures.

A 300SD is a good car, no reason to be afraid of a good one.

Okay... I'll have to see, it looks like I won't be going to look at it until later this afternoon... Part of the reason I want to get it now, is so I can get a job when I get back from visiting my GF... and I want to surprise her by showing up also :P But maybe I'm just being young and dumb........ What's the difference between the '81 300SD and the '82 300SD? There is one about 2 and a half hours away... (http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/798163104.html) It's a little more... and it'd be harder to get mom away from work long enough to go look at it... is there an advantage to one over the other? The lady with the '82 300SD said it was beat up some... so I'm not sure what that means...

1981-85 were pretty much all the same. MB doesn't change much from model year to model year.

I think the only big difference is the 81 should have the 85mph speedo.

Would I be able to switch the 85mph speedo out with a bigger one? I figure if so it'd be the whole 'cluster'(not sure if that's the right word)...

Sure if you want, they slip right out with some coat hangers.

Thats why you can't trust the mileage on these unless the cars condition, story, and maintence records support it.

When in doubt 12k-15k times its age seems to get you in the ballpark.

Its not really necessary to swap the cluster/speedo with a higher one since at 85mph you're already in the "going to get pulled over for sure" zone. :D ;)

These cars are not exactly S600's either...:D 85 is moving pretty good...

Okay, thanks for all the tips... I'll be leaving in the next few minutes... so I'll let y'all know how it went when I get back this evening... and I'm taking a magnet :D I'll be taking my computer so I can check the different points that have been mentioned... Thanks again...

This guy has only owned it a few weeks, wonder how many few weeks it has been? registration should list it.

The previous owner probably put on the new tires, look for record, or any records. second set of wheels, maybe you could sell them to help out with other repairs.

burns no oil, Iam sure it uses some oil, he probably doesn`t see a trail of blue behind him. look for oil leaks, oil cooler lines especially the lower one at the cooler. the oil cooler is the the small radiator next to the big one. for some reason the lower one is the one I always see leaking at the crimp on all the used cars I have seen.

spongy brakes. could just need a flush, or maybe the master is going. look in the master cylinder reservor for the fluid level. the back half is for the front brakes and front for the rear. there is a wall that seperates the 2 halves. both sides should be full, if it`s coffee colored easy to see the level. brake fluid should be clear, dark and it needs to be flushed. Black and it may never have been flushed.
Look at the brake hoses at each wheel for leaks.

While looking under the rear look at the rubber boots either side of the Differential. these are the CV joints or 1/2 shafts. they should not be torn open. I`ve seen some hanging in shreads. It`s a few bucks $$$ to replace them.

I think on the SD there is a plastic piece in the window regulator that breaks that can be replaced. my R/R is like that (note to self). or it could be the regulator itself.

One of these 2 cars the door wouldn`t open from the inside.
this could be your Dukes of Hazzard car with Class:). just jump in and out of the window.

If you do decide to change the spedo from another car, they are matched to the Differential gear ratio of ea car. so if you car is say a 3:07 and you put in a 2:47, 2:88, 3:69 etc... it will be off by that % difference.


Charlie

Well, I went and looked at the '82 300SD... I'll be getting it tomorrow for $800... It's not in the best of shape... and I figure all y'all are going to get me for being 'dumb' and a lot of other things... :P I probably shouldn't have gotten it with the shape it's in... but oh well... I figure I'll fix it up and sell it to get me a better one... :) It is by no means the final car I'll want...

It's hard to beat $800 for a runner.

How is the paint?

Well, it needs new paint, I was taught how to do that... so I'll sand it down.... and then get the paint and I have access to a paint booth and the equpiment... so I'll paint it...

Nice to see a youngster that is up for a little work and happy to get a car that needs some tlc,most of the kids i see these days are so damn spoiled they would not even consider an old car that needs some work.They expect Daddy or Mommy should buy them a new one and not a basic model either.Congratulations on your first car! You will find this place to be the most useful group of people to be found anywhere on the internet.Keep on reading and learning and use the search function alot.Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question if it helps you learn, and every knowledgeable person on this forum was once in your shoes and had alot to learn,nobody was born knowing all this stuff. WELCOME Don

:D Well, as I see it... a car doesn't have as much 'character' unless you've worked on it to get it all fixed up... And you don't really 'Know' the car completely until you've had to work on it for a while... it does have a bit of rust... There is one major issue that I won't mention yet for fear that some people will get me for deciding to get the car period...

The car I'd like to fix up, which I have, but can't afford to fix, is a '79 Fiat X1/9... so I'm not set against old cars...

I don't like american cars, and I don't like asian cars... so that kinda limits me to european cars :D I know that my family can't/won't get me the car that I really want... and I'm having enough troubles borrowing the cash to get this one (Dad doesn't think diesels are the way to go AT ALL... more on the reasons why in the next several months :P) Are there any other members in the OKC area? or relatively close? I might regret going ahead and getting this car... but oh well, it'll teach me somethin'...

Barike,
I am in Tuttle. I have an 84 300SD. I am no expert on MB but I can fix most things with my vehicles.
With the help of the good folks on this forum, information is available for just about any issue that may come up.
Congrats on your new MB diesel. If there is anything I can help with give me a shout.

Okay thanks! Sounds good! I'm over north of Harrah on NE 63'd... So I'll get in touch if I just plain need to SEE how something should go :P If that's okay at least... Once the car started... it sounded REALLY good... the battery was dead... and it took a bit for it to get enough of a charge to start (it's been sitting for several months)... So I'm hopeful I'm getting a decent deal

Ok good, welcome to MB ownership. this is the start of a new learning curve. If you have a Pick N Pull type JY in your area, that is a good place to take things apart to learn how they come apart. If you break it, oh well.

There are probably other members in your area that will bubble to the surface to help and guide you along the way.

Charlie

I'll have to check out the local PNP's in the area... I'd think some of them would have MB's... I'll just have to figure out which one :D

Well, it seems that mom didn't see as much in the car as I did... So I won't be able to get an MB yet... :( I guess I'll have to get some cheap car to drive until I can afford to buy my own MB... Oh well... Thanks for all the tips and support... I guess I'll have to just lurk for a while... 'twas nice talking to y'all... And I'll be around when I get a diesel MB... if I'm ever able to.......

Well, sorry it didn't work out. As a father of 4 I'm not going to question your parents' decision to block the purchase of this car. I will say that if one of my kids wanted to buy an $800 diesel M-B and work on it himself I would probably condone the idea. Tinkering and fiddling with cars is fast becoming a thing of the past, especially with the younger set, and I hate to see it die completely.
Plus all my kids' teenage friends like my 240D and check it out when I'm under the hood. These cars have character.
I had actually seen the same car for sale and pondered looking at it but decided I have too much going on at the present time.
Good luck. You'll find one.

If any of y'all hear about a diesel MB in good shape... that gets preferably at least 25-27mpg... that's for sale and that I could get for and to central oklahoma for roughly $1500... send me a PM if you wouldn't mind... I still want an MB, and I don't think mom would object if it was in good shape... the one I thought I was getting didn't have the A/C unit at all... and I think it was the dipstick that was missing... so yeah, the paint doesn't have to be that great... but I dunno... I doubt I'll hear of one... so oh well....

Well that is too bad you didn`t get it, but when living under Mom & Dad`s roof there are certain guide lines to follow. and if you are borrowing from them to buy a car, they don`t want you to get burned of some old wreck. Even when it is your money they will still want control.

By you getting an old MB and doing all you DIY work you will learn invaluable knowledge along with help here on the forum.

when I was in High school, my Dad didn`t want some old piece of junk sitting in front of his house. so I didn`t learn much in the way of auto mechanics. It was after the Navy my learning curve began for me.
Now I have a front yard full of old junkers, and they still don`t understand. they still want to control me and I have been out of the Navy 42 yrs.:eek:. after all, Iam am still their little boy:rolleyes:.

So print the Posts in this thread from the advice given to you so you will have it in hand when you go looking for the next MB. There is one out there with your name on it.

Charlie

My dad refused to let me get a MB at first, now he just accepts it. After the 2nd they get used to the idea.:D

Well, things are looking up a little bit... it's a 'SLIM' possibility that I'll be able to get that '81 300SD that's up north a ways... it's in GOOD condition though... I posted the link a page or so ago... but I'll put it up again (http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/798163104.html) If mum lets me get it, I'll post another thread and delete this one most likely... since I would have a different year :P I'll keep this one open between now and when I find out what's going on though... I'm really hoping that I can get it... I think one thing that is making a difference... some friends that live around the corner, are selling an '89... dare I say the name... *Daniel drops his voice to a whisper* Audi...:sneaky: for $1200 that needs a lot of work... And gets a LOT less fuel mileage... so we'll see... I'll keep y'all posted... I'm hoping to be able to get my license tomorrow also :D

Well its good to know there is a forum member lives in oklahoma, anyways this guy have been trying to sell this car for a very long time so be caution about it because he may be letting this car sit, bring it down to 750 or even 500 this car is going to need some work, i hope he pull out the radio properly or else you going to have one hell of a eletrical work to do...

the car in tulsa well 30 mpg is a total BS the best is 26 or less, now this car is worth getting push down the price to 1000 or 750 than that when you got a BIG STEAL, i still cant beleive i pushed down a 1984 300SD that cost $2000 to $750 :eek:...

Word of advice on audi's: NEVER PURCHASE ANY BELOW 1995 THEY ARE A HEADACHE TO FIX...

well good luck on your purchase

I'm for sure that I don't want the '82 300SD that's down in Midwest City... The main thing now is finding out if the '81 300SD up in Bartlesville is still available... and if Mom would be able to go up there either tomorrow or Friday to look at it and hopefully get it... I'm really hoping I can get it... but we'll see......

Out of curisoty is this your ad? i herd you mention that you were selling a 190D

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/807844500.html

No, that is the one that is just a couple miles east of me... (I'm on NE 63'd...) That's the one I wanted... Mom and I went to look at it... the guy said he'd hold it for us... but the next day his wife sold it :( So that one is no longer on the market... Or if you find out it is let me know! I still really want it!!!!

What about an '83 300D? Would that be a decent starter vehicle for me? I found one that is I think low mileage (190,000) and in 'good shape' I'll be going to look at it later this evening... we'll see how it turns out... I'm still hopeful that I'll be able to get an MB in the next little while... we'll see though... If I get much deeper with it I'll post a new thread for it... the '81 300SD must have already been sold, my emails aren't going through now....

That would be a 123 chassis, many declare they are the last of the German tanks.
I tend to agree.
Same engine, not as refined a ride, but easier to work on, and fewer interior rattles/squeaks/failures.