Another one joins the herd. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

winmutt · #1 09-14-2008, 02:19 PM

My dad was in a car wreck a few months ago and business hasn't been great so he was shopping for a budget car.

A mostly Honda family, I finally talked him into a Benz. This is what we got him

1981 240D auto with 225k miles. Car purrs like a top, engine still has the emergency stop directions on the valve cover! Suspensions etc in great condition. $1300. Took the car to 80mph on the highway without issue. Great little car, I hope he wins the lottery so I can have the car. Even with the auto I was suprised at how much get up and go the car had. We gave it a car wash in the test drive and most of the gunk came right off.

The only problem is that the radiator was leaking a bit after the 80mph run (but never ran above the 3/4 water temp mark). There are some other minor issues but overall the car is in great condition. Can't wait to turn some wrenches on it in the near future.

LUVMBDiesels · #2 09-14-2008, 02:39 PM

Very cool find!

JimmyL · #3 09-14-2008, 04:20 PM

Good job Mutt. I was going to say that I like your "future" car, but he may enjoy it so much he decides to keep it long term.

Too many folks have been whining about the slug-like nature of 240's, and especially automatic 240's. Not a thing wrong with them as long as you aren't expecting a Hemi..........

winmutt · #4 09-14-2008, 06:54 PM

It still pulled nicely at 70, quite surprising. With the sticker still on the valve cover I am confident in its care. The radiator was leaking a bit at the top when we got back from the drive, still a minor issue.

Anything special about an 81 auto 240d rediator? 300D will fit right? 240d doesnt have the transmission cooler lines right?

79Mercy · #5 09-14-2008, 07:41 PM

yeah they should have the same rad. Yes the 240D has tranny cooler lines too.

MBeige · #6 09-15-2008, 12:05 AM

Since it's A/T it should have the cooler lines at the bottom. Hope the neck is still good, the plastic necks tend to break maybe that's where the leak comes from?

Maybe it's just me, but that right rear wheel is made by Ronal...

Nowturbo · #7 09-15-2008, 02:12 AM

I am not positive about the difference in size, but on my 79 300d, I put a radiator out of a later model turbo, which I think is a tad larger in the tanks. I then made some brackets for the expansion tank on the inner fender, and put a 9 blade fan I got from a later model SD. After all of that(which was simple, and cheap...thanks pick-a-part

, there has not been anything so far that I can do to it to make it come close to overheating. Anyway, just my$.02 worth. Bob

toomany MBZ · #8 09-15-2008, 06:09 AM

Not sure on the sizes between the two.

winmutt · #9 09-15-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

Maybe it's just me, but that right rear wheel is made by Ronal...

??? They had some kind of odd white paint, I couldnt tell if it was on top or under the silver. I expected steelies.

SwampYankee · #10 09-15-2008, 10:18 AM

Nice pick up, 'mutt! Sorry to hear that your dad is going through a rough stretch. Hope it turns around soon! And you can get your "future car" back.

winmutt · #11 09-15-2008, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Car seems fine. No radiator problems. I emptied out the trunk and re-boxed
the stuff that he left. I'm leaving the trunk open to air out. Mom drove it
to the Y this morning and we decided that we would use the Mercedes as our
2nd car, and we would primarily use the Honda when we could. After we've
worked on it (ha-ha), I know she'll love it!! Be on the lookout for a
replacement drivers seat - same color!
Thanks so much for all your help!!!
OPA

Sounds like its gonna do the job

MBeige · #12 09-16-2008, 02:31 AM

If you look at the spokes, they're divided into three. The factory MB 14" ones only have two. The front right looks to be factory wheel. See if there is any indication on the outer face of the wheel that has any lettering. Aftermarket wheels usually have some kind of lettering on the outside, and factory MB wheels don't.

TylerH860 · #13 09-16-2008, 02:32 AM

Its been a long, fruitful MB harvesting season this year.

mrdjsk · #14 09-16-2008, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

If you look at the spokes, they're divided into three. The factory MB 14" ones only have two.

I'm not following you when you say "spokes." Can you tell me what aspect you mean by this? I've always wondered what the quickest way is to tell the difference between the factory and aftermarket alloy wheel.
(Also, who is the actual manufacturer of the OEM wheel? Just curious.)

winmutt · #15 09-16-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

If you look at the spokes, they're divided into three. The factory MB 14" ones only have two. The front right looks to be factory wheel. See if there is any indication on the outer face of the wheel that has any lettering. Aftermarket wheels usually have some kind of lettering on the outside, and factory MB wheels don't.

I would have expected steelies so it makes sense. Good thing I have a nice set of bundts for him.