Just bought a 240D!!!
 

Yesterday i came across a 81' 240D that was owned by an old lady its whole life (one owner). The car has extensive service records for its whole life. Looking through the maintenance booklet it even looks like most of the time the lady had it in for service ahead of time :) The car has 207k on it.

The car just recently had brand new tires put on it (less than 100 miles ago) and the brake system (new, pads, etc.) was all replaced a few thousand miles ago.

So, after a little bit of haggling got it for $1800!

The car really drives nice. Well ... other than the fact, this is easily the least powerful car i have ever driven :)

The car is by no means perfect as it is a 25+ year old car. The paint is really nice, but does have plenty of chips and one spot that the Texas sun has gotten too. I brand new paint job would make this car look perfect.

The interior is in perfect shape, other than a few cracks in the dash. Another 25+ year Texas sun problem. Nothing a $100 dash cover wont fix.

Other than that the only concern i have right now is the car seems to shake more than it should at IDLE, when in drive. This does not happen when in park. Once it hits about 5 MPH the shake stops and it rides perfectly smooth. What could cause this and what should i look for? The car seems to idle perfect, just has a big time shake when in drive at a stop sign.

I am really trying to decide what to do with this car. I was not looking for a 240D, but had to buy it due to the rarity of a one owner with all the service records. Plus, i got a good price.

Its either, keep it and slowly bring her back to mint condition, or sell it and let someone else enjoy her.

hmmm what to do, what to do :)

You didn't say weather it was manual or automatic. I would check the engine mounts for the vibration problem first. At that milage and years, the rubber is probably shot.
Tom

It is an Auto ... Wish it was a manual :)

Congratulation's on your new ride, The shake could be a bad motor mount. Check the driver side as fuel often leaks on that mount and destroys it.

What part of Texas are you in? Gonna make it to the GTG in November? We'd like to see the car. Uh, pics will do in the mean time. ;)
Congrats.

I am in Dallas ...

I have no idea if i will make GTG or not :)

I will post pictures when i get a chance to take them.

Joey

A bad injector or two has usually been the source of rough idling in my 240D.

It is more than likely the motor mounts. The idle is fine ... very smooth. The motor just vibrates the car really bad when in drive at a stop sign. When it is in park she purrs like a kitten.

First of all -- CONGRATUALIONS on joining the Diesel family.
Join the Mercedes Club of America and the local chapter -- it is well worth it.

Motor mounts and the engine shocks (if the 240D has them) Do a search on replacing motor mounts and you wil lfind step by step guides on how to do it.

If the car has not been run for a while, you should take her out on the highway and floor it. (Italian Tune Up)

You should also look up Diesel Purge and do one. It is easy and really cleans out the injectors.

Best of luck!

I may need to do a good ol' Italian tune up. It looks like the car has only 3,000 miles put on it over the last 4 years.

Congratulations. You got a great deal on a fantastic car. Your shaking problem at idle may well be motor and tranny mounts. You should go about replacing all three right away. At that age and milage they will be shot. If I remember correctly my 81 240D did not have engine mount shock's so you probablay wont have those to worry about.
Pic's please soon as you can.

- Peter.

Hey guys,

I have not had a chance to take a picture of the car yet, but i had all the service records in my house, so thought i would take a picture of them. Starts from day one with the original window sticker and receipt on the front :) Nice and organized.

The car is China Blue .... and i was not sure if i would like it at first, but it is growing on me.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/1318/DSC02936.JPG

keep or sell?
depends on wether you can flip it.
you paid about the right price for it.
you may be able to make a few bucks because of its fine records.

Inspect the records and see where it stands mechanically.

so, to make $700 or spend $700 and keep 'er, that is the question.

You decide.:)

congrats

Just saw a note on the car that was from a guy wondering if i wanted to sell it. Maybe that is a sign it is worth keeping :)

If you live in Dallas, you ought to update your profile saying so. JimmyL who lives close to Dallas is a well known guy on the forum.

There's a sticky in the forum list about the Texas GTG.