Hi everyone-

I looked at what I thought was a 1984 300CD today. Burgundy with Palomino leather (not MB-Tex) interior, 146K miles.

The engine was a 1984 setup, the sticker on the door jam said that the car complied with 1985 automobiles. And the metal plate on the jam said that it was made in 11/84.

Running the VIN through Carfax tells me it's a 1985 300CD.

What's up with that? Has anyone ever experienced this before? Did MB just have a few more 1984 engines that they put into 1985 model year cars?

It this is right, I've hit a small jackpot. I hate that Trap Oxidizer setup that my previous 1985 had.

Thanks,

Craig

I thought all 300 diesels imported to the USA in 1985 had the Trap Oxidizer.

I might be wrong, maybe only California cars in 1985 had the trap. That would mean that this car wasn't headed for California when new.

Anyone know?

Craig

A 11/84 is a 1985 model year car. I think everything after september is the following year. example: 2/84 is MY 1984, 10/84 is MY 1985.

You will know if you have a california version if your air filter is small and mounted near the front by the radiator with a very long akward breather tube.

John

I had a California 300CD that I sold a few months ago, now I miss it and I'm looking for another.

I thought that all 300CD's bound for the USA in 1985 had the trap. I guess it was only the California version.

Thanks,

Craig

You have a true/honest 1985 spec car. I have an 85, built and shipped in late August, so, the September theory does not hold (Sorry John). And yes, not all 85s had traps, only the Cali versions did... All 86's did have traps! The latest built 1985 car I've seen was a July 85! So this means, my 85 is almost a year older! Just goes to show how the model years can really vary! In fact, I am venturing to say I own one of the first 1985 spec cars, for she was built on Aug 24, 1984.

Sounds good to me. Before I sold my blue 300CD, I had the intake manifold gasket replaced. The mechanic told me that it's MUCH harder to replace on the models with the Trap.

There was so much that had to come off in order to get the gasket out and replace. You would have thought that the engine was being rebuilt.

Having the CD checked tomorrow by my front end guy. It looks good to me. No oil leaks, LEATHER in good shape, 146K.

The only thing I don't care for are the European headlights. They are Bosch and the lenses are pitted. I might change them back to the USA style if I can't find replacements.

Anyone know were to get new ones? I looked at Bekker and they don't mention them for a W123.

There are pictures on my website.

Thanks,

Craig
www.homepage.mac.com/dcraigk

Randall,

Is the tenth digit of your VIN "F"? If it is, you have a 1985 model.

It is true that only the 85 Calif 300D/SD have the traps but, I think, the 86 diesels have no traps. The diesel cars being sold in the US in 1986 were 300SDL (6-cyl 3.0L 603 engine with turbo) and 190D (5-cyl 2.5L 602 engine without turbo). The 1986 300SDL was not sold in Calif, but the 190D was sold in all States. All had no traps. Being in California for many years, I have never seen a 1986 300SDL. Correct me if I am wrong.


David

As it turns out, the car was a 1985 federal version without the trap.

I called the guy selling the car today and he sold it. I hope he got his price because there was no way I was going to pay $6000 for a salvage title. I told him I'd only pay $3500.

Too bad. The interior was leather and was really as close to new that there could be. The outside was nice also. I'm not sure why Allstate trashed it. Must have been the age.

Still a bummer.

Craig

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1972 & 1974 BMW 2002tii's.