Would you take on this 300D project?

[otto huber]

I'm going to look at a 300DT Sunday that blew it's engine. According to the seller the interior and exterior are excellent,AC blows cold and the transmission is only a year old w/one year left on the warranty(has paperwork). She asked for $1,000.00 and I offered $800.00 which she accepted. I will lower my offer if I see any red flags upon inspection. I figure the transmission is worth $400.00 alone.

My neighbor has a 617 turbo diesel engine in his '79 300sd(originally from a 123).
I drove in that car before it stopped going in reverse, and the engine is strong. However, it idles poorly and smokes at idle. I think it's a bad injector. He's tired of working on all of his Mercedes(2 wagons + 300sd) and is willing to sell me the 300sd for $1,000.00.

Since I'm happy with my 240D, I'd like to save this 300D from the junkyard and make a profit of at least $1,000.00 . Does anyone think I can get $3,000.00 for a clean 300DT in Northern Ca? Could the smoking and idle issues with the 617 engine be serious if the engine runs well? Thanks