This past weekend I picked up my "new" 79 300SD in Denver and drove nonstop (except for quick fuel, coffee and driver pitstops) to Detroit in just over 19 hrs. Car ran like a clock, except at idle - mounts are shot, being replaced. Under highway light-load it was very smooth as the motor apparently "floated" above the frame. A BIG plus.

Goods: The car is quite a piece of machinery. The engine is particulary nice, but the whole thing is pretty luxo. Great mileage, drove 1270 miles with 1 finger on the wheel a lot of the time. Cruise works. Bulp replacements fixed all but 1 RF parking light (signal works).

Bads: Tach doesn't work, need pass side "Euro style" headlamp parts(lens at least), radio reception poor (antenna?), sticky sunroof needs hand help, brake pedal not great (trying fluid flush first), driver's door window chassis broken (need replacement)

Thanks so much for tips and such... hope my first M/B Diesel experience continues to be so rewarding. Dave Larson

Hehe, now you know what they mean when they say "Once you drive a Benz.....!"

Get some sliding sunroof paste (MB name) from a dealer or indy mechanic or have them lubricate the sunroof sliding parts. This is usually all that is wrong, and the MB stuff is special -- has a large amount of detergent additive in it, for instance -- and is the only thing that will restore the proper operation of the sunroof. It only comes from MB in 500 gram containers, so you will need to "sponge" some or have it done unless you want a lifetime supply for the entire neigborhood!

These cars drive a dream, even old ones, so long as the suspension and drive train are OK!

Enjoy!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!