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  #16  
Old 05-21-2009, 12:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keebler64 View Post
I got it for $2500, seeing as how the A/C needs to be recharged and the rear window regulators didn't work.

EDIT: I hope its not a faux pas to disclose my purchase price.
Nah, not a faux pas. Your allowed to brag.

I was thinking that 3-4k would have been a great deal. 2500 is fantastic - the only issue is the AC. That can be a bit pricey, but still a smoking deal for such a nice car. even if the AC cost 1k to fix (and it might) 3.5k for that car is an absolute steal!

I paid 6800 for my SDL. I paid a bit more than I should have (maybe 1000 or so), but it was worth it to me. I got it with 153,914 miles on her but everything working, no cracks in the dash, nice paint, etc.

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86 300 SDL - Vesuvius

96 SL 500

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  #17  
Old 05-21-2009, 12:05 AM
pawoSD's Avatar
Dieselsüchtiger
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 15,438
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keebler64 View Post
Thanks all for the warm welcome.

Did all '85 300SDs come with leather? The guy at the dealership thought it was MB-tex, (granted he was my age and I didn't get a feeling he particularly knew much about my car, or diesels for that matter.) When I said, well, it feels a lot like leather, he said, "Mercedes had a company specifically design a Vinyl to feel and act like leather. So its really hard to tell."

And if thats the case, I should probably remove the armorall that was applied by the detailers, yes?

I'm familiar and confident with most automotive principles, as well as mechanically inclined to do most of the work myself. However, for the sake of record keeping and resale value. Wouldn't it behoove me to take it to a certified shop to maintain its value? Or is it beyond really doing that at this point? With my '02 VW Jetta TDI, I did all the work myself because I don't think they'll ever be considered true classics, nor be worth much in the future.

However, these old MB's, while still readily available. In 10-15 years, they seem like they'll be rather collectable in good condition. This question primarly pertains to the water pump and belts and generally most work that has to deal with the mechanical longevity of the engine. Brakes, CV boots and regular maintenance items are a no-brainer of course.


Again, thank you all.
Christopher
Its not important to take it to a "certified shop" to have repairs done, most repairs you can probably do yourself, but if you do go to a shop, make sure its one where they know what they are doing. Keeping records of all the stuff you replace is a good thing to do, and perhaps the most important in terms of records.

The 300SD is a very durable and reliable vehicle, I've had mine for 6 years/75,000+ miles and it has never left me stranded. I've done many repairs (preventative), but overall its a very inexpensive vehicle to maintain in my opinion.

The MB tex has a more "spongy" feel to it than the leather, the leather feels more natural....not that the Tex is bad, but I prefer Leather. My dad and brother have tex in their cars, and I don't think its as comfortable....most SD's do have leather, but tex was always an option. I would treat it with proper leather conditioner.

$2500 is a good deal for that car!! Considering the low miles that engine has a looong ways to go. I would check the records for the last time it had a valve adjustment though, that seems to be one of the most overlooked maintenance items for that engine....and aside from oil changes its also just about the only regular maintenance it needs. (every 15k or so)
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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)
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  #18  
Old 05-21-2009, 12:09 AM
Ran when parked.
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Aix, France and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Posts: 294
Holy damn that's a good find.
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  #19  
Old 05-21-2009, 12:28 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: West of Ft. Worth. TX
Posts: 4,186
Wow! that is a great find!

Probably the best indy in Ft. Worth is Auto Heinz. The owner is an elderly gentleman that has worked with MB's for ages and folks say that many of his mechanics were dealer trained. Note his shop is "German clean" and I have heard many folks say they are top notch in honesty and quality. There are several other indys that are experienced with the older MB's.
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84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )
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  #20  
Old 05-21-2009, 04:51 AM
Hit Man X's Avatar
I LOVE BRUNETTES
 
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Location: FUNKYTOWN
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keebler64 View Post
Thanks all for the warm welcome.

Did all '85 300SDs come with leather? The guy at the dealership thought it was MB-tex, (granted he was my age and I didn't get a feeling he particularly knew much about my car, or diesels for that matter.) When I said, well, it feels a lot like leather, he said, "Mercedes had a company specifically design a Vinyl to feel and act like leather. So its really hard to tell."

And if thats the case, I should probably remove the armorall that was applied by the detailers, yes?

I'm familiar and confident with most automotive principles, as well as mechanically inclined to do most of the work myself. However, for the sake of record keeping and resale value. Wouldn't it behoove me to take it to a certified shop to maintain its value? Or is it beyond really doing that at this point? With my '02 VW Jetta TDI, I did all the work myself because I don't think they'll ever be considered true classics, nor be worth much in the future.

However, these old MB's, while still readily available. In 10-15 years, they seem like they'll be rather collectable in good condition. This question primarly pertains to the water pump and belts and generally most work that has to deal with the mechanical longevity of the engine. Brakes, CV boots and regular maintenance items are a no-brainer of course.


Again, thank you all.
Christopher


Tex seats have those ribs or whatever all the way to the end where you sit. If that makes any sense.

At best it'll always be a $4k car (basically what you said being worth lots of cash in the future... I mean who pictures themselves driving an old IDI '80s Diesel Mercedes but us ), just service it yourself and keep up with the receipts of the parts purchases. Those with a good eye can point out what's been done if you have to sell in the future. At least that's my take, the money you'll save can be used for so many other things.

YES, the Armor-All needs to come off the seats ASAP as well as the dash. The dash on the early cars loves to crack, so treat it with some quality conditioner.



AC is a pain the ass on the W126 body, I'm STILL working on mine but my SD was a pretty much a junkyard car when purchased. You would not believe how dirty the system was due to lazy PO's just slapping on new compressors. So when you fix it, spend the time to do it properly.

If you take it somewhere, this could easily cost you the price of the car due to the sheer amount of labor that goes into this. Keep the system R12 and inspect all of the vacuum "pods" behind the dash that direct air flow while apart.



Replace all the fuses as well as clean the contacts and then retry the windows also inspect switches. Regulators rarely fail and motors rarely do. Parts generally tend to fail from lack of use on these cars.



Lastly, the trans is to shift fairly firm on these cars and there is a real filter in the pan PLUS the torque converter has a drain plug. These all need to be done to service properly.
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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

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  #21  
Old 05-21-2009, 12:22 PM
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Good job!
I'd be leery of a dealer that uses Armor All. It is odd also that the water pump needs replacing, but it's possible. Is it leaking?
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  #22  
Old 05-21-2009, 06:16 PM
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Wow great find, especially for the money! Welcome to the forum!
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Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
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- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth
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  #23  
Old 05-21-2009, 06:33 PM
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska
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That's awesome, I love that silver paint! It looks so clean! Awesome that it's a Texas car

It must be in awesome shape if that's all the dealer quoted you for, I'd hate to see the 10 mile long list they would give me if I took mine in lol
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  #24  
Old 05-21-2009, 07:31 PM
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tolar, Texas
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toomany MBZ View Post
Good job!
I'd be leery of a dealer that uses Armor All. It is odd also that the water pump needs replacing, but it's possible. Is it leaking?

Yea the water pump is leaking, about 4oz of fluid a day. (judging from the puddle over night.)

And I was the one that did the Armor-All since I was informed it was vinyl.

Just got quoted from the dealer, $87 for a water pump. They wanted to charge me $550 to install it. Thanks but no thanks. I can do the install myself in a couple hours.
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  #25  
Old 05-21-2009, 07:34 PM
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Location: Pasadena, CA
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Very nice car! I love the color combo. Welcome to the forum.
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1984 300D---Sold
1995 E420 - 106K - Brilliant Silver Metallic/Orion Gray --- Sold
1984 300SD - 151K Manganese Brown Metallic/Mostly Black --- Sold
1982 240D - 79K - Manila Beige/Palomino---Sold
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  #26  
Old 05-22-2009, 09:26 AM
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300d pilot
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 93
Nice car, dude. I seem to see a lot of old D, CD, and SDs tooling around the FW area.
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  #27  
Old 05-22-2009, 01:18 PM
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Posts: 233
Such a deal I have for U!

Keebler64-you really got suckered into that MB-it looks to be in terrible condition. However since you are new please contact me immediately and I will take it off your hands, as I .......Ok even I cannot B.S. that much. Congrats on a Great find at a great price.

As stated before most of the DIY stuff you can find right here-if you have an issue, several people here have had and solved the same issue-most complete with pics.

If it is byond your ability/comfort level- best place to take your MB is an independent garage with an older MB mechanic who has worked on MBs of that vintage in the past. Do not let them learn on your dime!
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  #28  
Old 05-22-2009, 09:11 PM
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tolar, Texas
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marybeth View Post
Keebler64-you really got suckered into that MB-it looks to be in terrible condition. However since you are new please contact me immediately and I will take it off your hands, as I .......Ok even I cannot B.S. that much. Congrats on a Great find at a great price.

As stated before most of the DIY stuff you can find right here-if you have an issue, several people here have had and solved the same issue-most complete with pics.

If it is byond your ability/comfort level- best place to take your MB is an independent garage with an older MB mechanic who has worked on MBs of that vintage in the past. Do not let them learn on your dime!
Most of its not beyond my comfort level. And I decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and do it all myself. I'll just save the receipts. As most of you mentioned.

Anyone else have a Mercedes Club of America membership and get Dealership Discounts? Park Cities here in Fort Worth, Tx gives us near wholesale prices on parts, and 10% off labor if you have an MBCA membership. Don't really trust Autozone or Napa for parts.

http://www.mbca.org/northtexas/MBCA_North_Texas/Members.html


I really appreciate all the advice and kind words. Thank you very much.
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  #29  
Old 05-24-2009, 04:15 PM
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300d pilot
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 93
Try Steve's A1 Foreign car parts on Vickery in FW. I spent a bunch of money special ordering parts that I later found out that Steve stocks. He also charges $8 for an Mahle oil filter.
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  #30  
Old 05-25-2009, 10:37 AM
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Welcome! Very, very nice car. You should enjoy years of enjoyment from your purchase. Congratulations!

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