Should I get a 240D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DieselDame · #1 07-21-2009, 10:29 AM

I've been following the forums for a long time now and figure you will be able to give me the best advice.

Should I get a 240D?

When I was in high school my father had a couple of 240D's and I loved them. (This will date me, I know.) I still have a fondness for them and cannot afford the new VW TDI's. I am less interested in the SVO conversion but understand that's an option.

I have no experience repairing cars but have good technical/mechanical skills, am not that intimidated by such things (as long as I have good instructions), and like having an excuse to buy more tools. And I've always wanted to learn how cars work and to work on them.

I've heard that the 240D is one of the most basic cars to understand. I live in Philadelphia and have a dedicated off-street parking spot but it is not sheltered, so repairs would have to be done in the open air. (I also have a very good mechanic who says I will be his "best friend" if I buy an old Mercedes!)

I would also need this car for beyond city driving, as I take trips to upstate NY at least once a month (ca. 240 miles each way). From what I've read, the 240D's are workhorses but slow. Will people be honking at me in the city, and will I have to keep it under, say, 65, on the highway so as not to overtax the engine? I'm also used to front-wheel drive cars. I know the 240D's are heavy -- are they easy to control in winter driving conditions?

These are some of my major considerations.

Thanks!

rrgrassi · #2 07-21-2009, 10:34 AM

Yes, get a 240. JimmyL has been driving them for a while.

I cannot say about winter driving, but my 300D handles well in wet weather.

Good thing you are willing to work on our own car. They are maintenance hogs, but good maintenance is what keeps them on the road.

Welcome to our world!

matthias08 · #3 07-21-2009, 10:37 AM

I've done alright in the winter with my 240D... take patience, but you get there

pawoSD · #4 07-21-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthias08

I've done alright in the winter with my 240D... take patience, but you get there

I find these cars quite exciting to drive in the winter. No end to the power slides and donut fun!

matthias08 · #5 07-21-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I find these cars quite exciting to drive in the winter. No end to the power slides and donut fun!

EXACTLY.
these cars do exactly what you want, I only got my subaru to cut back on salt based rust.

JEBalles · #6 07-21-2009, 10:51 AM

I don't have trouble stopping in the winter, it's getting going that trouble. I'm told that with winter tires and some weight in the back, they're not bad. I'm still going to carry chains though. I don't have trouble with speed. With the 4-speed, I can take off pretty quickly, so city driving is fine. Highway is a little annoying when you hit big hills, but I wouldn't let that sway you away from the car. I do plenty of highway driving. I keep it under 80, though. This all being said, though, get a 4-speed. It's already pushing the limits and the autos supposed to just be awful. The manuals around here are about as common as the auto 240s. You could also just get a w123 300d (very similar, but more power), but that pretty much leaves you with an auto (can't stand 'em)unless you convert it yourself.

tbomachines · #7 07-21-2009, 10:52 AM

Yes you should get a 240D! The only thing to REALLY watch out for is rust. Just about everything on these cars is rock solid until you see a rust patch...which leads to much larger hidden areas. Ask me how I know

JEBalles · #8 07-21-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Yes you should get a 240D! The only thing to REALLY watch out for is rust. Just about everything on these cars is rock solid until you see a rust patch...which leads to much larger hidden areas. Ask me how I know

x2 rust is nuts, especially in the N.E. Without proper working space (like you) you'd have a tough time repairing rust. Find a rust-free one.

rs899 · #9 07-21-2009, 11:02 AM

The 240D is as solid as they get, but get one in 4-speed manual form if you do not want to get run over. They are very DIY friendly, but without a good work area and tools can be a challenge.

Ask or PM BodhiBenz1987. She has a 240D that she works on herself.....

moon161 · #10 07-21-2009, 11:06 AM

Get one from below the mason dixon line. 80 MPH is not a problem in mine, feels good at speed. Consider a beater for your rust season. 300D is a better cruiser, though the automatic HVAC may get spooky. Check several, buy one. Learn how to prequalify, and not buy a stinker.

If you like wrenches, figuring stuff out this is it. The power took getting used to, but unlike a gasser, you put the skinny pedal on the floor a lot more.

DieselDame · #11 07-21-2009, 12:47 PM

Thanks for all the advice.

From what I gather, the 240D's will slip and slide in the winter, which is not a great prospect for my long-distance driving through the Poconos. My mother flipped our tomato red one over on a patch of ice one winter, ended up in the ditch, and had to crawl out the drivers side window. So, you know, there's that cherished memory. . .

I would get a manual only, as automatic anything drives me crazy, and I've heard it's the only way to get real power from the 240D. (Another memory -- I remember my father trying to drive one of ours through mountain passes and really gunning it on the downhill so he could get up the other side, just barely.)

Ok, so let's say I decide to do this crazy, impractical thing. . . I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of manual 240D's I've seen on eBay and Craigslist. What should I look out for? Perhaps I can tolerate a bit of rust since this won't be a pampered winter car but a vehicle I'm going to drive. I want good maintenance records and relatively low mileage.

What things should scare me away? Are the later model years better? Any other advice about making an actual purchase? After purchase I will need a basic set of tools, a repair manual, my mechanic on speed dial, and. . .?

Thanks again. You guys are great.

rs899 · #12 07-21-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

What things should scare me away?

Nothin' but terminal rust.

Quote:

Are the later model years better?

Yes- they have an extra 2 or so horsepower

and, if you care about A/C at all, did away with the tacky York compressor. Also, a bit more wood inside on the 82/83 but the earlier MB-tex is more durable.

Really..... not much difference.

fruitcakesa · #13 07-21-2009, 02:45 PM

200 # of sand and cement blocks in the trunk, Studded snows all around and some judicious throttle use gets my 82 auto up the steepest, twistiest snow covered dirt road in town better than my fwd Jetta TDI!
It is as much the driver as the car.
We love our 240's, once you get to know them they are very user friendly.

matthias08 · #14 07-21-2009, 02:59 PM

I wouldn't say it slips and slides...
i managed a fairly heavy ohio winter in my 240D, with great Nokian WR all seasons on mine....

TylerH860 · #15 07-21-2009, 02:59 PM

Until you plowed into the curb.