What to look for on 240D

[MercFan]

I'm looking at a 1979 240D manual 4speed (Vin: 12312310122031) - the car looks nice in the pics... though I haven't driven down there to take a look at it yet - it's about 80 miles away. What should I look for in these cars - what are some things that these vehicles are 'typically' prone to, especially the 'big-ticket' items?!

The car has 159K (advertised... and supposedly no rust... looks clean in the photos from all angles. The asking price is under $2K.

THanks,
James

[compu_85]

It's a stick... that's nice! Colorado Beige paint w/ Saffron Tex interior.

-Jason

[MercFan]

Somebody, please talk me out of this car.... hehe

[tankowner]

Depends on what the maintenace has been like. I just picked up an '83 240D which hadn't really been maintained for several years. There are very few rubber components that don't need replaced. So, crawl underneath and check out all the rubber bushing and boots, etc on the supension so you have some idea of what you will be getting into there.

Ask about the clutch and if it has been replaced? If so, specifically what components were replaced.

Check to see that the vacuum componets are working properly, but don't be surprised if some are not.

Take the oil filler cap off and check the blow by. Ask about the type of oil used and how frequently changes have been done.

Lift up the carpeting on the floor to see if it is rusting from the inside out - apparently not uncommon.

[Stevo]

The way I look at it is, if its rust free with low miles and looks too be well cared for, tight suspension, etc...I dont even care if it runs, usually the "adjusted" price will more than compensate and you'll have a nice car if you can manage the "fixs". The mechanical stuff can usually be easily fixed, a rust free, well cared for car is most important to me.

[otto huber]

These cars are so easy to work on, that all you should be concerned about is rust and engine compression. The lack of performance may disappoint you, but you'll get used to driving with the pedal on the floor soon enough.

[tankowner]

Originally Posted by Stevo

The way I look at it is, if its rust free with low miles and looks too be well cared for, tight suspension, etc...I dont even care if it runs, usually the "adjusted" price will more than compensate and you'll have a nice car if you can manage the "fixs". The mechanical stuff can usually be easily fixed, a rust free, well cared for car is most important to me.

Yup, that's pretty much how I saw it, too. I found one that was practically rust free (a few very minor specks that can be touched up), but was in pretty rough shape otherwise. I have spent a few weekends and will need a few more to make it road worthy, but I figure once I have it tuned up and ready to run, it will have been worth it. New motor mounts have already made this a new car, can't wait until I get a chance to take care of the other issues.

[MercFan]

How much of the parts (if any) can be shared between 240D and 300D Turbo that I also have?

[toomany MBZ]

Some as far as the engine goes. Different injector pressures, not those.