potential 1985 300td (w123) buyer - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

EvilMoFo · #1 02-12-2011, 01:27 PM

I grew up with a 1977 300D and recently purchased a 1979 240D that I am becoming adept at repair with, and learning stick on.

There is an amazing looking 1985 300TD up for sale that apparently only needs tires.

I just read the buyers guide that was linked in a previous thread, here, but I would like to know if there is anything besides what it mentions (body, frame, paint, rubber, drivetrain, at interior) that I should be looking for. I know how a NA engine should sound and how the transmission should shift, but I have never driven a car with a turbo; are there turbo specific things I should look at?

MTUpower · #2 02-12-2011, 05:33 PM

NA or turbo- it's still all boils down to overall car condition. The turbo only really makes a difference over 45 mph when you want to pass.

vstech · #3 02-12-2011, 06:03 PM

turbo will kick in from 12ish mph and up. as the motor reaches about 2000rpm, it'll practically double in hp and start really pulling.
N/A has pretty linear power, the turbo starts out weak, then pulls as the turbo and fuel build horsepower.
climbing hills is nearly effortless, N/A have to struggle with hills.
if it does not feel this way, the fuel filters need changing, or the ALDA is having issues. either with sensing pressure, or with manipulating the fuel.

kerry · #4 02-12-2011, 06:32 PM

Just to be sure we are talking about the same thing TD=Station Wagon not turbodiesel.
The station wagon has hydropneumatic suspension in the rear which virtually no diesel sedans had. It should be checked for functionality because some parts are extremely expensive if missing or broken. Pump is about $1200 for instance.
The transmission on 85's is controlled somewhat differently than earlier models. It has the 'blue flying saucer' in the vacuum system to improve shifts and has an electronic rack sensor which has something to to with the EGR.
Is the 85 the only year of the 123 with a Klima in the climate control system?

vstech · #5 02-12-2011, 06:52 PM

sls parts are extremely expensive NEW... used are pretty easy to locate, and the valve and hoses are easily rebuilt.

Renntag · #6 02-12-2011, 07:25 PM

all concerns should be the same. Right off the bat, the car shouldnt be 'tail dragging' indicating SLS issues. They could be minor.

The TD is very desirable and you'll be happy to have one once you realize its utility.

I'd caution using the term 'frame' as this is a unitized body. Best refer to key areas negatively effected by rust as 'structural'.

EvilMoFo · #7 02-13-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

TD=Station Wagon not turbodiesel.

Well then, that explains why it says 300d and not 300td on the tail. I always called the turbo sedans 300TD cause it is turbo diesel as opposed to a 300d which is merely a diesel. That said, I will be looking for a w123 wagon in the future so the info is not completely lost

The car, a 300d turbo sedan, was kept up really well and runs strong, I could not pass it up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

The transmission on 85's is controlled somewhat differently than earlier models. It has the 'blue flying saucer' in the vacuum system to improve shifts and has an electronic rack sensor which has something to to with the EGR.
Is the 85 the only year of the 123 with a Klima in the climate control system?

Awesome, random little differences to pay attention to.

It is surprising what changed between the three (1977 300d, 1979 240d, and 1985 300d turbo) cars.

vstech · #8 02-13-2011, 10:28 AM

massive differences between those three for sure.
heck, there are massive differences between the 84 and the 85 300D especially if you toss in the CA version into the mix!