looking at buying 79 300td... need advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

eventoday · #1 09-18-2011, 06:12 PM

hello,

I am looking at buying a 1979 300td wagon.
Here is the link
http://boulder.craigslist.org/cto/2498875593.html

I have yet to see the car in person. But here is what the seller has told me about it on the phone.

-2 window regulators broken.

-vacum door locks not working

- transmission is leaking a little fluid. He told me he took it to german motors in boulder and has receipts for work. They replaced a couple of gaskets and told him to get it from completely not leaking it would cost a lot and it wasnt worth it and to just drive it as is. He said he hasnt had to top it off and hasnt noticed it low. he has noticed spots on cardboard.
(should this scare me a ton)

-little smoke out the tailpipe on startup. (usually only with biodiesel)

-dash lights do not work

what do you guys think. Should I check it out or not waste my time?

is it hard to fix dash lights? window regulators?

I have talked him down to $2600 already.

Thanks

Jake

andrewjtx · #2 09-18-2011, 06:46 PM

Jake, let me ask you bluntly: Are you good with a wrench? If you want a 123, you need to love working on cars and love getting filthy.

Dash lights could be something as easy as a fuse or a bad headlight switch.

The regulators aren't that hard to R&R, but finding good used ones are getting harder and brand new ones are $$$. Two major flaws with the 123 regulators: they bend and the teeth wear down. The motors are very strong and last long.

Vacuum? Yeah, that can be like chasing a rabbit down a hole. Nothing is hard about it, but it can be frustrating & time consuming.

Leaking tranny? About 10 different things it could be. You really would need to clean it well and see where the leaks originate for anyone here to really help you.

Little smoke on startup? Easy: bad valve seals? Hard: worn out rings.

kerry · #3 09-18-2011, 07:07 PM

Pretty good price. Miles are pretty low. However it's an NA and it lives at altitude. I'm in Denver and I'd be looking for a turbo model in Colorado. Performance is significantly different between the two at a mile high or higher.

vstech · #4 09-18-2011, 09:25 PM

2600 a good price for a "Very little rust" N/A wagon? in COLORADO??? nahh.
I'd recommend getting a turbo as a minimum in your area. I've driven a PERFECT running 79TD, and they are very peppy at sea level at city speeds... highway speeds are ok with proper patience and timing.. AT SEA LEVEL... mile high altitude will cut the power substantially...
I have a "fairly rust free" euro TURBO TD wagon, for sale, waaay less than 2600, and faar peppier than the N/A would be in CO...

for that car, I'd figure a max of 1500 unless it's VERIFIED ONE OWNER 162K miles...

that said, if you want the car, I have regulators and other parts you may want for the car.
check if it has loop or pencil glow plugs... pencils are MUCH easier starts!
dash lights super simple to fix or bypass
tranny leak... gotta figure out where it's coming from to determine if it's critical or easy...

in my not so humble opinion, it's over priced. and not really suitable for your area...

Delibes · #5 09-18-2011, 10:09 PM

I would honestly wait for a good 81-85 wagon, especially if it is an '85 with the 2.88 differential. The turbo makes all the difference in the world.

Some of these repairs are as simple as going to the junkyard with a few basic tools and getting what you need. In fact, auto recyclers (especially the cheaper, self-serve kind) will not only be cheaper, but a great testing ground to see how this beautiful machines are put together.

My final word is no. Keep looking. There are still a bunch of good, rust-free wagons out there, although they may require you to do some travel. In any case, I applaud your choice: these are wonderful pieces of engineering worth keeping.

eventoday · #6 09-18-2011, 10:45 PM

thanks for the answers. As far as pepiness, that doesnt bother me too much. I have an 81 240d automatic.

the tranny scares me a bit.

If the car is pretty much almost rust free and the interior is in the shape they claim I may try to negotiate on it. I feel like there are not many 300 wagons out there any more for under $3000

thanks
again

jake

gastropodus · #7 09-19-2011, 12:52 AM

When it comes to the leaks in the tranny, I recommend getting a small bottle of the UV dye. Most larger retail parts stores will carry it, costs about $8. Get the kind for engine oil, not refrigerant. Clean the tranny, put the dye in, wait for dark. Drive a mile, check with UV flashlight, drive another mile, check with flashlight. You'll chase down the source of the leaks quickly.

Kurt

Zacharias · #8 09-19-2011, 05:17 PM

Something is up with the front fenders on that car. Look at the trim at the rear of the front wheelarches. On the driver's side the moulding is way too high in and it's slightly high on the other side.

This is a VERY common w123 rust area. I would strongly suspect someone has done a rust repair there and if so it's not top drawer, if they did weird stuff like that with the trim afterwards.

I can't imagine any other reason for the trim being so fubar'd.

If rust repairs have been done there, then you can be sure there is (or was) rust elsewhere as well.

Have you looked under the car carefully?

eventoday · #9 09-19-2011, 11:25 PM

thanks for the thought on the fenders!. i havent seen the car in person but did notice it looked weird in the pics though. I didnt really think too much of it at the time but good call.

I decided not to but it and keep my 81 240d. Its not the fastest but I get prety good mpg and I know the engine and car is in good shape.

jake

Zacharias · #10 09-20-2011, 11:10 AM

I think you've most likely made a wise decision.

Something that no one mentioned is the Type II ACC in that car. You really don't want it unless you have to.