So, I just posted here about valve wrenches for my current 240D, but I found this one on CL locally:

1979 240D Mercedes Benz for sale

I apologize in advance for the novel ahead, but I'm thinking of selling mine for this one and I wanted to hear some educated opinions.

The rundown on my 240:

It's an '82 4spd with the power windows. It sat for a number of years in a garage before I bought it. I paid $3k. I've since had the following fixed/replaced: glow plug relay, A/C retrofitted to R134, radiator flush + thermostat + housing gasket + new upper and lower hoses, both fuel filters, updated primer pump assembly, new used battery, slave cylinder, tires, one or two control arms and some worn bushings.

There's no rust, the paint is newer, and it's got the Bundts with new tires. It looks really good. The interior's sound for the most part, also--I stuffed some pool noodles in the front seats for now to stiffen them up and it works nicely and they go unseen. The dash is mildly cracked, the console wood could use replacing as it's cracking, and the window buttons are worn also. The odometer doesn't work, it's currently reading 81,946. Not sure how long ago it went out, but with its condition, my mechanic's convinced the mileage hasn't crossed 200K. I have a few service records logged in the maintenance booklet, but not everything. The car originally came from California and spent time in Ohio and Texas before I bought it.

It needs: tie-rod ends, odometer (fuel gauge and temp gauge aren't accurate, either), a working sunroof (motor hums but it won't open/close without physical help), heater core (smells of coolant when heat is turned on), AC/heat control bulbs, sunroof switch bulb and all surrounding bulbs, door seals, drivers door check, oil pan and power steering pump gaskets, one or more motor mounts, antenna is frozen halfway up; the vacuum locks, cruise control, and rear window switches (can only control from front) are all on the fritz, and one rear window works only half the time. I planned on doing most of this with a friend who worked at a foreign auto shop.

I like the '79's simplicity with the crank windows and such, and the color is great for original. I guess my big concern is with mine and the time it's sat, undriven. It seems like a lot of work still needs to be done, and how much more down the line? What if the master cylinder goes on a long trip? I bought a w123 because I love the style and reliability. I expected having to fix things and learn, but fear I've gotten in over my head with this one. Is it worth it to keep it and do the rest of the work myself since I've already put upwards of $1K into it in the past 3 months (mechanics, aggh!), or sell it as is and purchase one that seems more sound? How much could I get for mine? What sort of questions should I pose to the seller, if I do take that route? I suppose most of this depends on his answers to those questions. Either way, any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to read all of this.

Justin

The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill. Well at least until you get there.
The devil you know is always better than the devil you dont.

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

What !! You mean I am suppose to sell one before I buy an other ?

Don't let my wife know of this novel concept .....

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Greg
2012 S350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2007 ML 320 CDI
2007 Leisure Travel Serenity
2006 Sprinter 432k
2005 E320 CDI
1998 SLK230 (teal)
1998 SLK230 (silver)
1996 E300D 99k, 30k on WVO
Previous:
1983 240D, on WVO
1982 300D, on WVO
1983 300CD, on WVO
1986 300SDL 237k, 25k on WVO (Deerslayer)
1991 350SDL 249k, 56k on WVO - Retired to a car spa in Phoenix
1983 380 SEC w/603 diesel, 8k on WVO
1996 E300D 351k, 177k on WVO

Can you handle having both for awhile until you figure out which one to keep? (Or which is the bigger money-pit!)
That's what I did 5 years ago when I got my first diesel - a rusty'82 automatic 240D. with power windows and manual sunroof. for $200. I spent another $1000 on fix-up. then I picked up a rusty bare-bones,'81 stick 240D as a parts car for $600. But it drove so nicely, I couldn't bring myself to gut it. So I decided to fix-up that one too.
Now I'm on 240D #3 - my solid-body '82 keeper. Stick with power windows and bundt-rims.
Including purchase and fix-up, I've got about 3K in this one. (More than I put in the first two)
Meanwhile, I did sell 240D #2 and I'm planning to sell #1.
Or, as I posted awhile ago 'Because ONE is Never Enough!'

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

I've been eyeing that same one on Craigslist for a while now. It's basically the same thing I have, but for some reason I want more. Still haven't done my valve adjustment.

To fix yours, you will need to get lucky at the yard. I found a perfect dash for my 85SD in an 89SE. Find a car with a good interior & you'll be good. Sitting in a garage is a non-issue.

You won't know the details on the 79 until you live with it. Regardless, both cars will be expensive if you are paying shop rate for repairs. What you've done so far would be considered DIY maintenance. I'm keeping R12 because of all of the threads where 134 doesn't work as well in these compressors.

Your list of needed repairs can be DIY also. There are dash R&R threads. Take pics and allow for plenty of down time. Then the heater core won't be a huge deal - time consuming perhaps. You'll likely have to disturb the AC to do the core. That is frequently the case but I don't have a 123.

There is also a wood repair thread. It is labor intensive but not expensive. Switches you'lll find for free at the yard. Gaskets, you'll need jack stands wrenches & time. Do you have a garage? Winter is almost here.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

There are significant advantages to the 82....such as the frankenstein ac bracket used on the 79. I'd have to stick with the 82 unless there were huge plusses on the 79.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

If this is your daily driver during the winter, then I'd stick with the '82. The '82 has better factory corrosion protection then the '79.

You have a real unknown about the problems you are facing with the '79, but you know what problems are on the '82. I'd take the known factors, over the unknown when dealing with spending money.




.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

Haha, if only the funds were a bottomless pit!

Very true, sir. Very true.

I wish--that'd be the way I'd do it for sure!

Thanks, guys! I'm gonna bite the bullet and keep mine. I already know the issues it's just a matter of getting down and dirty. Still learning the forum, so I apologize for replying 700 times. I wanted to quote tidbits of everyone and reply once haha.

you can use the multiquote icon at the bottom of each post!

enjoy the forum, and your car! ask all the questions you have. and if you need help, we will all assist you figuring out the problems!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

yes I forgot to welcome you !! My bad !!
So welcome to the forum !!!!

You will find this forum a great place for help. Members dont care that much how many times you post.

Always remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question!!
There are probably many others wanting to ask the same.
Some times the answers you get will leave plenty to be desired though!!!

The common thread that links all on here is the interest in diesel MB's & wanting to see them in regular use for many years to come.

There are many on here who have been playing with these cars since they were new & have a life time of experience learning by mistakes on them.

So please ask away & good luck with your car !!!!!

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

One can never have too many 240D's.

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Codifex
1981 240D ChinaBlue (Got her running with a donor engine.)
1983 300DTurbo w/sunroof.
1984 300TD manual sunroof. (Electrical Gremlins)