The indy shop that I get my C280 worked on has a Blue 1981 240d with 157k miles. Motor was just reuilt.

The shop guy told me that normally a rebuild will cost $2,750. Is this accurate??? What should have been done when someone says it was rebuilt? He said the cylinders have been re-bored(sp?). He said he would sell for about $3,000.

Paint is rough. Lots of oxidation and the driver side paint is crackled. Also looked like it would need some tires and the dash was cracked.

Everything else looked good. Seats, body, etc. Didn't see any rust.

I'm going back in a couple of weeks to have them fix a leak around the timing chain cover on my C280 and thought about driving the 240d.

This would be my daily driver. I drive about 60 miles/day mostly highway. What kind of mileage should I expect? I know the 240d is a slow runner, but that's not important. I have a couple of hills to and from work that would want to make sure it could climb, but if I could do 65-70mpg comfortably on the interstate, I would be happy.

I was thinking this might be a good car to cut my teeth on as far as learning how to do my own maint. How much life can I expect on a rebuilt motor?

I know a guy who got over 300k miles on his 240d with the original engine.

Does a rebuild "weaken" the engine in any way?

Thanks.

$3k sounds a little high to me - especially since it needs a paint job. I recently rebuilt the engine in the 240D myself and the cost was approximately $1000. $400 for machine shop work and around $600 for parts (included 4 pistons and liners). Does it have any rust?
Be careful - if it was not a good rebuild you will end up pouring alot of oil into it.

__________________
Jim

For $3000.00, the car should be in PERFECT condition. I've never driven the 240, but from what I've read on the Diesel board they're bullet-proof. Problem is, we Diesel drivers tend to fall in love with the cars and put WAY more money into maintenance costs than the cars are even worth - that tends to make us think the cars are worth more. I know a MB independent mechanic in my town who just bought an '84 300D(Turbo Sedan) for $2000.00 and the thing looks like it just came off the show-room floor. If you're really considering this car, take it across town to another independent MB tech for a second opinion. And check everything - A/C and cruise control(don't know if the 240 has this option), radio, signals - everything. If it all works perfectly offer him $1500 just because it's ugly. I advise you to look around.

__________________
Dave
1995 C280
1999 Triumph Daytona 955I - my speed fix.
1982 300TD - Gone, but not forgotten.

I must concur with Egnatwork. I bought a 240D with only "10K on a fresh overhaul." I'm going through oil at the rate of a quart every 300 miles. 3K is too much. There is a "newer" 85 300D not too far from me that has a fueling problem going for that price, and I refused to pay it. I paid too much for my 240D as well, but I am intending on keeping it for many years to come. Keep looking, there are better examples.

The diesel forum is an excellent place to look. There was a lengthy discussion on the best diesel just recently that will give you a good perspective on mileage, repairs, and durability. I bought a one owner two years ago and it had 91K on it for $4,800 and she was in excellent shape. I put about $500 into it to bring it up a bit and she's running strong 23K later! This is my 3rd one over the years and plan to keep it. My advice? Look around!

DW

You don't give us a location as to where you live!

If you live on the left, there are tons of great cars for cheap.
If you live on the right or middle, there are tons of good running cars with rust and such.
I would keep looking. It is more likely this "rebuilt engine" is a salvage engine, than a rebuild.

__________________
Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


"Time spent in the company of a cat, a beer, and this forum, is not time wasted!"

"but if I could do 65-70mpg comfortably on the interstate, I would be happy"

It may be a rebuilt, but I think it sounds a bit optimistic, even for a 240.

EMPHISIS on the "MPG"

__________________
Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)

DWCasey,
I recently purchased an 82 240D with 210,000 miles for $3200.
"Benny" has a four speed manual, runs good and burns about 1/4 a quart between changes (3500 miles), some small minor dash board cracks, recent paint (2 to3 years) and rebuilt suspensions front and rear. I am getting 32 MPG. I drive her daily about 50 miles on a country road at an average of 55 MPH. Check the floor mats for signs of water in the cabin.
I can't comment on the rebuild or price the for your area. Just evaluate your needs and desires. I love mine and it is the best car I've owned and expect to get another 150,000 out of it. Even with scheduled maintenance and an unexpected repair or two, it should be a good mileage per dollar vehicle!

Good luck, the bern

__________________
1982 240D 313,000 (4 speed)
1984 300CD 172,483
1985 German Shepherd Dog -Lacey- R.I.P.11/04/05

Hood Stars, Wrist Crowns and Obsession Dobs

bargain him way down or skip it. I bought a 300D turbo sedan for $2250 with fresh paint, rubber, brakes, engine mounts, suspension arms, sway bar, alternator. Working AC, windows, everything.

__________________
Matt
2003 Jetta Wagon TDI 145,000MI
1999.5 Jetta TDI 287,000MI
2001 Suzuki SV650S 26,000MI
2008 Yamaha Vino 125 11,000MI
http://www.crazymatt.org

I agree with what everyone has stated. Definitely bargain him down, my father owned an 84 300D with a perfect interior and an average exterior 90K, the car was totaled and only worth $4300 two years ago.

As far as gas mileage it really depends on how you drive. The car is really reving when your doing 70mph or better so mileage suffers.....of course this was a 4spd manual. Anyways if you do go for it good luck!

Placo1