W123 - Differences between the 1985 300D models and others - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tanksowner · #1 01-19-2012, 11:38 PM

Back in the day when I first starting pining over 300D's that I couldn't afford, I always thought that the car stayed pretty much the same over the course of its production.

Now then...

I've heard a number of people saying that the 1985 models have many different things about them compared to the other years. One thing I noticed was an ad that Whunter put up about gear reduction starters that cannot be applied to '85 models. It struck me as funny because I thought: why wouldn't it work on an '85? What's different about it that doesn't allow that starter to be utilized? I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my car, but I'm sure it's not just me who would want to know this information. I searched on Google and on this forum, but never found a set thread describing the major differences between '85's and the older models. In terms of mechanical statistics and changes, one thing I know for sure is that my car is a Federal spec car; California cars would have the air filter housing behind the right taillight assembly to accommodate a trap oxidizer. Other than that, I don't know much.

Any takers? Examples of the kind of info I'm looking for: differences in the transmission, final drive ratio, emission controls, etc. Hopefully you guys can help me sort out the differences in case I ever need to get a parts car, don't want to buy one only to find that half the stuff I can't use.