1993 W124 Turbo Question
 

Hi Folks,
I am considering the purchase of a 1993 300D with 200K miles. The car is not on the road (registered and insured) and the current owner knows little about the history of the car. The owner indicates that the car ran last year but the car could not get out of its own way. The owner thinks that the Turbo is good and the issue is with the vacuum control (Transducer, Switchover valve, etc.) or the EDS Control Unit.
Is there a way for me to easily determine if the Turbo is in working condition without taking the car for a drive?
I currently have a 1982 240D and have no experience with a turbo.
Thanks,
-Kevin

if you can pull the intake tube off the turbo, you should be able to spin the turbine by hand, and feel for play, or binding. if it spins freely, or slightly stiff, the turbo is likely good. if there is a lot of up/down or in/out play, it is worn... if anything binds, it's bad.
you could be lucky, and he may not have changed the fuel filter...

Even If the Turbo is Bad
 

You can get a Re-Build Kit for it.

THEN immediately go through GSXR's Wastegate Swap.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/212097-wastegate-actuator-swap-om602-962-a.html

Be Aware @ 200K you might be looking at a Tranny Reman in the future.

Also GSXR's W124 Buying Pre-Inspection tips:

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/articles/124.1x3_buying_tips.txt