I've had lots of MB diesels for many years. The one I've missed the most was the Snail, a 1983 300SD I bought maybe 12 or 15 years ago. I bought the car with about 150k on the clock and she needed a little tlc. After a few years, I had her repainted smoke silver and many things replaced/redone.

My little brother admired the car and kept asking about using it for a day or two, which was code for "GIVE ME THE CAR' which I did. He kept it for a few years and then a creep tried to steal her. Little bro. ran into the street in his underwear, tried to block the car thief and wound up riding the hood for 100 yds and was then thrown off.

The thief went to prison, the Snail was recovered pristine, not a scratch.

Little brother died 3 years and 3 days ago and, while dealing with the estate nightmare, a friend told me he really wanted the snail. I agreed to sell him the snail cheap if he fixed everything and gave me right of first refusal. I have regretted selling the snail ever since.

A few days ago, almost on the anniversary of Greg's death, my friend is telling me he's tired of the snail and I may get her back!!!

good story! my first MB was a 1983 300SD

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1983 300SD (daily driver)
1991 420SEL (work in progress)
1979 300SD (future replacement for 83 SD)

RIP:
1983 300SD (totalled)
1986 420SEL

She's back home!

If you need any tech help, feel free to call me.

I am glad she is back home.


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ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

great story. sorry about your brother.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

Thanks, friends. I think we're good. My tech ordered a carrier bearing, the car has a whine at 25mph that makes noise on acceleration, but still does it in neutral when revving up at the same speed. He said 126's seldom have rear end whines. I've also got an engine shock shimmy at low speed. Other than that, the Snail cruised 80 effortlessly after new fuel filters.

I clayed her and waxed her and am glad to have her home.

As an aside, when the dirtbag that stole the snail was in front of the court waiting to be sentenced, my little brother was afraid of the guy and thought he might have him killed. I'm lawyer, ex cop, sniper school in Army, MP and generally shouldn't even be here after a gunshot thru my femoral artery years back. I told the court, while looking at the thief. "little brother wants to take it easy on you, as far as I'm concerned, steal the Snail, rot in jail!" Two 3 year sentences consecutive! The judge, now on the appellate court, motioned me to the bench, leaned over and said "I used to have a snail"

The public defender made the stupid mistake of asking me how I was so sure Jason (thief) stole the snail. I had replied, there are two keys to the snail in the world to my knowledge, one is in my hand, the other was on little brother's coffee table when Jason took it, the snail was recovered 1 block from the crack head hotel Jason stayed at and the ignition was not punched and the door lock was opened by a key, that's how I know Jason stole the snail. "No further questions"