86 240D..advise on model number for parts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tinacunningham13 · #1 10-03-2014, 10:15 AM

Hello, I have a 1986 MB 240D. I have had a challenge with various sites in attempting to order any parts..or even a great MB service manual as my 1986 MB 240D does not show up for the 1986 year.
I even had peachtree customer service tell me that I do not have a 1986 240D..that it has to be a 1985 model??

Does anyone know..do I order for a 1985 240D..or do I order for a 1986 300D?? It seems odd..but it makes a huge difference especially related to my diesel components.

I also could use some experienced advise on the best way to work on my manual cranking sliding sun roof. I need to replace my side lifter arms and seals..and of course I do not have any proper service manuals..(I need to hear from experienced folks on the best model to order from).

Tina

pj67coll · #2 10-03-2014, 10:24 AM

If it is in fact a W123 chassis, 2.4 liter four cylinder Diesel then yes, it's a 240D. They were replaced by the W124 Chassis in 1986 so the last batch of production would be some time in 85, but it's possible that there were still a few in inventory that sold in 1986, in which case it might be titled as an 86. So ordering a manual for an 85 would be correct.

- Peter.

t walgamuth · #3 10-03-2014, 10:50 AM

I'd prolly order parts for an 83 240D. MOst will fit. Differences in Injection pump, hard piping and throttle linkages. Filters and such should be the same. YOurs is a Euro.

DieselPaul · #4 10-03-2014, 10:55 AM

Post a picture of your engine so we can help you identify your car.

Are there even 85 240Ds in Europe? I've seen 84s but the 201 was in full swing by 85 and the 124 was available in Europe in 85 so I thought most 123s were phased out by 85 let alone 86.

If you post you VIN number it could be easily decoded for a succinct answer. Who knows maybe someone at the bmv fat fingered when the car was titled. Stranger things have happened. Or it was a euro and was imported in 86 and for some reason that found its way onto the title.

What matters is the day the car was built, not what the title says when it comes to ordering parts.

JamesDean · #5 10-03-2014, 12:21 PM

The 240D was produced until 1986.

W123.183 1978–1986 240D
Mercedes-Benz W123 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I found the same interesting phenomenon with the W126..MB made them in 96 too!

jay_bob · #6 10-03-2014, 09:17 PM

Best advice for the OP would be to pay the $12 for the all-access EPC to run your VIN. That will tell you what fits your car for sure. The free EPC is for US models only. Or go to the dealer, and have them look it up.

That car has to be a Euro, I thought 83 or maybe 84 was the last year for a 240D in the US.

One way to tell for sure is to look at the Wikipedia page for VIN and see if your VIN follows the US or Euro formats. Both are 17 digits but there are letters and numbers in different positions between the two.

vstech · #7 10-03-2014, 09:58 PM

the euro model is indeed made through 86, but your vehicle may not be.

keep in mind, that when a euro vehicle is federalized, often the vin plate or doorjam plate will have the federalization date as the build date. so your car could be an 81, 240D with a federalizing done in 86, and it would appear on the title as an 86.

in 1984, MB came out with the 201, and MOST places replaced the 240 with it.

crazy, but even the 124 was out in some areas, in 85.

it's unlikely you will get much help on the euro's. just forget that it's an 86, order parts for the 83, and you will be fine 90% of the time.

vstech · #8 10-03-2014, 10:04 PM

what parts do you need?

does your car have abs? air bags? front and rear headrests? what interior do you have? manual sunroof, so not a high end model, likely no passenger's side mirror... likely cloth interior too. pics please? I have an 84 euro 240D, and I'm parting it out, so if there is anything you need from it, just let me know.

what transmission is in your car? I've got an automatic sitting...

jay_bob · #9 10-04-2014, 08:10 AM

I would head over to the Wikipedia page for VIN and compare your numbers. The year of manufacture is coded into one of the characters in the VIN, and that would definitvely prove what model year your car is.