I just picked up a 1981 240D
 

This ought to be fun, I just bought this car for my kid to drive (learners permit coming in a few weeks). I'm sure I'll be here for advice, this looks like a great forum.

1981 240D, 4spd, 154,000 miles, original paint and interior, cruise, auto locks and a right side mirror. Of course I disabled the auto locks so I could shut the darn thing off...

Oh no, what have I done?

It's a sweet little car.

Bob

Looks to be near perfectly preserved!👍👍👍

Looks like a very decent example.

Ooooo I love red Mercedes.

Great looking car!! You may win the "best parent" award this year!!

I haven't really looked into it yet but I believe it's Orient Red over Parchment.

The car is incredibly well preserved, it's a pampered garage queen that runs and drives just as it should.

Looks like a great car. I did the same thing with my son for a starter car. A few lessons learned if I may:

- I recommend explaining to your child the difference in technique needed for driving. No ABS or traction control on this car. That caught my son by surprise in the rain and brought an untimely end to the car. Also even with the manual, it will be SLOW off the line. They will need to allow much more time and space to pull out in traffic, merge on the expressway (particularly uphill) or make a left turn across traffic. This is totally different than a modern car with a gasoline engine.

- I would recommend updating the instrument cluster with the tachometer from a 300D. It will help a new driver quantify the engine sound with how many RPMs are being produced. Also this car has no rev limiter since it is all mechanical. It has a governor in the injector pump but I would not rely on that for over rev protection.

- Remind your child about the gas station. An unleaded gasoline nozzle will fit the tank inlet. A tank load of gasoline is near fatal to the engine.

- And above all, have your child help you maintain and work on the car! It instills a sense of ownership and responsibility, and allows them to recognize issues that may occur while they are out driving and how to react. For example, ensure there are spare fuel filters and the tools to change them in the car, and show them how to change them on the side of the road.

This is good stuff, thank you. I will be putting her in Autoshop (just one semester) since I want her to do the brakes at least once.

I will consider the instrument cluster, a friend of mine has one with a tach that's mine for the asking.

I figure on the "Gas" thing, I'll give her a prepaid card and show her "THE ONLY" gas station and pump she's allowed to use. She probably won't be taking this old beauty out of town so spare parts she won't need for quite some time.

Interesting comment on the fuel filter... Is this something that needs regular attention? Fuel additives? I haven't had anything to do with a Diesel since the early '80's so I remember nearly nothing.

What I do remember is I worked at an Importer in about 1981, a 240D 4spd came in the store brand new (who know's why) but we all took turns driving it and laughing. I recall putting a stop watch on the car back then, 0-60 in 27 seconds (did it to this one and got 28 seconds). The slow part we have down!

Thanks for the advice

Looking good. I recently picked up an 81 240D myself, very similar mileage and condition.

Been curious about doing the clock/tach upgrade as well -does anyone know if the 81 240d is equipped with an EGR?

I would appreciate it if there is a VIN decoder on the site, I have not been able to locate it. A build sheet would be kind of cool to have.

WDBAB23A4BB231018 in case there is one here that the admins can point me at.

What an awesome looking vehicle! Congrats!

As far as the VIN goes:

Checking VIN for Mercedes-Benz | CARInfo


Don't get too excited with the SA 467 Electronic Locking Differential that will show up as an option on yours.
It seems Mercedes re-used some of the codes. On some Mercedes chassis 467 means Electronic Locking Differential, but on the W123 it means "Central Locking System and Instruments with English Lettering". :)

Good choice of first car. I recommend supplementing with some time at the go-kart track to learn and get used to end limit handling in a controlled environment.

I can't imagine what I would need a locking diff for in So. Cal. on this car!

Thanks

Too funny, I have that arranged already!

Wow, nice looking 240. I hope your Daughter appreciates this old W123 and baby`s it, and it will take care of her.

One nice thing about these W123`s, they don`t have blind spots like many newer cars. This will help keep her out of trouble as she is learning to negotiate her way through the busy highways in Southern Cal.

Incredable to see such a low mileage W123. The Spedo`s are known to slip, so the mileage may not be as indicated. Unless you got it from the original owner.
If you do have that problem, it is an easy fix.

The Tachometer for a 240D is fairly easy to install and get to work. Here is a DIY thread.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/198203-diy-tach-240d-w-egr-easy.html

The vacuum system on the 240D is pretty simple. You will need a Mity-Vac to chase down any leaks.
Near the Oil Filter housing you should see several different color vac lines.

Brown is fuel shut off.
Green for the one or two vac pods under the dash
Yellow is for the door lock system.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/160169-w123-vacuum-interlock-diagram.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=mercedes+w123+vacuum&biw=1093&bih=520&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwji_ZLXsajLAhVBko MKHRDcBzwQ_AUIBygC#imgrc=_


Take care of that old 240D and she will last you a long time.
I have an 80 for a DD, getting close to 387K miles on the original engine.

The next time Rollguy and his Bro have another GTG down in your area, my Wife :gorgeous: and I will be there.
Maybe we`ll meet up?

Welcome to the Forum. :) And your Daughter too. :gorgeous:

Charlie