Thinking about a 1980 300SD...

[Bengoshi2000]

Greetings all,
I'm looking at a 1980 300SD to take on as a daily driver. I've previously owned an '84 300D (and though not really relevant, a '66 Mustang with the I6). I only say that to show that I know what a wrench is and I'm not afraid to use one.

I'm primarily looking for the body and mechanical trouble spots on the w116 chassis that I need to be wary of. I've given the car a cursory inspection (and plan on going back with my ramps to get up under it properly)... these are my observations:

Exterior
- Original paint (dark blue) is fading on the high spots (trunk lid, hood and top).
- No sunroof! (I'm VERY happy about that.)
- Window seals are intact and are not dry/brittle/cracking.
- Aluminum trim is all there (but pulling away from the lower corners of the rear window).
- wheel wells, specifically behind the wheels, are rust free.
- rockers & jack points have no visible rust and seem solid. There appears to be a bubble about the size of my pinky nail at the trim under the driver's door.
- hood paint is cracking fairly badly.
- the lower front air dam seam (under the bumper) on the driver's side is rusted.
- front bumper can be pushed in / pulled out about an 1-1/2 inches
- body has it's fair share of dings here and there.

Engine Bay
- entire air cleaner assembly has paint peeling off and is rusty.
- dirty...but no more than what I've seen on other MB diesels
- with engine running and oil cap loosened, the cap stays still
- no rust in the hinge pockets.
- no smells indicating coolant leaks
- valve cover gasket needs to be replaced
- oil pan gasket may need replacing
- nothing leaking out of the coolant reservoir or brake reservoir
- it has a new hood insulating pad

Interior
- driver's seat bottom needs the usual work
- rear seat bottom looks a bit "deflated" but sits ok
- rear seat back at the top (adjacent to package tray) has pulled loose in a couple spots
- package tray carpet is faded
- all mb-tex is intact and fairly clean
- door vinyl/trim/handles is intact and looks good. Driver's map pocket is pulling away from door panel.
- carpets are somewhat faded, but are dry and don't have any funky smells
- dash as a couple minor cracks.
- trunk is nice and dry and no evidence of water stains or funky smells
- Climate controls do not work. Owner spent over $2500 on two occasions within the last two years to fix.
- rear doors won't lock (vacuum I'm sure)
- rear passenger window does the "thunk thunk thunk" when you roll it up. All windows work though.

The drive
- started on second try
- shift knob/linkage is a bit loose
- shifts ridiculously smooth in all gears
- steering was tighter than I expected (better than I recall my former 300D).
- very smooth acceleration
- brakes felt a bit hard
- slight dieseling on shut down.
- I felt like the Dictator of a 3rd World nation driving around
- the windows were down, and I could hear a very consistent rattle that sounded like a heat shield. My impression it was coming from the back end of the engine bay.

Overall, I give the car a 7 out of 10 based on my first impression and drive. The owner described it as "fair condition" but I think it's a bit nicer than merely "fair". From 20 ft away, this car is a real looker. Up close, you can see it's age but there is nothing I found objectionable.

My primary concerns about the car begin with the undercoating it has. I know that stuff is a blessing AND a curse. When I go back and get it on ramps, I plan on using the handle of a screwdriver to tap on every inch of the underside. Are there any specific areas that I should pay special attention to?

It's got some vacuum issues (as do they all). I think the central locking, climate control problems and dieseling on shut off are indicative of that. Under the hood, I can see many new vacuum lines and connectors.

I'm going to ask the owner if he can scan the receipts for the work done to the climate control.

He's asking $5,000 which is high.

Here's a link to photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/110144767@N03/albums/72157687247905344

Peace,
Norm