Interior 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 06-16-2002, 08:55 AM

Well, my new 83 300D arrived yesterday. I can tell from the outset this is a keeper and will be driven by me for at least the next 10 years. I'm pleasantly surprised with the engine, sure it clatters like a box-a-rocks but inside it's not bad and shakes only a little. Fires up on what seems to be a half an engine revolution. Very pleased so far. BUT it is showing it's age inside. Most of the trim in the dash area is worn, chipped, peeling etc. Are there any sources for replacment parts or newly mfg'd items. I'm wanting to replace the center panels around the radio and misc controls. I have no real intention of doing a restoration of the car but do want it to looks reasonably good. I'll be bugging the list for more as I learn about the car. Anyone know if the repair CD's that pop up on E-bay once in a while have the owner's manual? I didn't get much with the car, in fact nothing, and I at least want to have an idea how the thing is supposed to work.
A drive shaft maint question, are there some kind of rubber things at each end of the driveshaft that are supposed to be replaced occasionally? I read somewhere that if this thing broke it can tear your transmission up and cause lots of damage. Is the part hard to replace or OK for the basic backyard mechanic? Great group, I'm happy to have found this.

Robert W. Roe · #2 06-16-2002, 10:35 AM

Ebay has a lot of dash wood and other stuff. If you're not in a rush to buy, take your time and look at everything that matches "Mercedes 123" in a search. I've gotten a few bits for my SD for a fraction of new retail prices.

It's worth going on ebay regularly to search, at least once a week. I found a turn signal switch for $40, brand new, compared to $120 for a new one elsewhere.

You should go over the MBTex portions of your interior with Lexol Vinylex or Meguiar's shine. The detailing forum gets into this stuff in great depth. Anyway, welcome, and enjoy your 300D.

tcane · #3 06-16-2002, 11:39 AM

Congrats on becoming a diesel M-B owner! Enjoy your "new" benz! The repair CD's do not have the owner's manual, eBay is the place to find one along with the Haynes and M-B repair manuals. The Haynes is the most helpful initially and you can get the M-B ones later (I prefer the print M-B manuals, but they are OOP - see them on eBay all the time).

The rubber things on the drive shaft are called flex discs, they do wear out and fail, and can cause a lot of damage. Look for a recent post by TXBill about his flex disc failing and you will find a post by me on what to look for when inspecting a flex disc along with pics from a member of the damage caused by his.

Good Luck!
Tom

rickjordan · #4 06-16-2002, 05:19 PM

If your car doesn't have it's original owner's manual, you can get one form any dealer. I was able to get a "reproduction" owner's manual for my 1980 300SD, which my brother has now. MY TD still had it's owner's manual and maintenance book. I second the recommendation of using Vinylex. What ever you do, stay away from Armor All. Since you are new to diesels and MB, I'll answer some "newbie" questions that you are bound to ask. For "what type of oil do I use", use Chevron Delo 400 15W-40 or Shell Rotella 15W-40. Both are easily avaialable at any Walmart. You will need 2 gallons. Yes, 2 whole gallons of oil for each oil change. For filters, stick with any of the OEM filters, Mann, Hengst, Mercedes-Benz (Knecht). How many miles does you car have on it? Welcome to the "club".

The Warden · #5 06-16-2002, 05:27 PM

617's only take 2 gallons of oil?

Wow...my trucks take 3...bigger engine, I suppose...

rickjordan · #6 06-17-2002, 07:23 PM

One of my neighbors has a Dodge Ram with a Cummings diesel engine that takes 3 gal.