Feedback on 1982 300D Turbo - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-08-2002, 10:39 AM

Greetings!
I have an opportunity to purchase a 1982 300D Turbo, automatic (oh, well), 172,000 miles, Georgia car, one Tiny rust spot...
I don't know much about the MB diesels, but I know my 66 250SE Coupe has been very reliable (granted, it's only got 50K miles)..

Should the (kinda) high mileage be a concern? What sort of things should I keep an eye out for when I have the car up in the air?

Do the MB automatics of that vintage have the jerky upshifts that are common on the earlier Hydrak transmissions?

Thanks for your collective help (and patience!),

Fred Riss
'66 250 SE/C (Euro)

#2 10-08-2002, 10:54 AM

Fred,

Best thing for you to do is search on this site for related topics as there have been many discussions about what to watch for when purchasing one of these older diesel benzes.

In general, the milage is not too bad if car has been properly cared for. Many have much higher milage and still going strong.

There are numerous potential issues, some serious and some just irritating, that you should be aware of....the search engine will help there.

And yes, the transmission shifts hard, especially from one to two. But thats normal for the car and some adjustment is possible.

Good luck. If you are a do it yourself type person who likes nice machinery you are on the right track. All you need to know can be found right here. Parts are available and so are instructions. Car is basically easy to work on.

Nic
Columbia, SC
'85 300CD @ 154k miles

Wallknight · #3 10-08-2002, 12:13 PM

I've got the same thing. Dont worry about the milage. That's young.

#4 10-08-2002, 12:44 PM

One thing that you might want to check out is the climate control system, this is the area that causes many problems for owners.

engatwork · #5 10-08-2002, 01:04 PM

Where is it at and if it is close by I can try to look at it for you and tell you what I think.

#6 10-08-2002, 01:11 PM

thanks for the offer to look at the car... it's already up here in upstate new york (which would probobly take you some time from GA!). i've seen the car frequently (it's a work colleague's)... in fact, it really wasn't for sale - i just inquired and he wants a big 4x4 for the northwest GA hills!

from what i've gathered so far, the w123 is a good model! i just don't like driving and automatic....

What is it they say? You can't have everything! Where would you put it?

(to which i reply: a big friggin' barn!)

thanks,

Fred Riss

diesel don · #7 10-08-2002, 06:33 PM

I'd be concerned buying that car. Can't tell if they're any good until they hit 200k miles

Don

Wallknight · #8 10-09-2002, 10:20 AM

If you don't like automatic, you can disconnect the kick-down switch, fiddle with the throttle linkages till they're all out of whack to the point that you have virtually no power, then you'll have to manually shift just to keep the thing moving, especially up hills!! Thats how mine was when I got it!!