The 1980 300D I was looking at was sold. Asked the owner to take to a mechanic within 3 days of sale, and when I called him up I sold it. I knew 103K for only 1,300 dollars was too cheap. I think he was squeamish about me taking it to a mechanic. ***** happens for a reason I gues... I shall continue my quest.

Better than what my mechanic's son did to his 82 300D today -- rear-ended another car, probably totaled it. Smashed in one front corner (missed the bumper completely) -- didnt' even break the headlight, but got the AC condensor, fan, probably water pump, rad, rad support, inner fender, etc.

Very sad, as the car ran fine, just had a transmission replaced, had 400,000 miles plus and looked almost new!

If I didn't already have one restoration project in the garage right now, I might try to fix it -- don't think there is anything but sheetmetal damage.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!