300cd

Generally reliable transmissions/engines in the non turbo models? Any unique problems to this model that I should watch out for? Would you consider it a could first car/commuter car for a kid going to school? Thanks

[billrok]

The window regualtors go out in the rear windows of the CD's a lot it seems. Other than that, they are as rock solid as any good old 617 engine. You won't win any races but great car for reliable transportation. I love the Coupe body style.

240d
I have such bad luck. Went to the auction to see if the 240D was there, and it was, but in a condition I hadn't seen or noticed before....When I went on the lot to check it I wasn't supposed to be there, so I checked really quick. I didnt noticed the the right side (blocked view by a toyota parke don side) was totally kinked in. When I went to drive it, reverse didn't work and it bucked big time. I went to the auctions again Yesterday, saw a nice red 300CD. 167K, lots of papers in the glove compartment, ran smooth, and was actually pretty quiet (for a diesel) I could feel the response when I revved it. It went down to 750 Bucks, no one bought it and it went through. Gonna pick it up at the next auction on Tues for prolly around 600. It was actually a really nice car for the money, the paint was a little dull, no rust, and the interior I would give a B. It sounded a lot nicer than some of the others Ive driven, but didn't wanna get anxious without someone there who knew exactly what to hear. On a good note, today I am picking up a 240D 4 speed with an new engine (previous owner never adjusted valves) for...get this..FREE. Body is a bit rusty, engine started up after being under a tree for a year. Ill fix that up and teach my kid the art of the manual on this. If he don't like it, Ill sell it.

[JPL]

....I see is that folks say they don't see that many CDs

Seriously though, I love my CD. Partially for just that reason. It's not that common. Here is SE Pennsylvania, there are alot of the 4 door 123s still around. I love it's distinctive 'sporty-luxury'.

I have a non-Turbo model CD and have just gotten used to the "heavy-foot-til-your-at-speed" approach. Which may be how many diesel owners accelerate.

The toughest part is getting replacements for the coupe-specific interior and chassis parts. Like billrok pointed out, the rear-window regulators for those quarters can be hard to find. Doors, Door Seals, and door panels, regulators etc. Another issue would be a shortage of leg room for the back seat passengers.

Yes, a GREAT first commuter car. The two door kinda says 'sporty-cool', The Benz says; distinctive, and the deisel 617 says, reliability. Again, if your kid is a blossoming NASCAR racer, they won't sit very long in the diesel.

just my $.02

[Holson Adi]

Yeah getting the coupé-specific parts is definitely the difference between it and the sedan.

However, I do like its shape. It doesn't really shout diesel when the engine is off, which surprises first-time riders...when the engine starts they go... "a diesel??!"

Just make sure the rear window regulators work as they could be 'expensive' to fix because you can't buy them at discounted prices. The glasses are different too and so are the seals.

The seatbacks work by vacuum, make sure it works too.

The doors are huge, get used to them. I can't imagine SEC's doors...

Just getting one together, ironing out some mechanical problems, but my info is that the rear window actuators NEVER work right, so leave the rear windows up. This leads to another problem...with the windows down at speed the air inside the car tends to "churn." The doors are big and heavy, like those on the old Volvo Bertone.

This is a somewhat "rare" car, with fewer than 2,000 imported during the model run. The wheelbase is somewhat shorter than the sedan, making it easier to park.

On the whole, I'd still say the 4dr 240 is the most practical and reliable of the family.

[JPL]

You get a 240D with manual tranny and manual climate contol and windows and you may have that car forever.

Would you say the 300CD is as reliable as a 300D on the basic issues of engine/tranny?

Also, do the basic systems on these fail frequently? To tell you the truth, if air breaks, I dont care, and if rear windows dont work, I dont care. I just like the looks, and a manual tranny is nice but the stop and go driving of the city may make it irritating for my kid. Just curious on what you guys think. Is main system reliability (engine and tranny) on par with the 240D auto or does it fall very short?