new owner of a '84 300SD

After a ton of e-mails, phone calls and test drives, plus taking into consideration the advice of those who answered my prior post, I settled on a '85 300D. On my way out the door to do one final test drive on the one I wanted -- the phone rang! A return call from someone who had a 300 for sale. As it was on my way, I guess I could stop and look. '84 300SD, 230000 miles that had been sitting for 2 years -- wanted 2400.00 for it. This puppy had black widows in the frame and all over, inside pretty torn up, had been idling for 45 minutes (and puffed like a train) waiting for me to look at it!!! Told the lady if she could get 1000 for it, she better take it. She couldn't get her hand out fast enough! Had it towed home the next day -- best laid plans huh --

As it turn out, this thing is pretty straight and tight, new paint (although maybe earl sheib), polished factory rims -- engine cleaned up great and runs way WAY good! Trans shifts as should be, no rattles, point the steering wheel and it goes there with no problems. 80 MPH on the freeway is soooo great! As its turning out, this just might be the steal of the year for me. Haven't been this excited since my divorce was final 15 years ago ----

Questions:

Turn signals do-not work. All fuses good - hazards work fine as do the brake lites and rest of the lites. suggestions?

A/C compressor doesn't turn. Fuse is good, clutch won't engage. The blower motors work. suggestions?

Thanks all, hope this post isn't too long.

[P.E.Haiges]

There is an electrical pressure switch (usually near or on the accumulator) that will not allow the compressor clutch to engage if the freon pressure is to low.

You can short this switch for a second and see if the AC clutch engages. You must have the AC set to work when doing this. Usually setting to defrost will do this. If the clutch engages when shorting the switch, you need to recharge the AC system.

If the AC clutch still doesn't engage, you can touch a hot lead from the battery to the AC clutch terminal and see if it clicks in. Don't have the engine running when you do this test. If the AC clutch clicks in, the clutch is OK.

Try these teats and let us know the results.

For the turnsignals, try replacing the flasher unit. It is probably under the dashboard on the left side. You might have to remove some trim panels to get to it.

P E H

PEH
Shorted the clutch from the battery - works ok. must be low on freon - sight glass doesn't show anything.

There are two big (about 3x5 inches) silver boxed under the dash near the brake arm. Not sure what these do.

There are 3 or 4 sellers of CD's listed for the W126 on e-bay for under 20 bucs. Are these the real thing?

Thanks for the reply
Jim

Sorry that I can't add any usable value here, but my first MB was an 82 300SD that I bought for $1K. She was a bit rough, but a good learning experience. I'm now enjoying my 89 300SE and loving every mile in my W126...what a super vehicle, in my opinion, Mercedes' best work!!! I carpool weekly and on his weeks to drive, I hate to leave her home, but I still take "those keys" just to "feel them" in my pocket.

Mercedes Benz Rules!!!

Kelly; even tho I wanted a 123, this 126 is becoming such a pleasure -- not only to work on, but driving it is a lot of fun. I don't think my corvette ever got as many looks as this baby.

Jim

[P.E.Haiges]

Olderdude,

I'm an old dude too.

One of the silver boxes is probably the cruise control computer. I don't know what other one is.

Turnsignal flasher should be a cylindrical metal can.

P E H

[RSH]

Welcome to the 300SD club, I also have a 300SD it's an 83. The turn signal flasher according to the manual is behind the instrument cluster, to take the cluster out you will need to buy or makeup a two hook type tools to reach in on either side of the cluster to pull it out (do a forum search to find the tool dimensions) or depending how flexible you or a possible helper are, and with a little more dissasembly sometimes you can reach up behind the cluster and push it out, something else that may come into play is the steering wheel, It may not allow you to get the cluster out far enough for you to work, you may have to remove it. You asked about manuals on cd, It is a good idea, be aware that the cd manual is not wriitten for the layman, It is written for someone that is already familiar with the car and its systems be it mechanical or electrical, I have seen some complaints about its layout and navigation, I do not have a problem with it and for the price I think its a good deal.

PEH

Pulling out the dash is a piece of cake (thanks to the great pictures and instructions in the archives), but you are right about the steering wheel - just isn't enough room and I don't want to force it over the little ridge - since I don't have a steering wheel puller I'll either make one or find an inexpensive one somewhere.

Also thanks for the opinion on the CD's - will order them next.

I can't belive I like this car so much. Great piece of craftsmanship!

Jim

[william rogers]

I bought my 81 SD (Goldie) my wife calls her Belle two years ago for $1600 site unseen as my 74 240D was smoking so bad could not drive her in town unless strong wind was blowing.

Wonderfull car better than any new car I ever owned,I did the normal stuff filters,new belts and hoses,brakes,tires,and then new used drivers seat.Also rebuilt front end,drives like a dream.The 126's really grow on you......
William Rogers.....

74 240D
81 SD
86 Euro 500 SE with Euro 420 engine
81 Chevy 2wd Blazer 454 conversion I built from frame up....

I think the W126 was some of Mercedes' best work. Here's a photo of mine...but it's gasoline, not diesel. The color is what "sold me" on this one.

[P.E.Haiges]

Kelly,

Yours is the same color as my 300SDL. Too bad yours isn't a Diesel, you would get much more MPG.

I hope you don't drive that pretty car in the winter in MI or the rust will soon appear and spoil your nice paint job. Use the Saturn in the winter.

You aren't trying to tell us you pull a 34 foot trailer with a Saturn, are you?

P E H

LOL

The Saturn (Barney) is a tow vehicle. That's also the vehicle I drive during the winter.

My first MB was my 81 SD and I did get super MPG, but the gas engine is much quieter, better performance, doesn't stink and now I don't have to worry about smoking everyone out. I'm sure with some adjustments/repairs, it could have smoked a bit less, but it was kind of' rusty and certainly not the color I wanted (Silver Blue...Blah!!!).

SO...Ruby and I are doing just fine! I don't care about gas prices and I even follow the manufacturers recommendation of using high-octane fuel.

W126 Rules

[RG5384]

with regard the the turn signals, if the hazards work, then the flaster must be working right? if thats the case i'd look at the multi switch(the actual turn signal switch on the steering column), they can go bad and get carboned up. But maybe the hazards has their own flasher????
Ryan

[P.E.Haiges]

The flasher unit in my 300SD is built into the hazard switch if I remember right. But is possible it was in my 220D, it was a long time ago. Seems like it cost something like $35 to replace when my hazard lights didn't work.

P E H

[P.E.Haiges]

Kelly.

I still don't see how a Saturn could pull a 34 foot trailer faster then about 20 MPH. Isn't the Saturn engine only a 4 cylinder? Does it have a supercharger?

P E H