New member, new car, no problems, some questions.
I was saving up for a 944 and came across a deal I couldn't refuse...A 1984 300D/Turbo. It's dark blue, camel interior and in great shape with 227K miles. I'm in law school, and the car used to belong to a former state Supreme Court judge, so it has a kind of provenance for me.
Anyway, its in great shape and everything works, has the sunroof and all that. I used to drive MGB-GTs and love British sportscars, but this is a whole different world. I feel like I'm driving a Bentley or something. Its way luxurious and has a lot of character. You guys know all this, so I'll get down to the questions I have:
1. This car has been pampered and I have all the maintenance records and so on. Winter is coming and it gets cold here. This is a second car. Should I "winterize " it in any way, I won't be driving it much, maybe 3K - 4K miles a year tops.
2. After reading the owners manual I was a little taken back by the cold starting instructions. Keep the key in position three until the motor runs normally? I did it today and it worked fine, but this is my first Diesel. I absolutely don't want to screw this car up. I can afford normal maintenance and the occasional part replacement scenario but I don't want to be needing things rebuilt and so on!
3. Any resources, like books on the motor other than a Haynes type manual, more like a cross between a history book and a coffee table book on the diesel motor in this thing you can clue me into? I hear this turbo diesel was like on of the best MB motors ever made, and can go for over 500K miles, etc.
Anyway, I am totally impressed with this car and love driving it, its very continental. I also got it for $1400 and its got nice new Michelins. I just want to learn more about proper driving and daily care so I'll stay mindful of its age and limitations. Also-how can I tel if the turbo still works?
Any help is appreciated. I'll be checking back. Great site.
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