300SD Questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 11-24-2002, 11:44 PM

Car's an 83 300SD 250K miles. What should I look for problem-wise, mostly engine and tranny wise. Should the engine have had a new timing chain by now? Will it need one soon if not? Will the transmission still be ok after this long on a well maintained car? Most maint records are available for the vehicle and they do indicate a cared for car. How much life is left here? Will I need an engine re-build say before 350K or will it keep running if it's in good shape now. Is 3,000 too much for one of these with this kind of mileage regardless of the condition? I already own a 300D same year w/172K on it and it seems to be hardly broken in engine-wise. 1/2 Qt at the 4K oil change mark but it is butt-ugly inside and has a lot of other problems like water leaks, no rear-defrost, no A/C etc etc. What I'm doing here is building a herd of older MB diesels to replace my herd of 3 Mazda 929's which are being sold off (1 down, 2 to go). My goal is three diesels 2 in fair to good shape, one in excellent shape but all no newer than 1985 since I heard the later ones have piss-poor engines. I'm also going to replace my Jeep Pickup truck with another Jeep. Wish MB had seen fit to make a pickup truck bodied 300D, boy that would be a great vehicle. Maybe I'll make one :-)
Any advise on the 300 SD is appreciated. Thanks.

CHAPP · #2 11-25-2002, 01:09 AM

I would check/replace the timing chain and rails if it has not been replaced. A Valve adjustment and a leakdown test would tell you what kind of life left in the engine, they last almost forever with good maintence. The trans. leak on these things but know an "orignal" owner of a "83 300SD with over 370K that has been leaking for 300K, but still works good. Keep the fluid and filter changed he says. You can have water leaks, A/C problems, cruise problems...but these cars are worth the time and effort. $3000 is not a bad price.

rickg · #3 11-25-2002, 12:40 PM

These big w126's like to hammer the front suspension to death, especially with a heavy diesel engine. With that many miles, I'd expect to be replacing ball joints at the very least, unless the someone has already done that. Parts are cheap, but it's fairly expensive to have some one else do it. Front sub-frame bushings are probably worn, steering box is probably getting loose(this can be adjusted some). I've heard some guys here have problems with back-door power windows too.
But they're an awsome car

Worth the fix'n long as they're not a rust bucket.

RSH · #4 11-25-2002, 04:54 PM

I have a 83 300SD, it had 223K miles on it when I bought it from ebay in June for $2550, it now has 230K miles, it had all its maintinance records since new, all major items I had checked out by some old German mechanic, he let me sit in on the inspection and gave it a clean bill of health, even the R-12 a/c works great. When i first got it I replaced all the fluids and filters did some minor fixes (interior light bulbs,power antenna rebuild,passenger seat drive cable,tach mod,replaced all rubber vacuum lines) I will replace the hood pad and I may have it painted (paint is thin in some areas) looks great from 10 feet away, the body(no rust)and interior are in great shape, everything on this car works, it has been the best $2500 I have ever spent, I have a bicycle that costs more and this car is way more fun, and even if it only lasts a year (Im sure it will last much longer) I would be happy, it is cheap classy entertainment, the family also uses it as a daily driver. If you are really interested in the car you described have the majors checked (engine,trans,suspension,steering,a/c) and go from there. Some new cars will barely make 100k miles (Korean) and you are worried about a spending 3k on a 20yr old car with 250K, with that kind of concern maybe you should look elsewhere.

rmmagow · #5 11-26-2002, 07:07 AM

Oh No, I'm not worried about spending 3K for a nice old MB. All I was looking for was advise on what to look for, what to expect etc. I do all my own work so replacing/repairing things isn't a major consideration. This would be my 4th car anyway, more of a toy than anything else. My old trusty 83 300D is my main ride and it's not been a big deal to fix (other than the A/C which probab should just be fully replaced). Just needing some guidelines on what to look for on an SD as I've never owned one. My other MB is an really nice old 58 220S which has been nothing but a pleasure to work on. The SD will probably be like the 300D, run great and need lots of little tweaks to bring it to perfection :-)

can-do · #6 11-28-2002, 12:20 PM

Greetings,

If you are use to driving a 300D then the SD will please you even more. The wider stance and more attention to interior detail and sturdiness this car makes a great addition to anyone's Benz collection. This car should truly drive out nicely if it's been well maintained. I'd check items like deteriorated rubber mounts on the front-end as well as tie rods for play as well as rubber boot wear or tears, indicating they have never been replaced. Steering tightly in a parking lot that has no traffic in it will give you a clue to lower bearing creaks or worn front-end parts as noise shows the way to possible problems. If your interior is in great condition and the trunk is dry as well as exterior paint and all options are functioning properly, then the price is pretty much in line but I'd offer less and work up to their asking price. You may save a few bucks and still end up with a great running and riding Benz.

Charles