saw an 87 300 sdl today - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

84300DT · #1 01-18-2003, 05:27 PM

4 sale nearby - has 196k on the clock which was working.

body/paint/interior looks in great shape- everything works aside from the alarm incl the a/c (according to the owner) . has a new batt and exhaust.

have some issues though
1) fuel leak. looks like it's coming from on top of the IP where the injection lines go into the IP - it's not a huge leak more like seeping.
2) car was smoking quite a bit. white smoke. the owner said the car had not been started in at least 2 months. could this be condensation or the like due no starts? or is it indicative of a worse problem.
owner said does not use antifreeze and thought the head might
have 'been done'.

3) engine ran great - no vibration at all. trans shifted pretty smooth too and the trans fluid looked very clean.

guy says he want $7K - negotiable.
what do you guys think?? appreciate any input.

got some pics here to follow.

84300DT · #2 01-18-2003, 05:28 PM

another

84300DT · #3 01-18-2003, 05:28 PM

and one more

84300DT · #4 01-18-2003, 05:29 PM

1 more

84300DT · #5 01-18-2003, 05:30 PM

and 1 more

#6 01-18-2003, 05:57 PM

A little rich..

I would stop in by suprise in a few days when you know the car has not been started in a while. First pop the hood and feel the upper radiator hose, it should be soft. Look in the coolant tank, should be clean with no black droppletts.

Then start the car, even last night when it was 5 degrees F mine started on the first crank, but did run rough for a few seconds, just keep your foot to the floor until it idles good. There may be some black or blue smoke at cold start but not white. Point is, it should start instantaniously.

If the car smokes at any other time (white), stay far far away from it.. cracked head.

If there is no rust, engine and tranny are good, interior good, I would say it's a $5000-$6000 car, hopefully there are service records.

If I knew you were in the market for a 300SDL I would have had you drive mine to get some feel for the car to know what noises and feel would be normal or abnormal.

Keep us updated.

#7 01-18-2003, 05:59 PM

I see it has an updated blowby line, so it looks like it has been maintained atleast somewhat. I also see the climate control is pushed in.. does it work?

84300DT · #8 01-18-2003, 06:14 PM

yes john, lol, when i was sitting in the back of your car .. that's what got me in the market for an sdl !!

the CC works it was pouring out heat. what's got me worried is the white smoke. i mean it was a cloud in back.
could this be condensation or the like through the exhaust due no start for 2 months?

the car isn't registered and that's another problem - how to really test drive?
i just took it around the block a couple of times - max 40mph...

the other thing is the fuel leak form the top of the IP - is that o-rings or?? is it a big=$$$ job?

the crazy thing about this car is that the body/paint/interior etc
are in really nice shape.

bob
(torn in CT)

#9 01-18-2003, 06:18 PM

Well if you are really interested go back and start it again, he can't use that two month excuse again. As I said, if you see white smoke at any other time than cold startup, stay away!

Check to see if the climate control regulates temperature and fan speed also. Put it on auto and adjust the temperature, let the climate control do the work. Check the sunroof too!!

The diesel leak sounds like simple brass o-rings to me.

If you have a friend with a car dealership, ask to borrow his dealer plate for a few hours, I would get permission to take it out for a good hour and get a feel for the car.

84300DT · #10 01-18-2003, 06:43 PM

yes i am really concerned about the white smoke - need to be able to take the car up on the highway and run 80mph for a few exits - see if it burns off. if it doesn't, it sounds like a coolant leak into the cylinders and i would not consider the car for any money..!

oh, the sunroof works fine as well as the automatic seats etc - like i said everything except the alarm..

thanks meantime for the advice- i don't think this car is going anyplace anytime soon so i might just go back into hibernation for awhile!!

#11 01-18-2003, 07:08 PM

In California you can go to the DMV office and get a one day permit. The intent is so you can move it legally from one place to another for repairs. It's easy to obtain, and keeps you legal. Take the registration or title with you when you go to get the permit. You'll be able to take her for a real good spin. Good luck.

84300DT · #12 01-18-2003, 07:51 PM

thanks dirty- here in CT they also sell a temporary paper plate good for about 12 days or so , i forget the exact time, but the key is you have to buy the car first!!

Ken300D · #13 01-18-2003, 09:19 PM

My 1987 300D (same engine) throws out a pretty good cloud of smoke on a cold winter startup too.

The smoke possibilities have very subtle differences. You've got your pure white smoke which is water vapor, your blue smoke that is oil burning - and your bluish-white-gray smoke that is unburnt diesel.

On a return visit, go around to the back of the car and get a nice snoot full of the smoke. I'll bet its going to have a strong odor of unburnt diesel.

Typical for these cars - takes awhile to go away at idle, but will be gone in 1/10 mile of driving.

Ken300D

PaulH · #14 01-19-2003, 01:29 AM

84300DT - - Until recently I stored my SDL in a rent-a-shed and started it up and drove it every 2-3 months. I never saw heavy white smoke. I think that white smoke = water vapor as stated above. So, I agree with the bad head theory. Even if the head has been replaced, it still could have been over heated; it only takes one time. Having said that I would try to buy it at about $5000 and plan on replacing the head. You will LOVE this car! Good Luck

84300DT · #15 01-19-2003, 05:17 PM

i'm forgetting this car for a while - at least until the weather warms up.. the engine was at operating temp when the white smoke was pouring out. i don't think i can diagnose this further without taking it for a loong drive to eliminate any condensation in the exhaust system. and the owner's asking price of $7k is too rich imho.

thanks for all the input

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