92 300D buying advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

invisik · #1 01-31-2003, 12:05 AM

Hey all,

I found another nice diesel for sale at a local dealer this time.

1992 300D 2.5 turbo, white on gray tex. A couple of the dash bulbs are out, but everything else is very nice and works. Unable to test A/C. Hood has some bad touch-up paint on it and the metal pieces under the headlights are heavily pitted (good bargaining points, I think). 160,000 miles. Most records available. Highlights include timing chain at about 85,000, front ball joints and tie rods and shocks within 2 years, regular oil changes and tranny service. 2 yr old exhaust system. less then 1 year old tires (Cooper). Seat springs are good, interior is very clean. Tight suspension, tranny and good boost. They are asking $9900.

Book puts it at mid $8000's. I have a trade in, but would I be stupid to get it for like $8500? It' very nice and the wife likes it (a priceless bonus), but I don't want to pay too much either way.

Thanks for any opinions!!

-m

PS: Hmm, some on eBay have gone for $6000-$7000ish.... I do value buying from a dealer versus eBay, though. hmm.

omegabenz · #2 01-31-2003, 01:29 AM

the covers under the headlights are 8 dollars my price each. But painting them your color can cost some money, they come black primered. Id deduct 80 dollars.

Make sure that it has boost. Sometimes the computer doesnt work right. When they run well they are pretty quick.

check the suspension to ensure the miles, like put it on a lift and see if the rear suspension needs new links, if it does it probably has 150k miles on it.

Check for leakage at the engine, usually they always leak, if they dont, they are going to blow up. Make sure the tranny shifts good and the starter works well.

Those are some common problems I know of with the 92 2.5 diesels.

They are great for the highway, but uphills sometimes you have to shift down. Good luck.

invisik · #3 01-31-2003, 09:45 AM

There is some minor oil leakage on the engine, which is expected, I agree. I didn't bring my little flashlight in but I will on Saturday when I got back to try to work a deal.

If I end up getting this car, I'll keep you in mind for those parts under the headlights. I expected it to be more then that!

Anyone know a rough estimate of sanding, filling, and repainting the hood?

Thanks.

-m

omegabenz · #4 01-31-2003, 10:03 AM

Depends if you go to a Mercedes paint place or just a regular place. I would say about 500 dollars. I bet that car was towed behind a motor home thats why the hood and headlight fillers are messed up and pitted.

What is the color code of the car?

invisik · #5 01-31-2003, 10:32 AM

Hmm, not sure of he color code. It is white, but wasn't there a regular white and an artic white or something like that? But $500 is a good round number to go off of.....

Thanks much for the info...

-m

turnne1 · #6 01-31-2003, 12:42 PM

I think the $9900 price is high...by at least $1500...those are great cars but don't over pay......I got $10K on a trade in for mine back in 1997 with 208K...at the time I think retail was about $12K and mine was in excellent shape...2 owner car(including me) and 90% dealer serviced

Warren
1992 300SD 158K
Columbus Ohio

CJ · #7 01-31-2003, 06:08 PM

If you haven't read this yet, check it out!!

http://www.mindspring.com/~houlihan/mb.htm

PS-Where is the computer located on this car?

invisik · #8 01-31-2003, 06:37 PM

Yes, that guys site rocks!!!

I don't know where the computer is on the car. Is it different for different years? Should I be concerned which I have?

-m

DieselAddict · #9 01-31-2003, 07:15 PM

I just paid $664 for properly repainting the hood with a lifetime warranty. You can always get it done cheaper but the quality probably won't be as good.

slowmoe · #10 01-31-2003, 07:47 PM

My 92 300D has been a dream to own. In the last 60K I have had to do: tie rods, shocks/struts, tires, 1 ball joint, radiator, hoses and thermastat, fan belt, tensioner, fan clutch and fan, vacuum pump for doors and one vacuum actuator (driver's door). I now have 185K on her and she needs rear links and the ASD light is on for some unknown reason. My mechanic will pull the code on Tuesday.

90% of the above I was able to do myself and enjoyed most of it. The car looks and feels like it is good for another 200K. I would be willing to spend more on a car with more options, in above average condition and with and a good history. I think it paid off in my case.

By the way, my 2.5 doesn't leak a drop and I do not think it should.

Good luck

invisik · #11 02-02-2003, 01:32 AM

Well, we got it for $8900. Maybe a little high, but I think the condition warranted it for the most part. Got money off for busted cruise control--that was really the only thing wrong with the car other then the paint chips on the front which we all have.

So I'm back in the saddle! Thanks for the info everyone! Let the flood of questions begin!

-m