Greetings,
I took my car to my mechanic today to diagnose my glow plug problem and he said it wasn't the plugs (which is what I had hoped it was). Instead, he's pretty sure that it's the relay and suggested that I upgrade to some new improved relay/plugs kit. I look on FastLane for the kit and they have it for a 1983 SD but not for my 1983 D. Is it the same thing? If not, where can I get one of these kits? I guess I don't really need it as I have already have 5 new plugs sitting in the garage. Thanks for the help! I want to get this fixed quickly. I don't like driving it place without knowing if the plugs will work.

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Alex,

There is no "fast glow" upgrade for your car, only the older models which took 30 seconds to glow. Simply order a new relay and put the new plugs in.

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Regards,
Aaron

Aaron,
Thanks for the clarification.

FastLane has a VDO and a Beru. Any preferences?

Thanks.

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Alex,
That Duraterm kit will work for W115 and "early" W123. By early, I mean if you have loop-type glow plugs. You can tell because the wiring will be in series with resistor links. I bet Aaron is right and you have the pencil-type with parallel wiring.

If it does apply to your car, see my post and follow-up with clarkb7306:
Bosch Duraterm Glow Plugs

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86 560SEC
85 500SEC Lorinser
83 300D Turbo
75 240D

Aaron:

I just got a new timer/relay for my 300SD at the MB dealer. ($102). It was, of course, private labeled for Mercedes, but also said it was made by VDO.

-Scott

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https://goo.gl/photos/J8ZUVvAYiYqLxbD18

1989 560SL 111Kmi
2007 E550 4Matic 157 Kmi
2000 F250SD 7.3l, 1996 Explorer Ltd 5.0l
1965 VW Beetle Deluxe 115 Kmi
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Previous MB:
1983 240D Euro Manual 144 Kmi
1983 300SD 495 Kmi
1986 190D 2.5 100 Kmi
1986 300SDL 202 Kmi
1991 300D 2.5 Turbo 91 Kmi
1998 E320S4 (4-matic wagon) 140 Kmi

Alex,

I recently installed a Bosch Fast Glow kit, P/N 0 250 201 853/954, on my '83 300D. Works great.

ewstan

Let me correct that P/N. Should be: 0 250 201 953/954.

ewstan

So I called another part supplier to ask about it. They quickly stated that it was not in my best interests to change from the factory setup to the new fast glow kit.

They said the original is the best (and probably most durable).

alec

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84 300TD - 235k - Farbe "Surfblau" bought at 213k
87 300SDL - 131k - Farbe "PimpGold" bought at 115k
00 Klepper Faltboot Expedition Double

Thanks for all the info. Being as how I already have new plugs sitting in my garage, I'll probably pass on the fast glow kit (thanks for the part number though) and just get the VDO relay. I appreciate all the help.

Alex

__________________
1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside