81 300 SD buyer Checklist

[CSchmidt]

Folks,

I've been listening and trying to learn for a while now, still waiting to find the right machine (my first diesel). Given my needs and after looking around I think a W126 is the right fit for me - mostly highway driving, need to take the occassional customer to lunch, travelling with 2 kids and need a good sized trunk, and driving about 30-40K miles per year.

I've just missed on two different 300 SDL's and now an 81 SD has presented itself. I go to look at it this afternoon. It is represented as a single owner, dealer maintained car, supposed to be in great shape, with about 194K on it. It was traded in on a new Lincoln and now a "corner used car lot" has acquired it. Right now he is asking $3700. I bet that is flexible 8*).

I'll have the usual questions for the used car dealer and probably have to go back to the Mercedes service manager to confirm.

I'll check:
maintenance records
smoke on startup
pressurization of the radiator / bubbles right after start
general fluid conditions and leaks ( radiator, tranny, ...)
the usual suspension and body checks - tire wear, shocks, bent looking frame/panels...
a driving test, acceleration, smoke, brakes
checkout the electrical / vacuum options - particularly the AC/Heat
other suggestions?

I know in looking at 300SDL's, the belt tensioner was an issue on several, does this apply to the 5 cylinders as well?

Isn't this about the time (200K) for timing chains / valve jobs?

In watching the notes on the 300 SDL's, I have an idea of basic repair costs. Are repairs on the 5 cylinder SD's about the same?

- tranny rebuild -?
- valve job / head gasket?
- timing chain?
- engine rebuild?
- turbo replacement?
- ac update to R134?

The feeling I get from the notes in the forum is these engines last about forever - and I am hoping to get another 200K+ from whatever I buy.

Thanks again and I really appreciate any guidance here.

Chuck