1983 300 D-t - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-07-2003, 06:20 AM

Just purchased above car which had been described as "excellent condition" by seller. Upon further contact there may be some "issues" before my 750 mile trek back home from Baltimore. The car has been sitting for awhile and freon may need to be replaced in AC. Also probably needs all fluids checked (160K one/owner). Probably need fuel additive to remove water. It has been driven some lately so do not anticipate any serious problems. Probably should pull into first auto supply or Walmart and buy metric set of wrenches.Any ideas on what else to look out for will not go unappreciated. Leaving in about 3 hours for a roundabout trip to Baltimore so will have wife check for responses and relay to me Wednesday PM.

thanks, Joe

Ken300D · #2 07-07-2003, 07:33 AM

Well, I suppose the first thing on any used car is making sure it has fresh motor oil and a new filter. Or at least some indication from the seller about when it was last changed.

Oil degrades all by itself (sorta) on a car that's just sitting around.

Even if you can't find a filter on the road, you should be able to go into a WalMart, buy a few gallon jugs of something diesel-rated like Shell Rotella T, and then go to some place like Jiffy Lube and CAREFULLY SUPERVISE their changing of the oil. Don't let them change your filter at a quick oil change place - they probably don't know how and might use the wrong part.

And of course before any road trip its good to check as many of the other fluid levels as possible, particularly the coolant and transmission fluid.

Have a good trip!

Ken300D

TN-W124 Diesel · #3 07-07-2003, 08:22 AM

make sure the tires are not dry rot, and you do have a spare and a jack

Palangi · #4 07-07-2003, 08:59 AM

Check the belts carefully. They're not fun to change on the side of the road on a 300D. Check the oil cooler lines for leakage. Check the upper radiator hose outlet for cracks. Since it's been sitting a while, I would have a spare main fuel filter and pre-filter and the tools to change them. (21 or 22mm wrench for the main filter, I think). Enjoy the trip!.

diesel don · #5 07-07-2003, 10:32 AM

Too many things to plan for. The odds are that something will go that you didn't count on (if its going to). When delivering recently purchased cars, I simply check fluids and tires and start driving. MAKE SURE AND HAVE A CELL PHONE.

I have delivered the following with no road issues:

Houston, TX to Grand Rapids, MI
Atlanta, GA to same
Virginia to same
Indianapolis to same

Drive.....

Don

#6 07-10-2003, 06:42 PM

Well I made it back to the Land of Lincoln (I know them's fightin' words down south) however the power steering belt broke and the air conditioning compressor seized up. Other than that the car had excellent care and shows it. Tomorrow will be spent going over the engine and interior cleaning. In about a week will take to local shop and get relieved of $500 to $600 as estimated. Emailed the seller for a 50/50 but not holding my breath. Thanks for your responses. Joe

fz500sel · #7 07-10-2003, 10:07 PM

Joe,

Give us a picture? (if you can)

#8 07-11-2003, 06:21 AM

Hope this works,,wife not up yet to supervise!!!

for sale at eBayMotors, The World's Online Marketplace TM, and thought that you might be interested.

Title of item: Mercedes-Benz : 300-Series
Seller: giveawayforgod
Starts: Jul-01-03 14:26:50 PDT
Ends: Jul-06-03 14:26:50 PDT
Price: Currently $3,500.00
To bid on the item, go to:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2421968652

Zoonhollis · #9 07-11-2003, 11:54 AM

Wow!...$3500! I guess the ABS brakes make it well worth it.