Need some advice... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sublettm · #1 11-30-2003, 01:32 AM

Well my daily driver is having some problems. She has just about lost the little bit of get up and go she ever had. the car in question in my '85 300D (240D). The car started out it's life as a 300D. The engine lost compression so the mechanic put a 240 engine in it with a manual tranny and resold it to me. She has been a good car thus my delima. She is burning a lot of oil and has lost all power. It is all I can do to get her out into traffic. I have fears that the engine is about to go. In your honest opinion, is it worth it to fork out the money to rebuild the engine? How much would it cost.

The car is in excellent shape other than the engine and the paint. The interior is in near perfect shape, the previous owner kept seat covers on the seats the entire time he owned the car. The body has no rust and no dents, just needs a good paint job. Do I sell her for parts and buy another one, or do I rebuild? I would like to replace the engine with a 300 turbo, but I would have to replace the tranny as well. Don't think that little four speed will work to well on that 5 cyl. engine.

Any advice is appreciated. If any of you have been down this road, speak up and let me know how it all turned out.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

engatwork · #2 11-30-2003, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Don't think that little four speed will work to well on that 5 cyl. engine.

Actually Mike - that is an excellent combination. I would drop a 5 cyl turbo in the car if it were me - keeping the manual transmission.

sublettm · #3 11-30-2003, 09:43 AM

You mean, the 240D 4 spd tranny will bolt up to the 300d engine?! That would be great if it will. I would agree that it would be an awsome combo. My father drives an 82 300d with a five speed...it is a grey market car, and I have always liked his.

If this will work, can I use the same drive shaft, or will I have to shorten the one in it right now? Are there any other items I would have to convert? The wiring for the orinigal glow plug setup is still there.

Let me know, you have peaked my interest.

Mike

Stevo · #4 11-30-2003, 11:34 AM

sublettm

I assume you have adjusted the valves, changed out the air and fuel filters? That could account for the lack of power.

"The car is in excellent shape other than the engine and the paint" These are two big ticket items even if you can do allot of the work. I think I would look for another manual trans 240D and keep your car for parts. A good interior and streight body panels are worth keeping.

sublettm · #5 11-30-2003, 03:26 PM

Yes, I have attacked all of the usual subjects. I would love to keep her around for spare parts, but I don't have room for her. I have given thought to selling this one for parts and buying another one, but haven't quite made up my mind how I want to proceed. I guess it all depends on how much it will cost to keep this one running. Believe me, I have played devils advocate in my mind and it seems that the besty thing to do would be reuild or replace the engine. If I were to buy another one, I would be back to square one with fixing all of the "little things". Don't know if I have the patience for that again. Although, if I did replace the car, I have given thought to going bigger and buying a 126 diesel. Which brings me to another question, are the 126's as reliable as the 123's? Are there any years to avoid? And what is the normal going price for one of these in pretty good shape?

Mike

JimSmith · #6 11-30-2003, 04:00 PM

subletm,

The way I see it you can always fix the paint and the engine. Yeah, it may cost some money but you don't have to do both at the same time. But you cannot always find W123 body that has no rust. Without rust the car can literally last forever. It is also a big plus that the interior is in good shape and that it has a manual transmission. So, my bottom line is get a new or used 300D engine and put it in the car.

It will likely cost a bit more than another decent shape 240D or 300D to paint and replace the engine, but you will have a car that can be driven for many years to come. And you may find a used engine that is not too costly.

If you make your decision based on what you have into the car and its market value, then you will not fix the car. You will never get your money out if you sell it, but then, for what you put into it you will never get an equivalent machine.

Good luck, Jim

sublettm · #7 11-30-2003, 04:09 PM

Ok, If I fix this one, would it be best to rebuild this engine, or buy a rebuilt one from Performance Products. I would think a rebuilt one from PP would be best since it is ready to be installed and I won't have to go through any hassles. One more thing I need clarification on, can I bolt my 240, 4 spd manual tranny up to a 300d engine? If so, are there any other items that need to be modified to do this? The rear-end in the car is the original one (300D).

Thanks for the advice.

Mike

R Leo · #8 11-30-2003, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sublettm
I have given thought to selling this one for parts

How much do you want for this car (as is)?

engatwork · #9 11-30-2003, 07:01 PM

is how much does your father want for that 5 speed, 5 cylinder

. Do a search on here about the conversions. I know Dieseldon just went through one. Pretty straight forward and it sounds like you have all the parts except the turbo diesel engine. Unless I had alot of spare $$ sitting around I would try to find a good used engine from a salvage yard type of place instead of Performance$$$$$Products.

#10 11-30-2003, 08:13 PM

Try these sites:
http://www.remanufactured.com/Mercedes_Engines.htm
www.rebuiltenginesformercedesbenzcars.com

Louis.

sublettm · #11 11-30-2003, 08:18 PM

Don't know that Dad would let loose of the 5 speed 5 cyl. I have let him know numerous times that I would buy it from him if he wants to get rid of it. He has owned it since it was about a year old. He bought it shortly after we moved to Germany, years ago. It is gold with the palomino interior. Some of you guys would be happy to know that it even came with manaul windows. It is a great car.

I don't know how much I would sell mine for....don't know what it is worth given the engine problems. Don't think I am going to sell it though. If I can find an engine for it, I think I will go that route.

One more question in regards to the tranny and the 5 cyl. engine. Will I do any damage to the engine if I am cruising down the road in fourth gear at 85 mph? I know there is no redline for these engines, but is it really good to do this?

Does anyone here in the Houston area know where I can lay hands on a good, used, engine?

Thanks,

Mike

sublettd · #12 11-30-2003, 09:35 PM

engatwork,

Dad's not sure he wants to sell the 5-speed 300D...though he has thought about it. The chief reason is that would require me to make the SL a daily driver and I really don't want to do that at this juncture.

Also the 300D has almost 300,000 miles on it and has been wrecked three times, to the tune of about $16,000.00 in repairs...though you would never know it by looking at the car.