Hi, brand spanking new to this forum. My name is Steve and I don't currently own a MB, but the thought of getting one has become somewhat of an obsession as of late.

I've fallen in love with the 300D. Pretty much a psychological 180 from where I was with that car a while back... thought it looked boring, diesel performance is poopy, and they sound funny and smell bad.

But now I love them. They are so hot I can't even stand it. Absolutely classy automobile. Owning one as a second car makes so much sense in my mind its ridiculous... but I have to make sure some of the notions I have of these awesome cars aren't false.

I'm not new to message boards, so I expect I'll be getting some "SEARCH DAMMIT!" responses, but in my defense, I also wanted to use this thread as a way of introducing myself.

QUESTIONS:

Which model years are the best? The older styles look AWESOME (almost RR front end), but I imagine this style also comes with a bit of a classical price... at any rate, I also dig the circular headlight models of the 80's.

Are these things really as bulletproof as they are made out to be? I'm guessing yes, since I see an amazing number of them on the streets still. I probably see 4 or 5 DIFFERENT 300D's /TD's on a daily basis.

Did they make any in black? I imagine if they did... its a rare color and therefor more expensive, but the thought of having a black benz to match my E36 is also extremely sexy. The standard beige is classy and beautiful as well.

Well, thats it for now... thanks for reading and I hope I'll get a chance to meet a lot of you through this forum.

Steve

Pretty much any 300D,CD,TD,SD between 1979 and 1984 are great. Above '81 model year and they are all Turbo except the 240D. The SDL's are also very popular, but expensive.

They really are bulletproof if they are given proper care. Rust is one of the major weak points, mostly in the northern states.

Ask Peyton300TD to see some pictures of his TD and you will see near perfection.

Most of all, take your time and REALLY look them over. Test drive them at least twice, look for defects (Rust, engine nailing, fluid leaks, etc.), have a Mercedes dedicated tech run a compression test. Don't go out and buy the first one that runs. They really are common in some areas. I have seen at least 185 different D's in the NE Oklahoma over the last two years.

Thanks for the response.

OT: Godfellas is my favorite Futurama episode... (looking at your sig).

As far as pricing is concerned, I've seen clean 300D's go for as little as 500 bucks (!!!), but I believe that was a buddy price. How much should I hoard away if I want to get into a nice, clean, straight, but not perfect or restored, early 80's 300?

Steve

I have a 83' 300D and yes it is black with "Mellow Yellow" interior Palimino, very reliable and parts are cheep, the only problem with this model and as most Mercedes is the Climate control , AC and odometer. The 5cy diesel was one of the best engines
made..

__________________
2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

If you are single, i would look for a D,CD, or TD. If you get a TD, it's real easy to set the seats flat and take a nap in the back.

If you have a family or just like big cars, go for the SD. It's got MUCH more leg room in the back.

Off topic, my fav: The Devils Hands Are Idle Playthings

Yeah, that was a good one too... they really sexified Leela in that episode. Sad to see that show go... one of the best.

I like the overall proportions of the non-SD better... the SD looks a bit long in the midsection... always have prefered shorter-based models to their longer based cousins.

Steve

Take your pic...

300D



300SD


300SD


300SDL(maybe a little too long, eh?)


300TD


Just a few of the golden oldies. I think you may be after the old W123 body. The one with the round headlights---

__________________
1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)

The final one, yes... that is what I like. And the model earlier to it, with the deeper hood crease.

Sexy.

Steve

W124? 300TD. Good luck finding one of those. Only about 2000 made, talk about $$$ if you find a good one.

You are referring to the 114 cars. Parts for these were getting scarce a while ago.

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

Lance,
Marlene is bummed. Talked at like this even after giving you that tailpiece too.

Steve,
Seriously, you should try to find and drive a 240D with a MANUAL transmission. In terms of outright fun, they are much, much more fun to drive than the auto 300D or TD. Mind you, they're no Bimmer but still fun and plenty of power zip around town too.

Other free advice:

1)The 240D with an auto is a dog. Don't go there.
2) Not all turbodiesels were created equal...my two 617-engined (the 5 cyl turbo) cars are as different as night and day. Both great vehicles, just different in terms of throttle response etc...
3) Rust isn't the end of these cars but is darned close; watch out.
4) No power isn't the end either. Sometimes it's just a clogged fuel filter.

Good luck!

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I just picked up a 79 300 cd for my daughter and it is really a neat little car. It is alot smaller than my 350 SDL. I think my car is the greatest diesel I have ever driven.

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91 350 SDL
91 300 E
85 300 D (sold)
79 300 CD (sold)
91 300 CE

Nice beemer Steve!

Yea, they made the w123's chassis in black but it wasn't too common. Yet, you can still find them.

I have a black 1985 300TDT. I know you like the round headlights but I upgraded to the Euro lights which I think look more aggressive and they put out a better beam.

Here are some pictures. We're glad to help!

OHH, I see you're from Davis. My friend Nate (he's our age) lives there and he has an immaculate 300D, he always knows whats available around california, so if you shoot me your email i can get you in touch with him. He'd be happy to help you hunt one down.

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

I love the W115 that is post a few posts up.

Thanks for all the responses, this is truly a good forum. On bimmerforums I'd already get a million "ENGINE SWAP YOS!" or "SEEEEEEEAAAARCCCCCCCCH!" responses by now. Bastards.

I imagine a 240D with a 5-speed is rare, huh? I'm actually not too concerned about the manual, as I have my bimmer, which is becoming less and less civilized and more and more fun on the road. Last weekend I got some GC coilovers with some bone-crushing spring rates, sports seats, LSD... etc... car is going to rule round 1 this february!

Point being, the Merc would be my daily cruiser. Right now, my car, for all intensive purposes, has NO rear seat, so I can only cart around one fool at a time. It would be so nice to pile friends into my car or take the girlfriend somewhere without having to have her climb over my damn TRS bolsters. Enter merc!

Steve