A while back I bought a non-running '80 300SD and decided to adopt it as a project. After trying the normal things to get it running (primer pump, glow plugs, filters, etc.), and still not being able to get it started, I took the head off and found the problem. The engine had been overheated and scored two of the cylinders pretty badly. Only one cyl. had good cranking pressure. Well, anyway, after dropping the block and head off at the M/C shop and starting to clean up all the old parts (beadblasted and painted all the engine accessories, brackets, etc.), The news is in from the M/C shop.

The cylinders will not clean up at 0.5mm oversize, which means that the block would have to be re-sleeved. The head also needs some work (valve job and possibly guides).

I have decided that the investment in this car is simply not worth it. I need to find this thing a good home and would like to recoup some of my existing expenses. This would make a great project for somebody with a running 617 engine that needed a car to put it in.

I would definitely consider interesting trades, including a working 4-speed automatic GM transmission (700R4) or a 4 or 5 speed manual tranny for a 4.3L V6 Chevy. Anyone interested in the car is encouraged to contact me via email or on this board. The car is in Festus, MO (just south of St Louis). I have pics of the car and would supply a lot of freshly cleaned parts.

Steve M.

Bummer about that
You may want to post this over at the Cars for sale forum too.

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

Have you thought about just finding a reasonable engine in a salvage yard.. Hate to see you give up on it ....

Hmmmm..... interesting trades huh? Better not say that around here!

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

Was the 300sd a turbo? Will a 1980 300D work in the 300sd?

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1998 E300Turbodiesel
1980 300d

Ready- Ronnie

Yes, it's a turbodiesel. The turbo seems fine (rotates freely), but I have never had the car running.

Yes- I like interesting trades. Not quite like the Seinfeld episode, however, when Kramer tries to trade Anthony Quinn's undershirt for a conversion van. LOL.

SteveM.

I have several bags of muffin stumps that you might be able to talk me out of......

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

jet,
Hello, How much cash would you take for the car?
What about trading for some kind of woodworking tool. I have a bunch and wouldn't mind some kind of deal we both find to our satisfaction.
Do you have any pics of the car? What condition is the body qnd tranny in and is there any rust?
Thanks, Adam

Where are you located? I would MAYBE be interested if it had no rust, and if it were a neat color combo like black or a pretty blue. Please post a picture.
Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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David:
I'm in Festus, MO (just south of St Louis). I believe I sent pics to you. If not, I have you confused with someone else.

Steve.

Jetmugg,
How is the rest of the car? Is it an automatic? What color? Can you send some pics? Thanks.

Due to fortunate circumstances ( I just bought another 1980 300SD with a good engine/tranny), My 300SD is no longer for sale.

Steve.

Well you shouldn't put us through that much pain. I have been agonizing over whether to buy yours or not.

Thanks, now I can relax. I DIDN'T need another car, BUT
I was tempted.

Guess you can now enjoy your "new" car and have a good parts
car to boot!

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1980 300SD Manganese Brown Metallic Clearcoat 248k
1979 300SD White 148 k
1984 300D Silver project car for daughter
1982 300D wrecked
1980 300SD 310K not running

After I get one or the other car back on the road, I will be selling off the "parts" car VERY cheaply. It might take a month or two to get to that point.

Steve. --> Thanks to everyone who emailed me about this car.

I'm going to guess you bought the car on ebay that I told you about.... probably several others told you about it too. So is the instrument cluster on that car, "parts car" whichever that may be, the same as the one on a 123? If it is I could use it.... actually just the fuel, oil, water guages. Let me know if you'd be willing to pull it before selling the "parts" car.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k