I purchased the 240D with 314K miles! Few questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

acastell · #1 02-25-2004, 12:06 AM

I posted this on my previous thread, but I am freaid no one will see it as it is the 9th reply.

I purchased the car...
Well, I had to do it! The car is in great shape and the records, oh my god, the records! It will take me 3 hours to go through them. I must have 100 work orders from Von Housen Mercedes in Sacramento, where the car has been since new. The car also has the original metal plates with the original owners name. Also, has the oringinal Ca Blue plates. No rust...had the car on lift and could not find any rust...some surface of course, but NO pitted or corroded areas.

So, I do have some questions...

1) The temp is very low. On the freeway (~60 deg F), at 75 mph, the temp guage is just above 80 degrees. That appears normal. But, lollygaggin' around town, the temp is BELOW 80. Is this normal for a 240?

2) NO Tach drives me nuts. But, I can shift by the dots. However, I have a difficult time picking a gear around town. I guess this will come in time. With my W116, I like to be between 2000 and 2800 aroung town, NO LESS. Hard to tell on the 240D.

3) Should I match revs on the downshift? With no tach, this is a little harder, but doable. My clutch is new as of ~30K miles, so I am not too worried about longevity. But, I am a early Porsche car driver and double cluth and match revs instinctivly. Any opinions?

I am sure I will have more quesitons...thanks in advance.

Anthony

Please excuse typos, I am so excited to dig into the records that i neglected to spell/grammar check.

D.Blake · #2 02-25-2004, 10:45 AM

Anthony,

1) Engine Temp below 80C is not normal and probably not great for the engine. Probably just the thermostat. I had the same thing happen with mine about two years ago.

2) & 3) I wouldn't worry too much about shift points. These engines are pretty indestructible and have over-rev protection on the IP. You can over-rev by down-sifhting. The higher the engine RPM the better as far as keeping the engine clean.

Have fun - these cars are some of the most reliable on the road. I wish I could get mine going again, but I don't think it is economically sensible to fix it. Still fighting with the other drivers insurance company with the vehicles value. (I will never do business with "The Hartford") Hope this helps.

blacksmoke · #3 02-25-2004, 10:53 AM

the temp problem is probably thermo stuck open. they are easy to replace, but use a factory one, not a discount special.

i don't like to downshift these since the rear ends seem weak to me, it also hammers the rear cv joints. use the brakes.

acastell · #4 02-25-2004, 11:06 AM

Are there local shops that typically carry MB thermostats? I would like to replace this today as I have a 200 mile drive planed tomorrow. Has anyone found local suppliers in their area? I am new to the DIY thing...also, is this an easy install.

AC

acastell · #5 02-25-2004, 12:52 PM

Any advice is always appreciated...

DieselAddict · #6 02-25-2004, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by D.Blake

12) & 3) I wouldn't worry too much about shift points. These engines are pretty indestructible and have over-rev protection on the IP. You can over-rev by down-sifhting. The higher the engine RPM the better as far as keeping the engine clean.

Just to clarify Blake's post... over-reving by downshifting can destroy the engine. I'm not sure if that's what he was saying but that is true for any engine. But yes, there's over-rev protection for all other situations.

Anthony, did you read my anwers to your questions in your other thread? The thermostat is pretty easy to install, but be ready to lose some coolant. This would be a good time to change the coolant, but the thermostat is probably more urgent. I highly recommend using OEM parts, either from one of the online suppliers or your local dealer if you don't mind paying higher prices.

leathermang · #7 02-25-2004, 03:26 PM

Replacing thermostat

pj67coll · #8 02-25-2004, 10:42 PM

Millions of Mercedes Diesel's prior to the 123 series made do with stick shifts and no tachs. They got buy just fine. I have to say that a tach is one of the most irrellevant instruments on a car.

- Peter.

acastell · #9 02-26-2004, 12:03 AM

My delayed response to all of your feedback is due to my reading 22 Pages of Post with '240D" in the title, the result of my search....now I know everything there is to know about the 4 cyl, 4 speed. Sure?!?!?!?

Anyway, I am 300 miles into the car and love it!

The last 300 miles was powered by Chevron diesel and a high does of Redline DFC. So, tomorrow I will, with the help of Mr Diesel:
1) Change oil and filter (any advice on oil, Just Kidding!!!!)
2) Change both Fuel filters
3) Change Brake fluid
4) Diesel Purge
5) ATF fluid and filter change (or MTL based on the 40+ post thread)
6) Replace thermostat and gasket (OEM part)

We will also:
1) Replace the mercedes star as if was broken
2) Replace the Hood pad as it shot

Well, that should fill the day...

AC

shane83SD · #10 02-26-2004, 12:45 AM

Hi Antony,

How is the performance of the 240D with manual stick? Do you find it adequate to cope with the crazy traffic in the Bayarea?

acastell · #11 02-26-2004, 01:07 AM

Well, the power takes getting used to! Once you figure out the clutch, the car performs like a champ!

I have the luxury of living very close to 280. 280 is a scenic freeway that runs up the peninsula from San Jose to San Francisco, very little traffic between Moutain View and South San Francisco, about 40 miles. So, I have been stretching her legs with a huge smile on my face.

My only diesel comparison is my 79SD. The 240 clearly has less get up and go.

The 240D is a drivers car...if you pay attention, the car will reward you!

I am a believer....

Anthony

acastell · #12 02-26-2004, 01:10 AM

I just realized that you live in the Bay Area, so of course you know 280. I have yet to get on 101, but I am sure, now that I have mastered the clutch, the car will fly!

We should try to get some of the Bay Area folks together for a Sat morning coffee...The Warden, if memory serves, also lives in the Bay Area.

Anthony

shane83SD · #13 02-26-2004, 01:56 AM

Hi Antony,

280 is very nice. I usually take 880 between San Jose and Fremont. At rush hour, I just take local roads. I like the idea of get together. Shoot me an email, time & place.

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