Newbee here; Refer a shop and repair manual - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bambooken · #1 03-19-2004, 10:51 AM

Hello all
I'm new here. I just inherited a 1983 300 turbo diesel (I've coveted this car for years) with 80,000 miles showing. The interior is near perfect but the body has a few expensive dents (part of the reason why it ended up in my driveway). Anyway, it was pretty much well maintained (regular services and oil changes) up until the last 3 years when it stopped being driven more than 200 miles a year. The motor mounts were shot and I had them replaced along with a few minor problems, one being the monovalve which I should have repaired myself after perusing Boostmans website (thanks Boostman). Next is finding a good shop to work out the transmission shifting inconsistencies and if possible, acceleration improvement.

I'm an ok wrencher. I've rebuild a few motors and although I now know better to avoid the big stuff (no more heavy lifting and cherry picking), I'm not afraid to get slightly over my head.

My questions: Could someone advise the best manual(s) to pick up and point me to any FAQs that might be online? Also, can anyone refer me to a good repair shop here in the San Francisco Bay Area?

This seems like a great group and I'm glad to have found it.

TIA -
Ken (pictures to come)

lrg · #2 03-19-2004, 11:49 AM

Welcome. Get yourself a Haynes manual, available on EBay or through Classic Motorbooks. Also the factory service manual is available on CD but the factory authorized (non bootleg) versions are a bit expensive and the photos are poor. I'd start with the Haynes first.

There's also an incredible amount of info available on this site that you can access by using the search function. Give it a try. When possible, try to support Fastlane so we all can continue to benefit from this resource.

If you are in the Marin area I've had good luck with European Car Service, 20 Gary Place, San Rafael (415-456-5151). They know diesels and the prices, from my experience anyway, are very reasonable. I've used both the dealer and a couple of well known MBZ independants in the city and been disappointed. Others here may be able to help with shops in the East and South Bay. Have fun!