Ready for my first 240D?

[blakeF]

Hi Gang,

I am considering purchasing my first 240D. I already have an '86 300E as my daily driver, and understand how different these two beasts are. It will serve as a beater/project car for the weekends or when my 300E is out, which it almost never is.

Here's what I am looking at. It's a '75 240D with a 4spd. manual. Older W115 body. Dark blue exterior, blue interior. I think the body and interior are in less than average to average condition, but acceptable. Left rear quarter-panel has significant rust. The rest of the body has some rust but not too bad. Overall exterior finish is well worn but not hideous. It starts and runs fine. Drives ok, power is good, shifts fine. Steering seems loose on the freeway. It diesels, or runs-on upon shutdown. It has some electrical problems like interior lighting all driven off circuit #1 which blows fuses. Driver seat is saggy. The knob labeled defrost does not seem to control the fan speed, but warm air flows from the vents when the car is moving.

The guages. Speedo is disconnected according to owner due to whining noise. Temp. guage looks like it reads low, about 120F after driving, lower radiator hose is barley warm. Is this normal? Oil pressure guage climbs to 45psi and seems to stay there regardless of rpm.

The seller wanted 850.00 , and after a couple weeks or so came down to 350.00. I could take it and make it an "official beater", or hold out for one in better condition in the 1500.00 range and make it a "fine second car". What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Blake
'86 300E
281,000 Miles

[Ken300D]

Pull back the carpets in both front AND rear, and check for rust on the floor pans.

$850 was WAY too high - you're in the right price range now at $350.

Ken300D