Hi, I just joined your group and this is my first post. I hope I am posting in the right place. I just bought this car on the first, I had a 76 240D for 11 years and replaced that with a VW New Beetle TDI. I got the 300 SD to maybe replace the Beetle but am not sure what I am going to do now. I like them both for different reasons!! But I can't keep two cars. I'd like to, but let's say that I can't financially keep two cars maintained.

Anyway, my questions . I see posts talking about the engine 617 and other numbers. Where do I look to find out what number my engine is? I also see posts where people talk about a 123 or 126 etc. Are you referring to the chassis style? Is that the number within the door frame on the "plate"? My last question for this post is (I haven't had time yet to get under the hood and study it, except for checking the oil right off the bat) is the oil filter where I can get to it from the top and do my own oil changes using a oil vaccum? Thanks in advance for any info. The site has been very interesting and informative.

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'84 300SD
'02 New Beetle TDI

You picked a great fourm for a great car,lots to learn here...........

William Rogers........

74 240D
81 SD good body and engine slipping tranny
81 SD near mint condition
86 Euro 500 SE

Welcome to the forum! You found the right place to post.
The oil filter is in a canister on the driver's side of the engine near the firewall. The reference to the 617 engine is the 5 cylinder turbo diesel engine that is in your 300SD. The 123 & 126 are the chassis numbers of the most popular models that are discussed in this section of the forum. The 126 is the S class model while the 123 is the C class model including the D's which are diesels.

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DJ


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

Welcome. This is by far the friendliest forum I have been on. The 617 engine works very well for vacuum oil change. Even the filter change can be done without spilling a drop.

If you do not know the service history on yours, adjust valves soon. It is a DIY project and well worth it.

Go to FastLane for most parts.

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1984 300SD 326,997 miles and counting . . . No wait, my odometer is still dead

Thank you all for the warm welcome. How often is the valve adjustment on the 84 300SD? I searched but didn't find anything, but then I may not know how to search very well yet.

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'84 300SD
'02 New Beetle TDI

Every 15,000 miles per book. I usually run about 3000 miles between oil changes so I will do the valve adjustment every 3rd change.

But when I bought mine and adjusted the valves, they were all tight, tight. So I adjusted and then re-checked about 500 miles later.

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1984 300SD 326,997 miles and counting . . . No wait, my odometer is still dead