I'm looking to buy my first torque wrench to use when working on my 240D. I need recommendations on what to look for and what this work will require.

There is a large bolt on the front of the crank that tightens the damper there. It requires 200 lbs torque. I have had to rent a torque wrench with that scale to get that one set. Sort of depends on whether you are planning on replacing the front seal or not, but that is a consideration. $ort of pricey for the big torque wrenches though.
Other than that, there are other good tool pros here that will steer you right.

I torque wrench is the one tool where you always want to put quality and accuracy ahead of price.

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85 300CD
83 300TD
78 240D (daughter)

If you can find one, an old Proto click adjust. They're a Richmond/Sternavent(sp?) design and "were" the best out there.

Mac tools also makes a good click wrench in the 50-250 range if you need that high.

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1984 300D Turbo - 4-speed manual conversion, mid-level resto

1983 300D - parts car

1979 300TD Auto - Parts car.

1985 300D Auto - Wrecked/Parts.


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"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there". Lewis Carrol

The most accurate torque wrench on the market happens to be the cheapest one it is the type with the scale running horizontally across the top with a pointer a plastic handle that you must keep straight with the main bar that runs vertically and the little pointer points at the scale which is marked from 0 in the center increasing in foot pounds as the pointer moves to the outer edge see attached picture not only is it cheap but it is more accurate than a $500 snap on click wrench or any other bar none let the argument begin but be prepared I can back up my claims with well proven scientific facts And even my Saturn owners manual says so. But the aircraft industry has spent a ton of money on this and the simple cheap one wins by a mile.
Dave S

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That may be the most accurate type.... and that is the only type I have.. both ft/lbs and in/lbs....
But it is not easy to use correctly in tight spaces...
I wish I had a ' pretty good' click type myself...

Please note that each of these has a working range.
As a professional mechanic I have seven commercial grade torque wrenches to meet my needs.

1/4" Torque Wrench - 20-200 in. lbs.

3/8" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench

1/2" Torque Wrench

3/4" Torque Wrench

.

I don't think these Harbor Freight wrenchs last that long. I have a Powerbuilt ½ drive Digital Torque Adapter that I use to test the accuracy of my torque wrenches from time to time.
Here is a video of it.
Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adapter - YouTube

I put my buddy's 1/2 drive Harbor Freight torque wrench that's only been used a few dozen times on the Digital Torque Adapter.

I found at the setting of 50 ft-lbs, the torque adapter noted 53.4 for an error of 6.8% . At the setting of 80 ft-lbs the torque adapter noted 71.3 ft-lbs for an error of -10.88%. Needless to say, that wrench went to the garbage. For twenty bucks or so, you get what you pay in that case.



I prefer CDI manufactured wrenches, which includes Snap-On. Well worth spending the money on a quality tool.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

I have a Sears torque wrench, the style with the pointer and a plastic handle. I guestimate it to be about 2 feet long. I would love to find any sort of case to store it in, but I have not seen one. And of course, I don't want to spend too much for the case.

Anyone ever found or figured out a cheap way to get a case for their torque wrench?

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1984 300D 398K-daily driver
1998 Honda Accord 102K -wife's daily driver
1991 Volvo 740 289K
2000 Toyota Corolla 143K

So, I'm looking to add a torque wrench to my inventory. Any new suggestions since this old (circa 2004) thread was active?

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Steven
1989 260E (276K miles)
1995 E320 (50K miles)

HF Torque Wrench...Is it any good? - The Garage Journal Board

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1982 300TDT
1991 190D
2022 Metris