I am looking at buying a 1982 240D in excellent condition for a great price. I realy like the car ,but it has no power, a gutless wonder. I wanted to know if this was normal for this vehical(having never driven a car like this). If not what could be wrong or if there is any modifications that could be performed ex. increase pump pressure, timing, injectors, or even a turbo available for that model. Execellent mantainence has always been done and has 167,000 miles on it. Please help, this will help me decide if I will become a first time Mercedes owner.

If you are looking for power and acceleration...don't buy a 240D. In fact, we don't use the word "acceleration" when speaking of the 240D. Instead we say "gathering momentum".

If you want acceleration and a great car my all time favorite is the 300E. I believe it is the finest car Mercedes has ever built...all things considered.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

The 240D's commonly had 0-60 times in the approx 25-30 second bracket. In fact, it may hit the 1/4 mile mark before it hits 60mph... Even a M103 300E should hit 60mph in the 8.0-8.5 second bracket no problem. The diesel will do 24-30 MPG, while the 300E should turn in about 20mpg in town and 25mpg or so on the highway. The ole' Webmaster has a point with the 300E being about the best total package MB has done. There is a complete review of the 300E in the "Featured Cars" section of this website. You may want to give that a look.

Hope this helps...Lee

If you like the styling and the reliabilty of the older cars, you may consider the 300D turbo. This car was great and was no slug.

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Benzmac:
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I am amazed at all the insults we 240D owners receive from our fellow members!!! Too bad they are all true... I own a 240D and would not recommend it over a W123 300D or the 300E. Mechanically a 240D is virtually bullet proof, but so is the W123 300D while providing acceptable levels of acceleration. If you still decide to buy the 240D and it has a manual transmission(I don't know how anyone can stand an auto 240D) then you can do the following to see if the engine is up to par:
1. With the A/C on the car should be able to easily accelerate from 20mph in 3rd gear.
2. It should be able to cruise at 80mph with reserve power available.
Also remember, the mechanicals might last a long time, but the rest of the car is still 18 years.

I would like to think everybody for their advice on the 240d. It sounds like I should hold off and look into another vehical. This is an excellent site, a great way to answer any questions. I wish there were more of these type of sites. Thanks alot for the help.

I have a 240d. '81, I like it.. Runs fine, Im actually thinking about doing it up, popping in a new engine (any suggestions to what would fit?), new Transmission, wheels, paint .. any suggestions?? to what would work best?

DVC1