240D converted to 300D stick shift FS - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieseldiehard · #1 10-16-2004, 03:34 PM

My friend of many years and always a MB diesel owner, has decided to go modern and bought a new gasser, he is over 70 years of age and not as keen on working on cars so I can understand. I would buy this car but have too many already

Its an '82 240D with a NA 5 cyl engine, 4-speed manual tranny and a taller differential, a 3.07 I believe. The engine has started leaking at the front seal area, it could be the vac pump seal or crank seal I am not certain but the compression is lower than spec due to worn rings, that was my observation having driven behind the car I know it smells a bit oilish, and a little smoke is visible that confirms my belief, not a lot (not as much as my NA 300TD used to leave!).
FWIW, a local shop has an engine from a donor car with good compression in case someone needs it. This car is what many want, it runs great for a NA diesel and it's not a greymarket vehicle. Blue MB tex is in good condition. The silver paint is oxidizing on the roof but the fenders look good. I saw a small dent on the right rear door, nothing serious but worth mentioning because its a nice looking car but the body isn't absolutely perfect. No sunroof. The antenna was converted to a newer style in the plastic case (I helped).
The car has the manual window lifters and manual climate control that never give any trouble unlike the other W123 stuff that can be - well you know already. Seller is asking $1K Anyone interested? PM me.
Car is located on the SF Bay Area on the mid peninsula. Delivery within 50 miles or so can be arranged at no charge. >NOTE: Car can be delivered to the Los Angeles area if seller is paid in advance<
I would like to see this car go to a Forum member rather than the donation program he is considering (soon!) I can get a photo in the next day or so unless the predicted rains are worse than I think they will be.
Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 104041
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 294050
1983 300D 240700
1985 300TD 215225
1987 300D 258K

dieseldiehard · #2 10-17-2004, 01:52 PM

here are a couple of photos, the right rear door shows the only body dent. No rust though!

cscmc1 · #3 10-17-2004, 10:05 PM

I wish the compression weren't an issue; I'd be very interested! As it is, I need a car that's going to start easily here in IL. Low compression = no cold start. Bummer! Looks like a nice car, though, and exactly what a handy forum member should enjoy brining back to life!

Chris

dieseldiehard · #4 10-18-2004, 01:39 PM

It might not start in cold weather without a block heater. The weather here is not a problem generally for cold starts, it hardly ever freezes.
There is a good engine available locally but the labor to install it would run the overall cost up. Hopefully someone already has an engine looking for a decent car body. The 240D cars are the most reliable of all the Mercedes, and the 5-cylinder engine in this car gives it capabilities of keeping up with the gassers, while the lower ratio differential allows the engine to run at lower rpm making it less noisy at top speeds. The result is just a little more fuel consumption (and a little less room under the hood) but lots more torque for better acceleration, a good balance in my book. Its too bad MBNA didn't order that combination to sell over here, it would have been a real winner if you ask me.

I would love to install a turbo engine in this car. There was a W123 with a turbo OM617 installed, owned by a pilot in the San Jose area. I saw it once. I should have offered to buy the owner lunch if he would let me drive it a while, that would have been an experience.

cscmc1 · #5 10-18-2004, 04:26 PM

If you were closer, and I had the time to swap the engine out of my 300TDT before the weather got really nasty, I'd make an offer! Looks like a solid car... hope you can sell it for repair rather than for parts. I'd hate to see it cannibalized.

Chris

dieseldiehard · #6 10-18-2004, 07:13 PM

I hope someone who is interested will see the car when the seller lists it on Craigs List. This is the first hint of it being available, I was hoping someone would want it to fix it up.
I am sorely aware of what the junkyards will give you for these things. I just donated a '76 300D to charity after no luck selling it on Craigslist. A wrecking yard wanted to give me something ridiculous, like $53 if I delivered it to them (it wan't running) or $5 if they picked it up. I basically told them to take a hike! The car had almost new Kumho tires on it, new window seals and the A/C was still charged with R12 so that should have made it worth something, plus the the dash had no cracks but I removed the like new carpets before it left

Another wrecker said they don't buy W114/115 cars anymore. I guess they make more $$$ off newer stuff. Keep in mind there are many Mercedes cars of all descriptions in No. Calif.
I passed on a non running 240D last spring. It just had low compression, the owner was willing to give it to the first taker to get it off an Indy's lot.
I would probably start a family war if I brought home another car, hah!
Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 106441
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 295530
1983 300D 243280
1985 300TD 217300
1987 300D 258230

dieseldiehard · #7 10-19-2004, 04:53 PM

Boy used (W123) car prices are really low (great for someone that needs parts cars!) I spotted a 240D on eBay for opening bid of $50. It has rust, the one I'm selling for a friend doesn't.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6783&item=7929247070

cscmc1 · #8 10-19-2004, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldiehard

Boy used (W123) car prices are really low (great for someone that needs parts cars!) I spotted a 240D on eBay for opening bid of $50. It has rust, the one I'm selling for a friend doesn't.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6783&item=7929247070

Wow... that's not bad. Which one did you list? I am looking for a manny tranny 240D at the moment.

Chris

dieseldiehard · #9 10-19-2004, 06:41 PM

I listed the '82 240D with a 5-cyl engine - see the first post in this thread.

cscmc1 · #10 10-19-2004, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldiehard

I listed the '82 240D with a 5-cyl engine - see the first post in this thread.

Aha... duh! I thought you meant you listed one on Ebay. I'm sorry! Yeah, I definitely wish you were closer and I had time to do an engine-swap!!!

Thanks,

Chris