Wanted: '85 or older diesel for girlfriend - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Warden · #1 06-04-2002, 04:30 PM

All my talk about wanting a Benz diesel for myself has gotten my girlfriend wanting one. Power is not a concern; interior condition isn't a serious concern as long as it isn't truely trashed. It has to be okay mechanically (engine okay, tranny okay). She wants a manual transmission, although I think I've gotten her to understand that she can't expect one in her price range since stick diesels are quite coveted.

Problem is she's a college student like me and the car she has now is in really rough shape (I'm hoping to get $800 out of it; it's an '88 Ford Taurus that drives, but the engine mounts are shot and the interior's in bad shape), so she doesn't have very much $$ to play with, although $800 isn't the absolute limit. I'm guessing that it'd be hard to find a W123 or W126 in her price range, but maybe a W115 that wasn't loved? It has to be somewhere in California, although southern Oregon or western Nevada or Arizona would probably be okay; basically a days' worth of driving away.

-fad · #2 06-04-2002, 05:50 PM

...maybe taking a leap into the fire....economically

perhaps it's more reasonable to live w/ the taurus' interior and pay a few $$$ for new motor mounts and dyi

>a low cost MB diesel w/ most likely req some $$$ to get into shape (+ acquisition cost)...perhaps more $$$ vs. sticking w/ the taurus

as a student- - makes most sense that the main concern is reliable cheap transportation (persona sans trust fund)...if so, that definition often excludes MB's and older MB's req $$$ too!

just a thought
-fad

The Warden · #3 06-04-2002, 07:42 PM

According to a few sources I've spoken to, doing the engine mounts on the Taurus is not possible without removing the engine from the car. Given the cramped space in the compartment (V-6, front wheel drive), I believe it. I don't have the equipment to haul an engine out of a car, and I'm just about certain there are other problems with this car (engine burning oil, trans not shifting right, etc), to the point that even if I could feasibly do the job myself, the car's just plain not worth it. And, it's apparently an $800 job from a shop.

Given everything, I figure that, assuming she buys a diesel Benz that is mechanically okay at the time of sale, she doesn't really have anything to lose. Neither of us has any faith in the Taurus (she winds up riding with me everywhere we go), so it just sits there...honestly, other than hoping to get a little bit of $$ out of it, I think it's best location at this point would be in a junkyard.

Ashman · #4 06-11-2002, 04:56 AM

txbill has his 300sd up for sale if it hasn't sold yet. It is well priced. Might want to give it a look.

Alon

The Warden · #5 06-11-2002, 12:58 PM

Bill, at some point, I'm planning on going out to the DFW area after my van sells...so something may be able to be worked out, although I can't say for sure when I'd be able to go out there (if I remember right, you're in somewhat of a hurry to sell Eduardo).

Could a 300SD tow a 300D turbo, or vice versa?

sixto · #6 06-11-2002, 01:13 PM

Warden,

There are a couple of W116 SDs in the area for under $1000.

A Diesel in any shape would be a better deal than the Taurus when smog time rolls around. If the Taurus doesn't pass, you're really in a pickle because you can't even sell it.

A cheap MB will nickel and dime you to death if you try to restore it but solid rust-free transportation is available. You guys probably don't mind that the AC, central locks, sunroof and rear windows don't work, right?

I drove the SD from Oct-May with no AC, no radio, couldn't roll down the back windows, couldn't lock the doors because the key wouldn't work, lopsided driver's seat, worn center bearing bushing, flaring tranny, etc. But it started quickly, didn't smoke and would ride the rear bumper of any Civic all day long.

With your budget, I'd go for a local car. Do you want your first ride in an unfamiliar one-wheel-in-the-scrapyard car to be a 1000 mile jaunt?

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL

sixto · #7 06-11-2002, 01:44 PM

Bill,

I meant that in general. I know Eduardo is special having led the good life with his previous owner and you. The PO was a tech, if I remember.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL

Ridge · #8 06-15-2002, 01:05 AM

Warden,

As I've told you before, don't mess with the Taurus. Been there done that and that's why I have a 240D with a 300D and manual tranny. You ought to bring your girl friend over and try out one of each 240D, 300D and 300TD all with manual transmissions.

She'd love my daughter's 240D with manual.. Bought it locally from the original owner. Had 170,000 and a bad automatic. Got it for $1000.00 and spent about $550 puting in the manual.. Greatest little car around. One tiny dimple in front fender the size of an egg.

Check out all the local papers and the auto auctions in Bay Area. Check www.charityauctionservices.com . www.sfautoauction.com and bizzarros Auction on Spring in Redwood City. Cars can be had for $200-$300.

Ben

The Warden · #9 06-15-2002, 03:49 AM

Ben, I know what you mean. In fact, your advice was a major part in both of our considerations (i.e. to get rid of the Taurus ASAP; she wants it gone now, and there are for sale signs on it...hopefulyl someone who doesn't know cars will respond). Just, someone in this thread suggested keeping it, and I was mentioning the downsides to keeping it.

I'm sure she'd love to check your cars out...only problem is she may try to offer you $$ for one.

I'm just curious, how difficult is it to find a manual transmission made to fit in a Benz? I know cars with clutches aren't easy to come by; one reason I gave up (also 'cause I'd rather have the power of a 300D turbo). Be nice to make the '85 I'm looking at into a stick if the slushbox ever goes out, though...

Ridge · #10 06-16-2002, 12:38 AM

Warden,

Anyone who can babysit marine diesel engines would find it very easy indeed to swap an automatic for a manual transmission!!! Make a date and come and see the cars and no matter how much you like them, they aren't for sale!!!!

Ben

The Warden · #11 06-16-2002, 01:00 AM

Ben, I wasn't actually quesitoning the difficulty in installing a tranny (I'm guesing it isn't that hard), I was questioning the difficulty of finding a manual tranny (preferably a 5sp) in the first place, as I don't believe all that many manual-transmission Benzes made it to the U.S., and I don't know if g@$$er transmissions will bolt on to a diesel (or is the bolt pattern the same?) Can a 5sp be had new or rebuilt from a parts dealer, or is it junkyard time?

Also, just wondering, are the trannies the same length, or does the driveshaft need to be shortened or lengthened? Also, are there any crossmembers to deal with (not trannies, but I've seen some transfer cases that are only held up by the bolts attaching it to the back of the trans)?

engatwork · #12 06-16-2002, 07:10 AM

Warden - based on what I have seen where a 300D turbo diesel engine was installed in a manual tranny 240D it looked like the tranny has to go back between 3" and 4". The bolt holes are already there. So this means the driveshaft has to shortened by approximately the same amount.
I'm not sure about putting the clutch pedal arrangement in an automatic tranny 300D body where you are moving the manual transmission. I would not be surprised if the chassis/body already have all the mounting points. The engines/tranny will swap in the diesels anyway.

Ridge · #13 06-16-2002, 01:24 PM

Warden,

Here's your chance, a 300D for $700.00 Great engine and body. Needs transmission. $700.00 or best offer. 925-944-1333

Better jump in your truck and drive over there today. I'll guarantee that you could get it for around $500.00 if you try. A manual 4 speed was available at Pick-n-Pull in Fremont in a 280E for $62.50. There's the shift and linkage, too.

Do it!!!!!!!

Ben

Ridge · #14 06-16-2002, 01:29 PM

Warden,

Here's your chance for a car for the girl friend. 80 Mercedes Benz 300D. Great engine and body. Needs transmission. $700.00 or best offer. 925-944-1333.

Bet you could get it for $500.00 easy and there's a 4 speed transmission at Pick-n-Pull in Fremont in a 280E for only $62.50. Shift, linkage and driveshaft are there, too.

Do it!!!!

Ben

The Warden · #15 06-16-2002, 05:17 PM

Ben, thanks!

I told her, but she says she wants to wait 'till the Taurus sells...I told her that this could go quickly, but she says she can't do it right now...even though I know she can.

Women...we tried, eh?