I am considering the purchase of a 1982 300D and have a few concerns. The owner says the AC compressor bracket broke and the compressor fell off. He then took the hoses loose, releasing all the r12, and put the compressor in the trunk. Questions: What would cause the bracket to break? Motor mounts, seizure, just loose bolts? Now that the system has moisture in it, what should be done to get it back in serivce? Replace drier, valve, compressor? Is this the Delco r4?
On another note, the owner says it's not a turbo. I thought all of the 82's were turbocharged. Did any of the 82's come without turbos, maybe he is just not aware of the turbo? I hope it was not removed as well!
The price is pretty good on this one, so a little work is ok. Has new calipers, alternator and battery. I just want a commuter car that's safe and gets decent fuel mileage. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

I would stay away from this one. If the compressor bracket broke, could the hoses be damaged as well? The a/c repair for this car could get expensive. All '82 US spec 300D's were turbodiesels. The car you are looking at could be a euro model (non turbo). My car gets between 24 and 26 mpg on the highway. If this is too low, look for the legendary 240D with a manual transmission (good luck finding one). It gets about 30 to 33 on the highway. Search the archives, there are lots of posts regarding the 240D vs 300D-t debate. Good luck.

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'82 300D Turbo 222k miles

To get the AC functioning again, you will need at least a drier. I cannot believe that the compressor would be any good, and I would be suspicious about the hoses. You can go to R134 if you do the compressor, hoses, drier, and expansion valve. You can probably find a shop in Staunton to make new hoses for you and thus save big bucks.

1982 was the first year for the 300D turbos, so you may have gotten an '81 titled as an '82, but it is more likely grey market. Does it have a mirror on the passenger side?

Don't pay more than a grand for it.

Good luck

Chuck

Thanks for the replies.
A quick check on the alldata tsb site yields two choices for powerplants in the 1982 300 D, turbo and normally aspirated. Not sure if this means Euro or not.
I think I need more umph, I want the turbo. The search continues...


[This message has been edited by wolfed (edited 11-13-2000).]