Greeetings Owners,

I am asking who out there owns one of the following vehicles so I can get some input from those of us who deal with the same beast. I'd have to admit, it's an animal different than the rest, and I'd like to hear from you all.


Charles '80 300TD

Hi Wagon Gang,

I'd like to know too!

I'm looking at an 82 300TD Turbo. It has 247K miles on it. Its been sitting for almost a year at independant benz shop lot "for sale" for $1500- The body is in good shape, haven't heard it run yet, I'm gonna take it for a spin on Saturday. I have three 123 sedan models, so I know what to look for in the basics. What should I checkout special with the wagon?

I've been assured that it runs good, and probably will buy it.

Its got a manual sliding roof, I wont have to worry about this one breaking, huh?


~George~

Welcome Wagoneer
 

Greetings George,

A few things I would definitely check out before buying would be, the engine running performance, turbo performance for operation and check for leaking seals. The rear self leveling system would be a biggy on my list, as most of the parts are high dollar to replace and may be a bargaining chip in your favor. Interior cosmetics of course must be to your liking as well. I'd check naturally for rust, mainly in the rear under the wrap around rubber end bumper pieces. Does this one have a third seat or just a storage tray? I'd also check out the normal things like A/C, blower motor fan (have history of squeeling, bad bearings) headliner problems etc. Everything else is pretty much the same as any other Benz for that year and chassis.
Sounds like a fair deal if everything is in place and working as it should.

Charles

Hi Charles,

If the self leveling system is not working, could you just put air shocks on the rear end to do the job? I'm assuming it does work, but just incase, you know? I'd be happy to get two to three years out of the car, so I'd most likly go the cheaper route, if I could get away with it.

The interior is in good shape, just has the cracked dash top, any cures out there for the cracks yet, besides covering it up? The headliner is fine, no sagging.

It has hardly any visible rust, and what you do see is so minor.

It does have the third seat, an obtion I really like.

The shop was closed when I stopped by to look at the car, while I was looking at it, the owner of the shop was leaving and told me about the car. he was leaving so I couldn't start it or test drive it then. He said to stop by Saturday for a test drive. He did tell me that it does need ball joints. He told me that he'd replce them for $230 parts & labor.

I might trade him my 82 300D turbo sedan for it, either even or with some additional cash.

I always liked the MB station wagon, although I think MB calls it the "estate car".

~George~

Estate is fancy for going hunting wagon
 

Greetings George,

I think the wagon was designed and built for the upper echelon of the Daimler family so the guys could all go hunting together and bring the dogs with instead of running behind. As far as the rear hyd. leveling suspension goes, I haven't seen a suitable sub that anyone has mentioned, but it would be nice if one would have an air ride shock design that could replace it, and let you decide where the ride height should be. If anyone out the knows what air shock system would work, give us your input.


Thanks,

Charles

80 300TD
 

I have had one for about 4 months, It was the family car then there daughters first driver, then after a couple years of experiance they got her a newer 300TE, they had purchased it new and the guy was a bookeeper so I have every receipt (practicly for fuel)it has 248,000 plus miles on it and runs great, if you are going to "Startech 2001" you will get a chance to see it as I am driving it there from Orange County, California......