I'm thinking of buying a 81-85 300D/T and live in Montreal, Canada. Investigating the car (I took taxis of the same model and asked the drivers questions...) I was told these cars need to be plugged in or kept in a heated garage when the temperature gets to -15C (5F) and below, or else they won't start. This is usual for 3-4 months out of the year here.

First question: what exactly gets cold? I'm new to Diesels and M-B and am wondering if it's the oil, engine head, fuel...

Second: is there any way to make it more cold-resistant? Does anybody know of different oils/fuel additives that could help? Any *known-to-work* tricks?

This might prevent me from buying it until I get a place with a garage.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Nicolas Dore

Diesel fuel can gel up in extremely cold temperatures and any water in the fuel can freeze leaving your fuel line blocked. If you are buying a car that came from the northern U.S. or Canada, I would suspect that the block heater is already installed. The cord is usually stored in the front bumper area near the grill.

In addition to the Engine block heater you will need a fuel system preheater! You live in a GREAT city!! OUI! Light-weight oil & regular valve adjustment will also help.
I believe that Germany is pretty cold TOO.