Questions on an '80 300SD

It's my first MB, so here goes... Odometer, trip odometer and tach don't work (speedometer does!). I need the mileage for work. It has turned some, one mile since I got it (.9 on trip), driven 200-300 easily. Also, passenger's window doesn't go up smooth. Goes down fine, goes up partly and sticks, sometimes moves on, usually doesn't Would get in and check these things, but can't figure how to get into them. Any help would be great.

I haven't seen anyone reply to your post so I'll offer something.. I've driven a diesel Benz since 1978 (285,000 miles, never opened the engine) and I've had both problems you mentioned. Regarding speedo, suppose you already know not to go to dealer.. high $$$.. a good speedo shop, OR a seasoned independent Benz mech can fix it.. problem lies in a small gear in the odometer, it is replaceable at a moderate cost... most of it is the labor to access it. As I recall my total bill was under a $100 about 10 years ago at a speedo shop, then again 2 years ago at a local (Denver) mech it was about $60. As for the window, it SOUNDS like the window regulator. The price of those varies by model and whether it is front or rear.. but not terribly high.. between $80 and $150 on ones I've run across. To access it my 190E and 300CD the bottom and sides of the door paneling are held in by "pop" fittings and one or two large screws recessed under the armrest. Once those are opened the entire panel will lift up about an inch and can be removed. (haven't tried it in my 350SDL) You will see some aluminum arms that hold the window and some gears attached to the motor. You might try lubricating moving parts with a heavy grease and see if that helps. Failing that, a Benz mechanic can do it in about half an hour or so. Again, I never go to dealer shops. Their "by the book" pricing, lack of access to the guy doing the work, and difficulty talking to someone who REALLY knows the car tends to keep me away.
Congrats on your new Benz purchase though, enjoy the car, CHANGE THE OIL at 3k miles, and find a good independent guy to work on it when needed.

One more thing on the speedo.. have the guy who fixes it lube the cable while he is in there. My cable has lasted 21 years... with 2 lubes in between. About 12 years ago it started howling above 40mph in really cold weather. Lubrication fixed it and it's been fine since. You mentioned also that the tachometer doesn't work.. can't help you on that one, but it would seem that is a different problem.

Thanks for the tips, they are much appreciated. Now my challenge is to find an independent MB guy (or even gal) here in the hills of Tennessee.

Small world, I lived out at the golf course in White Plains. I would take my 83 300SD to Onderka Motor Werks in Manchester, TN about an hour south. Call 931-728-6580 and ask for Richard, the owner. Excellent work, reasonable prices. Also a good parts source is Mid Tenn Import Auto, also in Manchester. There # is 931-728-9197. They have a lot of 116 bodies to look over, and they will let you pick and pull if your interested. Good luck.

Ahh, the World Wide Web - connecting people across the world - and only miles apart! Thanks for the Manchester tip, I may try them for those things which I cannot fix myself.

check earlier questions and answers ---I asked tacho question got a great answer syd

Actually, I got behind the instrument cluster tonight and found that the tach question was elementary -- it was disconnected. The cluster was loose, so I figure previous owners were trying to figure out odometer mystery and accidentally disconnected it. If it don't run, check to see if it has any gas.....

I love this forum! You guys keep it up!