Early yesterday morning my beloved baby an '83 300D was stolen right out of my driveway.

The car was recovered within a couple of hours. The concerns I have are this:

1.) Since the motor was cold and I use 20W-50 (I live in FL.) I am concerned that these idiots most likely floored the poor thing right off the bat, and most likely drove the hell out of it until they ditched it behind a church (God should've struck 'em dead right there!) The car was found with the trans. selector left in "S".
What kind of damage could have been done to the motor, and the tranny?
Upon opening the hood and examining the engine I did notice that it looked like some oil tried to escape out of the oilcap. I drove the car today and everything seems fine, but I am still worried. (The idiots drove the car approx. 40 miles)
2.) While driving the car, I noticed that the steering wheel is now "off-center" ie. its cocked towards the right, while driving straight. Are there any particular linkages or suspension parts that are susceptible to moronic driving?
3.) And lastly what kind of an idiot would want to steal a 16 year old Diesel??? Certainly not for a fast get-away, and not for its stealthyness either. (the sherrif thinks it was used to commit burglaries in the area) Didn't they notice the word "diesel" after the word "turbo"??
Sorry for the vent, and thanks for any input, it is greatly appreciated!

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'83 300D

Larry,

Its not likely that any damage was done to the engine, but the suspension may have taken some abuse as you stated. A few years ago, I had a 6.3 stolen and they found it ditched on the side of the road--driven over a small tree!! Needless to say, the suspension was all in shambles after the tow truck pulled it out of the ditch (and off the bent tree trunk). I'd get it over to your MB dealer and have it checked out ASAP before you start munching tires, etc..

P.S.--How exactly did they get the car running? Can't hotwire a diesel.


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8



[This message has been edited by Aaron (edited 10-07-1999).]

Don't worry too much about the motor or tranny. You can't over-rev a diesel as they have govenours (spelling?) on them. Who knows what they did to the transmission, but as long as it runs fine now, maybe just go get the fuid changed to make yourself feel that you've done all you can, and hope for the best. The steering is probably crooked because the drove over a curb and bent a tie rod or just knocked it out of alignment. Take it to the dealer, tell them what happened, and have them check it out.

Good Luck

Greg

Thank you for the recommendations and info.
I will have the suspension gone over with a fine toothed comb.
One of my concerns was the turbo....since the oil was cold and thick, I am worried that the slow moving oil may not have adequately provided cooling and lubrication for the turbo.
Am I being an overprotective worry-wart?

thanks again!

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'83 300D

It is easy to hot wire a diesel, it is defeating the steering lock that is the real trick!!!
Have you ever had to replace a broken steering lock? Somebody must of had a bit of experinece...

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