I have just purchased an 85 300 CD-T (71K miles)from relatives. While I had the vehicle checked-out by their MB dealer (hot compression, leak-down test on the engine), I'm wondering what recommendations you all would have, given this fact - prior to driving it over to be checked-out, it had sat idle in their garage for over a year. What else would you recommend I get checked-out?

I bought a Porsche 928S that had been driven about 10 miles in the last three years.

I personally recommend taking a very close look at the brakes to make sure they are working and not disabled by a deteriorating line. Pull the wheels and check the calipers for leaks and operation. Ditto master cylinder. I would look closely at every rubber hose. Check the climate control for correct operation esp. the heat side looking for a bad mono valve. I would have the AC checked for leaking caused by dry seals. Take a close look at the rubber part of the fuel return line in the engine compartment. Check the vacuum locks for operation.

Change every fluid (oil, antifreeze, power steering, transmission, rear end, brake) AND filter. Drain the old fuel out of the tank and add Red Line after refilling. Then drive the car for a couple of weeks and look for leaks everywhere from dry seals.

Good luck!

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'86 300E 5 speed
'95 C220 (wife's car)
'98 Porsche Boxster
Past: '79 280E, '82 300D (18 yrs), '77 240D,
4 250C's

Get the engine hot and change the oil and filter. Do this several times, maybe just a few hundred miles between the first few changes.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles