This has happened twice that I know of. While on the interstate traveling between 70 & 75 mph with cruise on, I noticed in my rear view mirror black smoke billowing out of the tail pipe. This happened for about one to two second's. It only happened that one time each trip. I felt no loss of power or miss in the engine.It was really wierd because had I not been checking traffic in my rear view mirror at the time I may never have noticed it. Any idea's or information would be helpful. I have an 83 300D with 182K miles.

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Keith Schuster
83 300D
auto\hydraulic mechanic 20 yrs

With the cruise on, was the car accelerating at the time you noticed the black smoke? It is a characteristic of diesels to make more smoke when under a load. Just watch an 18 wheeler going thru the gears. You can tell when the throttle opens by the smoke from the exhaust stack. Plus, you car is not exactly a youngster. Happy motoring

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

I have had this also happen on my 300D. It usually occurred while accelerating from lets say 60 to 75 mph, and just for a second or two. One time it almost looked a little reddish/rust colored to me. I tried to recreate this phenomenon, but it seems to be totally random. I theorized that perhaps it was just a bunch of soot that got blown out by the right volume of exhaust going through the pipes...but thats all I can come up with so far. There are times when I wish I could recreate the phenomenon...just to get people to back off. (nothing more irritating than some idiot on your rear end, when there is another idiot just infront of your front end...like the guy in front would move for him, but not for me...hah!)

-Larry

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03/83 300D 184k
07/73 280 160k

No I was at a steady cruising speed, I am quite familiar with black during heavy acceleration. I agree with being able to make it happen at will to make people back off!

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Keith Schuster
83 300D
auto\hydraulic mechanic 20 yrs

shoe,

Does this engine use an excessive amount of fuel or oil? If not, I wouldn't worry about it, you're driving a diesel.

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

No it actually get's about 22 mph. and uses no oil. I guess I wont worry any more.

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Keith Schuster
83 300D
auto\hydraulic mechanic 20 yrs