Cost of repairs

Generally speaking, do parts and repairs for '60s to mid-'70s Mercedes diesels cost more than for more recent ones? If so, how much more? And what are the components that tend to break down and need to be closely monitored?

[300SDog]

Just had clutch replaced on my '79 240D..... bought the entire kit (pressure plate, disc & bearing) online and saved 30% at least.

Ask your repair shop if it buys parts online, passing savings on to you... Otherwise buy your own internet parts and bring them to the repair shop... Your local MB dealership parts dept. will rip the shirt off you back.

The clutch mechanic gave me excellent deal on estimated hours spent because he knows that early model 4-cyl diesels are easiest cars in the world for reaching bell housing nuts and bolts, clutch linkage, etc.

Any mechanic who doesnt estimate/charge LESS on total labor costs for vintage mercs is out of his mind....... Have you looked under the hood of newer models lately? - a machanical nightmare with insane tricks and gadgets that nobody wants.

Things to monitor: valve adjustments and valve adjustments.... fuel filters... grease nipples on king-pin supsension & driveshaft u-joints.... ALL rubber bushings including motor mounts, muffler donuts and flex-disc between transmission and driveshaft.