New guy and a new (old) car - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KAdams4458 · #1 04-29-2007, 05:38 AM

I recently purchased a '77 300D, and I've turned to the Internet in search of forums. I've never owned one of these beasts before, but I've wanted a diesel Mercedes for years simply because of the possibility of alternative fuels. Now, with a long commute every day and a gasoline-powered car that needs extensive repairs, I've made the switch.

(What have I gotten myself in to?)

So, here's the car. There's some surface rust here and there, but it's solid and very straight. Thankfully Oregon and Washington don't salt the roads! Mileage is likely a little over 300k. The transmission shifts well, if not a little firm on occasion, and could stand to be serviced, since the fluid is rather dark. The motor seems very intact, but from my prior mechanical experience, I can tell that a few valves are loose, and undoubtedly, a few are probably too tight as well. I did succeed in driving it to a friend's house to be worked on, but that was a frightening experience, due to some sort of steering issue that makes the hand wheel jerk and vibrate at speeds much over 40 MPH. (Mental note: When test driving a car, be sure to take it out on the highway before forking over good cash.) I think, in the end, this car will serve me well, and it only cost $600.

So, yes. I just wanted to give the car a bit of an introduction. Feel free to welcome the car, and poke fun at me.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y277/KAdams4458/Mercedes%20Benz/2181227442_ORIG.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y277/KAdams4458/Mercedes%20Benz/2181227417_ORIG.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y277/KAdams4458/Mercedes%20Benz/2181227378_ORIG.jpg

Jim B. · #2 04-29-2007, 05:45 AM

These cars clean up VERY well, and if it's rust free, that's good, rust is their worst enemy.

After you get the steering and motor problems sorted, it won't be a $600 bargain anymore, but it should be a very long lasting car, even with 300,000 miles already on it.

Consumer Reports tested the '78 model 300D and said it was the best car they had ever tested in the entire history of their tests!

t walgamuth · #3 04-29-2007, 06:03 AM

probably needs some rubber bushings at least and perhaps tie rod ends. more extensive work is possible like ball joints and anti sway bar bushes but these two are the most common things. after getting the pars up to snuff you will need and alignment and probably some tires.

tom w

KAdams4458 · #4 04-29-2007, 06:49 AM

I agree that it should clean up okay. Tires are definitely high on the list of things to do before I drive it. As it sits, none of the four tires match.

One issue... One of the bundt wheels is, uhm, bent... Somehow I missed that when I was inspecting the car before I bought it. These are the 6.5X14 versions, not the apparently more common 6X14 bundts. I've been looking around, and I've yet to find one. Any suggestions? I hate the idea of driving around with a steel spare all of the time.

Jim B. · #5 04-29-2007, 07:29 AM

Four different non matching tires suggests an overly budget conscious owner (to say the least), and some real handling and safety issues. I would replace all four tires right away, all matching brand and size if it were me

Check out wrecking yards far and wide for the Bundt wheel you'll need.
You could even put a used tire on the spare rim. I personally would have no
problem
with putting a bundt
rim and tire in the trunk for a spare.

t walgamuth · #6 04-29-2007, 07:44 AM

i would not worry too much about the half inch.

the six and a half inch rims came on sls and secs. they are pretty rare and are heavier than the standard bundt. if i couldnt find one i wouldnt hesitate to buy two of the six inchers and put them on the front.

i probably would even run a six incher along with the other six and a halfs. i doubt you would even notice the difference. they have the same off set i believe they are just a bit wider on the inside and out.

tom w

KAdams4458 · #7 04-29-2007, 03:46 PM

Actually, it's helpful to know what models came with the 6.5 inch bundts. Thank you very kindly. Would someone by chance know the model year spread as well?

Assuming I can find a good replacement rim, I'll probably pull all of the tires, and recondition the finish of the rims. Clean rims do a lot for improving the overall appearance of a car. I have a beadblast cabinet, and I do love to use it, as blasting grime, paint, and corrosion from old parts seems to be very therapeutic at times.

Also, I noticed a little water in the trunk on the right hand side. It seems I have a bit of a leak. I'm guessing it's either the rear windscreen or the trunk seal. It may be time to crawl in the trunk with a flashlight while a friend plays water over the car. I hate water leaks, but I hate confined spaces even more!

t walgamuth · #8 04-29-2007, 03:59 PM

front and rear glass are leakers after even five years on these cars. i always clean them and caulk with black silicone.

tom w

KAdams4458 · #9 04-29-2007, 04:09 PM

Heh. Well, the rear glass has apparently been suspected of leaking in the past, if the existing blobs of silicon sealant are any indication. I swear that the amount of sealant built up around the glass is nearly of biblical proportion.

I might just want to consider popping the glass out and replacing the seal. It would give me a good chance to find and eliminate any rust that may be growing in the pinchweld.