Basic diesel inquiries -- 240D

[kpb]

Saw a decent model nearby but I am wholly unfamiliar with the diesels. Its about a late 70s or early to mid 80s 240D. Is this a 114 chassis?

Body and interior are solid. Has sunroof and A/T. Mileage shows 183xxx. Any particular trouble areas? I recall reading some threads about fuel injector pump/accumulator as a troublesome ($$$) area.

Dunno anything about it other than what a cursory visual revealed. Am thinking with premium now at $3.20 here, investment in a diesel, thereby doubling my 4.5's fuel "economy" may be prudent, especially since I will not be driving the 108 thru winter and my other winter ride is a crew cab F350!

'Spose I should post in diesel section too?

As always, input is much appreciated.

[diametricalbenz]

An 240D would be much more economical than a 4.5. Chances are the late 70's to early 80's is a W123 body car. The W115's and earlier cars had only a 5 digit odometer so if it has 183xxx miles it's probably a W123.

You can go here and identify the car. http://home.hiwaay.net/~gbf/mbmodels.html

240D's have a loyal following because of their simplicity and ease to work on due to more engine bay space. There is a ton of support on the diesel forum for 240D's. They also have a lot of criticism for their slowness. They are bulletproof and reliable throughout as long as you maintain them. The IP's are in fact reliable. The trouble spots are rust and rubber drying out in my situation so there's leaks here and there but that's typical of 30+ year old cars If it's an automatic make sure you leave extra time to go anywhere! If the 240D is the way to go get a manual trans. It's more fun and quicker but still the slowest car on the road.

[kpb]

thanx for the link -- i'll check it out.

Ok, just checked it out. Yup. looks like a 123 and, omygod -- 67HP??!!??

Guess you're spot-on characterizing it as the slowest car on the road -- and A/T no less...

[diametricalbenz]

Yep....and it's 67hp....new I think the AT saps another 5-10hp. It's quite a white knuckle ride. I make fun of it by telling friends to put their heads against the headrests when I enter the freeway.