I just bought a 1980 240D (I had an earlier post about my pre-purchase questions -- thanks for the comments). The car is supposed to only have 95,000 miles on the clock. I guess it doesn't really matter what the mileage is now because I own the car, but I can't help wondering. As I have been cleaning up the car, I'm thinking the mileage is probably much higher. I think this because the steering wheel is worm smooth in places and the pedals show some wear. I would think at less than 100,000 miles the steering wheel and pedals would be like new. On the good side, the car seems to run well, the engine is very clean and the car does not burn or leak any oil! The seats don't seem to have much wear, and the driver's seat does not have the diesel "lean."

My question is just how easy is it to roll back the mileage on a 240D? From the Haynes manual, removing the instrument panel SEEMS straight forward. Is it possible -- and likely -- that the odometer could have been rolled back? And, how reliable or the odometers in these cars? It seems like I see many postings/ads that mention a faulty odometer.

Just curious. I appreciate any insight offered.