Recently I was able to get a copy of MB's "Introduction into Service" for Model Year 1987 300TD & 300D. A really useful book. The order # is 6510 1052 13. I don't know if this is the same book as the reprint that MB Classic sells as 6510 1052 02... Anyway, I only mention this because on page 89, in the beginning of the tranny section, it says, "Transmission starts in 1st gear when the selector lever is engaged in any of the forward speeds."

So in July of 1986 when this book was published and sent to dealerships around the US the MB engineers were of the impression that the W124 diesels were going to start in 1st. Is there a general consensus that the book was in error? You would think that it would be easy enough to check, but at the same time I am not sure my transmission is at its operational best.

This book, by the way, has excellent vacuum and wiring diagrams. The intent of this book was to provide the dealerships with a service cheatsheet, if you will, in advance of the release of the full service manuals. It focuses on new aspects of the two models compared to previous models. For some items it will say "this is similar to ..." and other items it will highlight the differences from previous years.

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1987 300TD 231,000
#22, afterglow, plastic fan, euro lights, alternator upgrade, cluster housing update