Welcome potential new MB diesel owner! Minimal rust is key, auto's are fine, I prefer a manual myself, yet there are none on a 5 cylinder. You sound as if you can handle any mechanical difficulties. A non turbo is even easier to work on. Bio is corrosive to rubber, so replacing the few rubber lines won't be a big deal. On the '85's and earlier, the IP will not be affected, no internal rubber parts.

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83 SD

84 CD