Skemper, when you mention 300TD, you do mean it's the station wagon right? A lot of new members mistake that TD designation as meaning turbo Diesel. Just want to clarify that.
I have a 300TD also, which I've owned for a couple of years now and have gained some valuable experience.

From what you're describing, it sounds as if your car is a lost cause. Now I hate to be an alarmist, but I really think you were taken by whomever sold this thing to you. Continue to drive this car and you risk an explosion or worse - I mean, it really sounds dangerous to me! These wagons were never really meant to go into production anyway. They were really designed as a joke I think, by Mercedes and the normal quality engineering was ignored because they never intended these things to be driven! I don't know how many made it onto public roads but for God's sake man, for your own peace of mind and your family's safety it's probably best to just give up and go buy a nice 300D sedan. They're much simpler and I'll even help you look for one. Anyway, the wagon doesn't handle very well even when it's in great condition. I don't think you've made a good choice at all. Gosh, I wish I had known you were looking for a new car, any number of people on this forum would have been more than happy to help you look for a nice car.

Meanwhile, just so you can forget about your completely negative experience with this car, I'll be a good guy and take it off your hands. Don't worry, I won't charge you anything. You've already been taken advantage of enough! Just email me when you're ready for me to pick it up. If you're not going to be home, just give me your address and leave the keys on top of the right-rear tire and I'll take care of the rest.

Good luck with everything, Skemper!

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Dave
1995 C280
1999 Triumph Daytona 955I - my speed fix.
1982 300TD - Gone, but not forgotten.