Hi,

Say I were to get a very good deal on a 300TD in great shape (tiny rust, under control, all electronics working (yes, A/C and CC too!), very good maintainence records from the local MB shop, etc). Say that the only thing wrong with it is that the hydraulic pump for the leveling suspension leaks badly. Say the local MB dealership has tried resealing it a few times to no effect.

Say I drove said vehicle 700 miles home, and the fluid ran dry, or severely lost pressure. What would this destroy besides the pump? Will accumulators or struts fail if the fluid leaks out at the pump?

Also, should the pump need replacement, I know I'd be looking at around 630$ for a new one. Is replacing it a job for a moderate DIYer? Or is that sort of hydraulic work best left to the pros?

Finally, given that the pump is leaking, but functional for the moment, how much off full price would be reasonable to ask? 650 for the price of the pump? Or if the pump fails is there a whole host of things that will need to be replaced at the same time?

Thanks for your input. I've been looking for a 300TD for a while now, and this deal has come onto my radar and seems very promising. The guy feels bad that his pump just started leaking after he put it up for sale, but before it sold (of course), and seems willing to deal, I just want to know what I'd be expecting, and what a fair discount would be for dealing with a problem like that.

Peace,
Sam