Well, I took the plunge today and bought a 1985 300TD that doesn't smoke a lick (that was important to me for some reason ) 211K
I wish I had bought this one first! Quite a difference between the '85 model and the '80 model. Especially MY '80 model. The turbo makes such a difference!! This wagon shifts perfectly, but does it aggressively too if that makes sense. I've never seen a hood pad either. Big difference in noise.
It needs a few things:
hydraulics not working (I'm sure accumulators)
driver and rear passenger windows not working (rear has mechanical issues)
body damage---driver door and front 1/4 panel
leather interior horrible. Backs seats junk, front OK, not great, but soft
sunroof seems caulked shut, but headliner perfect! no sign of leak
wood around shifter ruined
AC compressor destroyed (and I live in TEXAS)

Bonus points:
No smoke of course is number one
runs like a scalded arse ape
actually has paint (my first one that does)
cruise works, if you can believe it
3rd seat
not even a speck of rust. Anywhere! Appears taken care of in past life
great headliner, OK carpet
front end is tight. signs of some pieces replaced
Texas summer friendly White paint

All and all I'm pleased to finally drive an actual MB. If my poor first wagon could just have its problem found I'm sure it will drive well also, but I just haven't experienced it until this one.

Still need to try and find smoking issue on '80 wagon, then it will have to find a new home. But it is odd, there is something that feels more comfortable being in the '80. It is just a "feel" thing. It rides great and is comfortable inside, just no power and smokes. Some day....

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__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John