1992 E300D 2.5 - What to look out for?

[ltrain300D]

I am probably going to be going to look at a '92 E300D 2.5 Turbo this weekend sometime, and am just wondering what I need to look out for when going over it? I currently have a 83 300D with a 617 motor, and are quite familiar with that, but don't know very much at all about the 602 that these cars have. I have searched the forums and have seen things about having the evaporator replaced? It is on autotrader... about an hour from my house...This car has 178,000 miles, 2nd lady owner, non smoker, blah blah - there are some pictures and the interior appears to be in very good condition - seats aren't worn very much at all, all the wood is in great shape, tinted windows. The paint is also in good shape, still shiny, but will see how it looks in real life as opposed to pictures. If I do get this car, I would get the euro lights for it, because the foglights? (the lights on the inside, next to the grille), are badly fogged over. Also, there is very minor damage on the sheet metal between the drivers side taillight and the bumper. Seller wants $3900.

Also, how involved in maitenance on these cars/engines? My dad and I are pretty handy when it comes to working on cars. My 300D has never been in the shop except for alignments. All other work is DIY.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I had someone at school today make me an offer on my 83 300D that is going to be hard to refuse, and I found this car today after searching ebay and autotrader for cars in the area.

[t walgamuth]

is a ***** to change, and if hired out very expensive. they seem to be a weak point on the 124 cars. i would check out the ac carefully.

as far as the drive train they dont have any serious weak points. they will tar up the intake i believe and this will rob power. most people recommend blocking the egr valve. to reduce the tarring.

they arent too quick but they will get over 30mpg on the highway driving 75 and 80.

[HomeRunPark]

30 mpg highway my ass mine sucks for gas mileage right now

[ltrain300D]

Thanks for the info... my 300D just averaged like 26.5 mpg on a 3000 mile trip to Pennsylvania, so anything better than that is an improvement. I get between 22 and 24 in the city.

t wal - you say it's slow? It certainly can't be slower than my 617, or at least I hope not. I'm not looking for a speed demon anyway. I have also heard that the EGR and turbo and such are controlled by a computer on the 92, and that blocking the EGR will mess up the computer in some way?

HomeRun - how do you like the car in general?

Thanks again!

[t walgamuth]

is a relative thing i suppose. mine felt slower than the 617 turbo d but i am not sure in looking back that it wasnt all clogged up with tar in the intake. the car carries a pretty high gear ratio in the rear end hence is slow off the line. also due to the high rear ratio it takes a while to get up to cruising speed but if you hold the foot on the floor and let it wind it isn't too bad. btw i got my best mileage when the back muffler had a big hole in it.

[ltrain300D]

Yeah, I was planning on straight piping my 300D, so I'll probably end up doing the same to this new one (this is even if I get it or not). From other things I've read on here, it seems to be a good car if well maintained, though that seems to hold true for most diesel benzes. Anymore info is still greatly appreciated.

When I go to look at it, is there anything I should keep an eye out for? Just want to be as well informed as I can when I check it out.

Thanks!