Is this the dreaded 1985 California MB 300CD engine? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Spire · #1 07-22-2005, 06:33 PM

I have a question that seems to have a lot of info in the searches but just to make sure that I am not passing up a very nice looking 1985 300 CD Coupe (California bought) Ill ask it because the owner is not sure but I think you all will be.

This engine has 115,000, and from what I can tell in this picture does indeed look like it has the dreaded California emissions setup. Ill try and post the photo. I assume that most of you think that this is the model to be avoided in favor of just about anything earlier!

Spire

engatwork · #2 07-22-2005, 08:23 PM

That is the Calif model. If the car is that low a mileage and in very good condition it is not that hard to convert it to a federal model if you can get the parts from a pull a parts type place.

JimmyL · #3 07-22-2005, 08:29 PM

Heck, for a "CD" with that low of miles I don't think I would let the Cal. model thwart my efforts. You can collect the parts to convert slowly, and when you have everything go for it.
You could also simply drive as-is, as I'm sure many folks do.

russb · #4 07-22-2005, 09:16 PM

I have an 85' 300D Cal.. W/ converter.
I bought it with a blown engine (#2 rod through block at 224,000 mi., put in a used engine, from a 85' Cal car.
I did have to do a valve job on the used engine, after about 5,000 mi., milage on that engine must not have been right.
But, after fixing that, have driven from CA to IL. and back, to Tusa, and back, to Vegas several times, to CO and back several times, and going to CO in a couple of weeks in it.
No problems, except for the water pump, my fault on that one, it was leaking before I first started the engine after putting the engine in, then quit leaking after I fired it up, Then about 1,000 mi. later it was a gusher on the way to Vegas, what an experience changing a WP in the Stardust parking lot after a $340 tow from the middle of nowhere..
I rambled to long, DO not worry about the CA thing.
If it's in good shape, and a good price don't worry about the CA. engine.

Glinko · #5 07-22-2005, 09:47 PM

What's the deal with a Cali engine? Is it just a matter of low power or something?

lietuviai · #6 07-22-2005, 11:04 PM

It has less power, needs an expensive air filter and an oxidizing catalyst. Also it has different electronic controls for the egr/smog control system. None of the stuff can be found in the regular shop manuals. You need a special supplement to work on them.

dieseldiehard · #7 07-22-2005, 11:44 PM

At least it doesn't use the dreaded air filter bracket that cracks periodically, and it doesn't have any rubber supports for said bracket to split.
And that big filter up front in its separate cannister does a really fine job of filtering air, its just more expensive that's all. '85 was a great year for the 5 cyl turbodiesel, you'll like it (IF it has had the trap bypassed or converted to a Federal model)!

Glinko · #8 07-23-2005, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lietuviai

It has less power, needs an expensive air filter and an oxidizing catalyst. Also it has different electronic controls for the egr/smog control system. None of the stuff can be found in the regular shop manuals. You need a special supplement to work on them.

Cali and their silly smog! Bastard swines!

sixto · #9 07-23-2005, 02:57 AM

East coast and their silly snow!

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Glinko · #10 07-23-2005, 03:05 AM

Aye, I read on some web page that 123 benz's drive like tanks in the snow. Well, I was on my way home from school in a freak snow storm, and I have this to say: The internet is full of lies.

I didn't go over 25 mph the whole way home, had a new set of mud/snow radials, and the back end still came out twice. I'm lucky I didn't totally spin out.

Ara T. · #11 07-23-2005, 03:50 AM

According to my manual, my 85 CA 300Dturbo has 118 horsepower, while the other, federal W123's have (easy to remember) 123 horsepower. Not that big of a difference.

bennett · #12 07-23-2005, 10:24 AM

I'm considering a original 1985 300D in california...

would it have theat motor as well or just CD models have it ?

it is a turbo model as well.

Palangi · #13 07-23-2005, 10:30 AM

All of the 85 California diesels have this setup. 85's (Federal and California) also have a different rear axle ratio and a transmission used only that year. Unless it is an exceptionally nice car, I would avoid 85 California diesels.

JimmyL · #14 07-23-2005, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palangi

All of the 85 California diesels have this setup. 85's (Federal and California) also have a different rear axle ratio and a transmission used only that year. Unless it is an exceptionally nice car, I would avoid 85 California diesels.

Good grief,
I guess that means my '85 wagon has the 1 year tranny?

On the positive side of the ledger it shifts perfectly, like a 'real car'. That is different from the '80. I don't want to think about the negative side of the ledger.
Is the tach for '85s different also?

Palangi · #15 07-23-2005, 11:16 AM

Jimmy
I don't know about the tach. At some point they changed the tach pickup method, but I don't know what year.

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