Hello, Mercedes experts!

As of yesterday, my wife and I are the proud owners of an '83 300D with a waste oil conversion done by a guy named Brian in San Francisco. For pics of the car, see this from Craig's list . The car looks like it's in great shape - one owner, leather is excellent, no fade on the exterior rubber, the sunroof works, etc. But of course, there are a few issues that we'd like to take care of:

1) A/C. It doesn't work. We're told that it maintains pressure but it doesn't cool. I'm hoping that means that only a recharge is necessary. Do we need a 134 conversion on this? (I'd assume so.) Ballpark price?

2) Front end. There's a clunk that comes from the driver's side front when you hit brakes or big bumps. Is this indicative of anything in particular with these models or should we just take it in and have a mechanic go through it?

3) Rear view mirror. It has so much slop in its little ball joint that it just sort of hangs there sideways. Any good sources for replacements on these cars?

4) Windows. The driver's side rear window doesn't work.\, either from the switch at the window or from the driver's switch. Is this a DIY type of thing for someone only marginally DIY-competent (I do brakes, oil changes and such but never heads, engines, trannies)?

I'll stop there for now .

Thanks in advance for any help. My wife decided she really wanted this car for her 60 mile/day commute so I didn't have my requisite one year of research in place. We're going in blind, so to speak, but sometimes ya gotta do these things....


Thanks again,

Mike

conversion. r12 is very available now. window work is prob ok for you.

mirror from salvage yard.

sounds like a nice find.

welcome

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks much! Will look for a good local salvage place.


Mike

If you go to Silver Star recycling check the prices carefully. They like to price used parts at dealer retail for new parts. You might find a 300D parts car for what Silver Star wants for a used mirror.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I agree....do not convert the A/C. Mine was changed to 134 before I bought it and I'm changing it back to 12.

Window is probably the switch. Easy job and found at the junk yard.

Don't know what the clunk is. Loose shock maybe?

Mirror is easy to change. Begin by just yanking it out of the socket as I recall.

Cheers,

Bill

Thanks! A friend also thought a shock might be the problem with the front end.

And as for the mirror, "yanking it out of the socket" is right about my level of mechanical sophistication.


Mike

Me too!!

I just love those jobs you can do without even a screw driver.

Cheers,

Bill

Welcome to the fold. I also live in Sacto and I can HIGHLY recommend Chris Weissensee at Capitol City European, 1725 33rd St., just off Stockton Boulevard, for all your mechanical needs. A great shop, honest and fair.

Also, check out this website for info on the local biofuels scene, including local biodiesel co-ops you can join:

http://www.sacbiofuels.org

There's also a guy on S Street just east of 23rd St. who builds and sells WVO conversion kits. He might be able to help you if you have problems with your setup:

http://www.fattywagons.com

Cheers!

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'81 300TD turbo <<sold 12/05 to another diesel nut