I have an opportunity to buy a MB Diesel.

It's an 81 300D with 137,000 miles on it. Ignition is bad, and torn apart. New module on the way. Needs new batteries and tires, have not been able to see it start, and don't know of any other problems with it.

I carfaxed it.... all records clean. It was registered and ran in a neighboring state last year. It's now in someone else's hands, they know little about it. Body and paint are in great shape. Only minor rust, and a little problem in the passenger side of the hood. Something is jamming it so the hood doesn't want to shut. Interior, and exterior need a good cleaning, but little else it seems to be wrong.

What typical problems should I look for?

The asking price: $1100. Seems too good to be true.

Sounds like a big project. If it was taken care of and the driveline and suspension are strong it could be a good deal.

I would be ready to put at least the purchase price into it before driving it much.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

If you can't see it start and can't drive it I don't think it's a good deal. Could be a good deal but then again it could be a disaster. I would make sure to get it started before buying it otherwise you're just playing the lottery.

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1987 300SDL 167k
1992 Volvo 740 140k
1990 Volvo 740 250k
1989 Volvo 240 269k

Anyone want to trade an old Volvo for an '87 300sdl?

It was driven to where it is at a week ago. It doesn't run now, because the ignition module is torn out, and the battery is off.

I pay $0 until I see it run, but if it does I think it's worth it.

When it does run pull the oil cap off and see if it has any blow by. Also check old rubber stuff like heater hoses and suspension bushings. Because after 24 years that stuff is overdue.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Pics.....




Ok...hope that worked.

I posted some pics of the car. A general shot from the rear, a shot of the engine, and a closer look at a little bit of oil on the engine and what appears to be rust on the manifold.

picture links don't work

What are you referring to when you say ignition module?

My favorite "daily driver" is my '81 300D. I will probably reward it with a new oil pump over the next few weeks.

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Jim

I think he is refering to the glow plug relay when he says "ignition module"

Ok, I am a newb

The ignition switch is bad. The entire ignition is torn out of the console, set up to be able to turn it over with a screwdriver instead of the key. Does that make any sense? The ignition was one of those "jiggle it" ignitions that I know need immediate attention when the problem comes up.

Links worked for me, I'll keep working on it.

Wannybe,

Learningto call things by their correct name will help us diagnose your problems.

There really isn't an ignition switch in a Diesel since there isn't really an ignition system like in a gasoline engine. It is better called a key switch, as that will not confuse anybody.

You can easliy start the engine with out the key switch by jumping a few wires under the hood. You also have to remove the vacuum line on the fuel cutoff located on the IP.

P E H