92 300d are these reliable cars - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wolfgang1 · #1 11-04-2005, 09:19 PM

I have recently purchased a 1992 300d with 187k,in good shape but no records.I paid $3,000 from a friend...or is he?

#2 11-04-2005, 09:28 PM

I personally don't care for the Lexus WANNABE looking Aluminum Headed Computerized injection S.O.B's but other opinions here may vary however that is a Fair Price you paid for the Auto.

wolfgang1 · #3 11-04-2005, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the rank,klink.

unkl300d · #4 11-04-2005, 10:33 PM

I paid that for a '79 240D so u r good.

I think the 90's 300D go through glow plugs......?? $$

compress ignite · #5 11-05-2005, 12:18 AM

Check your timing chain stretch if you've not got the service records.

You will enjoy this automobile on the Highway! (be careful to be aware of your land speed... these tend to help you acquire
little yellow pieces of paper with outrageous redemption values)

The '92 should have 134A for a refrigerant and it should blow COLD.

The EDS (Electronic Diesel System) controls on this model are minimal...
compared to the later '90s and 2000s models.

t walgamuth · #6 11-05-2005, 07:03 AM

they are pretty good. prob not quite as bulletproof as the 123 fives. driving wise... they drive excellently. the rear is about the same design as the 123s but the front is a very noticalble improvment in handling and steering. the ac is not as reliable and not at all user friendly for repairs as the 123 so keep the fingers crossed on that.

sounds like a good price though.

enjoy.

tom w

NickMendoza · #7 11-05-2005, 02:55 PM

If interior and exterior paint are OK = excellent price.

My opinion on areas of interest
1. timing chain
2. Vacuum pump (You are around the time to replace)
3. Look at bushings
4. glow plugs are easy to replace. Only when needed
5. Replace old speakers

Change oil, air and fuel filter. Enjoy the car.

tex · #8 11-05-2005, 08:05 PM

If your 300d is in good shape, it was a very good buy.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did my '91.

If it were mine and I was uncertain of it's timely
maintenance, I would do the following asap:

Ensure the fuel system is free of algae. Select
and use regularly, a fuel additive to keep it that way.
(1st check the primary fuel filter)

Change all fluid and filters, including engine oil & filter,
trans fluid & filter, brake fluid, power steering fluid and
filter, diff fluid, and air filter.

Lube the linkages for throttle and transmission.

If it is a turbo, clean the overboost protection lines.

Check the alternator brushes for wear. Its easy
and much cheaper than letting worn brushes ruin the
alternator.

Check out this link for one person's repair & service history:
http://www.mindspring.com/~houlihan/merc/repairs.htm

At that mileage, there are a number of things to
monitor. The search function will provide you with a
lot of info them.

Darrell

Hatterasguy · #9 11-05-2005, 08:44 PM

Do a search over on the diesel forum. Those are some of the best diesels you can buy. I almost bought one that was absolutly mint, original owner and looked like new. The guy wanted $6,900 for it but wouldn't come down. It had 290k miles on it and if you dropped the 2 off the odo no one would have questoned it. If the owner came down to $5k+/- I would have gone for it.

braverichard · #10 11-05-2005, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

It had 290k miles on it and if you dropped the 2 off the odo no one would have questoned it.

You see that's my biggest fear when it comes to these MBs. The interior don't wear fast and when taken care of, an entire old school MB can keep looking new for a long time, even with many miles. Makes them much easier to have the odometer roll back fraud on them due to their durability.

Hatterasguy · #11 11-05-2005, 09:29 PM

Not to mention it would take about 20 minutes and a coat hanger to knock 100k off my W126. The W124 may be harder.

Thats why you can't go by the carfax and odo alone. Maintaince records should show the mileage, those along with the odo, carefax, and owners word are needed to tell you actual mileage.

braverichard · #12 11-05-2005, 09:38 PM

Actually with the new paint job on my W126 and a $150 complete detail, I can stick that car on eBay and list the mileage as 90K instead of 165K can move it for some high dollar$.

I agree with you on the extra work required to verify mileage. I, just like most people here, look into several MBs I see for sale on a daily basis. Many look sharp, have very low miles on their odometers, but have no service records to backup those miles. I always walk.

zeiglerr · #13 11-06-2005, 12:39 PM

Mine has been extremely reliable. I had to replace a blower motor which was a major PIA, and I've replaced the normal exhaust system parts, alternator, belt tensioner, etc. on a 250K mile car, but it's been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned.