Hi, I'm very new to the Mercedes world. I am looking at something to run biodiesel in. I've looked at a couple of older Mercedes and I'll be testing a 1979 300cd this weekend. I checked it out in the driveway and it appears to be in good condition. Owner says it has only about 135,000 miles on it. Says everything works(including a/c) with the exception of one door lock. I'm afraid I am not that car savy, although I am working on it. What things should I be aware of with this model and what would be a resonable price to pay.

Thanks for any help

I'm sure a lot of people will speak up, but here are a few comments:

These are wonderful cars but can be very expensive if you pay a shop to do all the work. You will need to do some or most of the maintenance/repair or it will cost you a fortune. Most people on this forum get some satisfaction and enjoyment out of working on these old beauties, so it is not such a bother, more of a hobby.

Where are you located, IOW - does the vehicle have rust or is it clean? That will go a long way in determining it's value.

Do you need the A/C or not? If the A/C still works it has probably been converted to R134, which would be good.

'79 era has a notoriously bad climate control system. Expensive to fix, even if you do it yourself.

'79's are pre-turbo and slow due to that fact. Once you get up to speed they are fine.

Coupes (CD's) look good and are unique, but some of the parts are harder to find and more expensive. There are many more sedans out there than coupes.

__________________
'85 300D - 206K (sold)
'81 240D - 149K (sold)
'03 Jetta TDI - (sold)
'79 300D - (sold)

It spent most of it's life in TX. There was no visible rust. I will look at engine and underneath this weekend. My husband is real good with engines and several years ago we had a diesel Oldsmobile a Toronado and he was able to keep it maintained. He is leaving me to pick this one out though as he doesn't have time to do the research. What should I look for to see if the climate control system is working? Would this be what keeps the car from overheating?

Thanks

I have a '78 coupe. It's a cool, attractive car, but it would be frustrating to have to depend on it in stop-and-go traffic, especially in hilly country. I do enjoy puttering along on back roads at 35 mph in it, with the windows down and the sunroof open. Zero to 60 times must be in the 25 second range, but it will cruise at 75 on the highway. The friend who gave it to me calls it "an old ladies' car". You can make what you want out of that comment.

I would look for a turbo, unless the price is really low.

Don McClure
Bel Air, MD

See my coupe at:
http://homepage.mac.com/donindigo2/PhotoAlbum111.html

The climate control is the automatic heating/AC control. They were very primitive on the early 300D/CD. You want to make sure the heat and AC work because these systems can be expensive to fix. The 1982 and later models are turbocharged and noticeably quicker. Also, the later years have a some what less flaky climate control system. You have to drive it and decide if it has enough power for your needs.

Test drove this care today. The a/c blew cold and heat blew hot. The things wrong with it was a hole in drivers seat, cruise control didn't work, idle switch didn't work, passengers door didn't lock. Most everything worked even the radio. The idle seemed a bit slow at stop lights, vibrated a little which stopped if you step on gas. It seemed fast enough for me but I guess I am an old lady! Just need something to get me around to the store etc. but I want it to be reliable. The guy wants $3,500.oo firm. Any opinions?

Thanks