84 300d Should I buy? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

madbch300e · #1 03-19-2006, 05:00 PM

Hello All

I just test drove a 1984 300D turbo with 180000 miles. Not in bad shape exterior, and interior. Some oil under where I am assuming the turbo should be, vacuum lock system doesn't work, High pressure sensor on AC condenser is leaking (AC worked, leak showed up after returning from drive), front end play, 1 window motor out, sunroof works, nice pickup in engine and smooth tight tranny action.

The guy wants $1850, I'll probably have it for less if I want it, my main concerns are: Turbo, I've never had one, what should I be worried about there; Diesel, Never had one, I like the fuel economy, and conversion possibilities for alternative fuels, but what should I look for as far as problems when I drive this again in the AM.

This will be for my 16 year old, so it doesn't have to be great for long hauls, it will mostly be 20-30 miles from home.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance,
Tony

rhodes2010 · #2 03-19-2006, 05:20 PM

Sounds like a fair deal, the things to fix won't be hard.

It works out better if you do it yourself.

I too am thinking of giving Diesel Benzs to the children.

t walgamuth · #3 03-19-2006, 05:21 PM

there are many things to check. but the most important prob is the engine tranny. it sounds like the tranny is ok. did you check for blowby on the motor? a little is ok but not too much. also oil pressure.

the other expensive system is the ac. if you dont care about having ac then it is a bit simpler, but the automatic controls can be a pain to diagnose and fix.

if the engine has good compression, and idles smoothly and not much blow by you are prob pretty good even if the ac is not functioning. if in doubt about the motor i suggest getting a compression check by a benz familiar or at least diesel familiar shop. 240 to 320 cold, 300 to 400 hot i believe are the compressions you are after. very uneven pressures indicate trouble, perhaps valve adjustment will solve. if uniformly very low prob worn rings. if it starts right up when cold the compression on most cylinders are prob pretty good.

i would prob try to get it for 1500.

tom w

whunter · #4 03-19-2006, 05:31 PM

Turbo oil drain - wacky idea?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=955102#post955102

1984 300sd ...turbo drain gasket leak?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=977889#post977889

Oil leak search, questions
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=135582

Engine Oil Filters Overview
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters.html

Replacing Seals on Turbo Oil Drain Pipes
http://engine.articles.mbz.org/diesel/seals/

Mercedes diesel maintenance tips
http://dieselgiant.com/mercedes_diesel_maintenance_tips.htm

Have a great day.

madbch300e · #5 03-19-2006, 05:52 PM

Tom

The only way I checked blow by was having the engine revved in park, while I stood behind it-- almost no smoke at higher revs, or idle, both cold, and after driving 5 miles. AC compressor works, has been changed to 134,has leak that I mentioned above, but I do almost all of my own work,(trannys the big exclusion), so AC work doesn't cost me much.

whunter: Thanks for the great links.

Thanks for the tips, I think I'll snatch it in the AM

whunter · #6 03-19-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madbch300e

Tom

The only way I checked blow by was having the engine revved in park, while I stood behind it-- almost no smoke at higher revs, or idle, both cold, and after driving 5 miles.

A simple blow-by check is to remove the oil fill cap, start the engine, and watch for steam engine like smoke plume huffing out.

Maroon 300D · #7 03-19-2006, 09:29 PM

Does it have any rust? You might want to look for it around the jack points. I assume the car started right up since you didn't mention anything about that.

If the car has good pickup then the turbo is probably in pretty good shape.

I've had my car for two months now and I'm finding you can fix most things yourself, which is nice. The car you describe sounds like a good deal even at the asking price.

These cars are also made of solid steel, so they seem like a good choice for the young 'uns to me.

86560SEL · #8 03-20-2006, 12:55 AM

Sounds like a good deal to me. I would go for it.

Like Maroon 300D said, check for rust. In addition to the jack points, lift up the carpeting and check for rust on the floor pans and look in the trunk, especially if the car was originally from a nothern state. If it is a factory Florida car, it should be OK, unless it was near the coastline.

Good luck and enjoy.

whunter · #9 03-20-2006, 02:28 AM

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=86054

Diesel Giant · #10 03-20-2006, 08:14 AM

Check out all the areas mentioned and then if you need any pictorials to do maintenance or repairs look here.

Also if you need any help on you soon to be new ride, then just ask. There are plenty of people that will help you.

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedes_diesel_maintenance_tips.htm

tenknots · #11 03-20-2006, 01:38 PM

A great car - I have one just like it.

You say front end play - do you mean steering? If so there is an adjustment on the steering box that might help.

These cars can go for many many miles if taken care of.

madbch300e · #12 03-20-2006, 02:46 PM

Paid $1700. I know in some markets I could have done better on the price, but there are alot of Benzes around here, and anything in this price range is usually a parts car.

That said, thanks to everyone for the advice, and now feel free to chime in on a to-do list for me (other than obvious, like brakes, oil, tranny fluid etc.) that I should take care of to make this thing solid. Diesel specific would be great, and I'll be doing alot of searching here.

Thanks again
Tony

bgkast · #13 03-20-2006, 03:15 PM

congrats!

84300DT · #14 03-20-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madbch300e

Paid $1700. I know in some markets I could have done better on the price, but there are alot of Benzes around here, and anything in this price range is usually a parts car.

That said, thanks to everyone for the advice, and now feel free to chime in on a to-do list for me (other than obvious, like brakes, oil, tranny fluid etc.) that I should take care of to make this thing solid. Diesel specific would be great, and I'll be doing alot of searching here.

Thanks again
Tony

small price to pay to be able to sleep at night when your 16yr old is out. also
you may be able to connect with him with hours of 'routine maintenence and improvements'. this activity you may not be able to put a price on. good luck and look forward to seeing pics