Hey guys, I just bought a 82 td wagon.

A couple of questions :

It seems like you have to depress the gas pedal a good 3-4 inches before the car starts to respond. How do I fix this?

The shift from 1-2 is a little firm, 2-3 is pretty smooth, and 3-4 is hard. Is there any way to soften the shifting?

There is a small line/tear in the mbtex. Is there any way to repair this? Do those "as seen on TV leather/vinyl repair kits do anything?


Thanks a million

Check the transmission fluid first. Car should be running for a few minutes (perferably warm). While th car is running check the fluid, should be in between the 2 marks. Have you changed the fluids? I have never used synthetic but ppl swear by it here. Considering you4 3-4inches the throttle body probably needs to be adjusted. Even the good book says take it to a MB mechanic on this one.

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1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
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#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

as far as the response goes, does it actually act as though the pedal travel is doing nothing or is the engine unresponsive even though you can tell something is happening.

could be loose linkage... or running problems.... or normal diesel response... more description might help us picture.

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.

Throttle linkage:
First figure out if it is in the pedal to cross-shaft or cross shaft to valve cover to IP.

Open the hood. While standing (car does not need to be running) reach your right foot onto the throttle pedal and start pressing.
If you do not see movement of throttle linkage that corresponds to your foot then check the firewall for the bushing and check linkage there.
If you do see the linkage moving along with your foot pressure then concentrate
on the cross shaft, top of valve cover. These pieces have adjustments and are easy to set.

I seem to get some travel too, but I accelerate and reach top speed just fine.

Transmission: You should really have a hand held vacucm pump like a mighty-vac. You need to rule out any vacuum issues (easy to do).

Interior MB Tex: I doubt the kit on TV will help, it might work for the dashboard.
I went to a local upholstery shop and asked to have a small tear fixed, they were able to help.

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80 300D 340K Owned 30 yrs
83 300SD 440K Owned 9 yrs - Daily Driver 150mi/day
02 Z71 Suburban 117,000
15 Toyota Prius 2600 miles
00 Harley Sportster 24k
09 Yamaha R6
03 Ninja 250

Always start with you r foot extra 3-4 " down and you won't notice any difference.

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'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

The normal acceleration is slow until the turbo kicks in at 2000RPM. But check your linkage. At the firewall in the engine compartment is a ball joint where the pedal linkage translates into a forward aft movement. This "ball" can deteriorate and go bad. The ball joint should be smooth and have no play in it except the correct movement for the linkage

Check all vacuum line connectors for tightness. If old, they allow the vacuum to get worse and vacuum is what the car uses to shift with.

I have a small tear in the middle set form 1991. It has not grown or changed. The MBTex is very sturdy.

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car