82 300SD help!
 

Ok, so this is my first post, and may be my first diesel, and benz. I ran across this car http://stlouis.craigslist.org/car/179259014.html I drove it the other day and it seems like a good deal, but it needs some work. The AC compressor belt isn't attached, strange openings under the front doors have some rust around them, the power windows don't all work, and the locks don't do what they are supposed to do. Still it runs well (as far as I can tell), and drives nice. It pulls to the right, but I'm guessing new tires which it needs, and an alignment would take care of that. There is body damage on the left rear , but not a lot of rust that I noticed. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, and if this is not the right place, I'm sorry please put it where it belongs.

All of these items depend on how much DIY you are able/willing to do. Don't ignore the fact that this is a 20+ year old car and will need work.

1) AC- sounds like a suspect failed compressor. ($300 + about $150 other parts) Flush of system and recharge. If not done DIY, can easily reach $1000.

2) Rust - The mysterious openings you mention are jack points, which is part of the structure of the car. Beware! You will need to find out exactly how extensive the rust is in this area.

3)Power windows - elec. and may just be fuses.

4) Door locks - vacuum leak is probably the culprit and that portion of the system may be plugged in order to provide for fuel shut-off.

I would definitely suggest a pre-purchase inspection from an independent who is familiar with MB's of this vintage.;)

Thanks, for the reply. The AC is not my biggest concern at this point, I have not had cars with AC for a number of years anyway. As far as the jack ports go they just looked like they had a little surface rust. Door locks, and the windows I was less worried about. I have a mechanic that I trust that actually works around the corner from the guy selling the car, which is where the car is headed in the morning. They don't do diesels, but they have NEVER steared me or my family wrong on cars, the last car they did a ppi on for me lasted over 100,000 miles.

i would suggest a ppi done by someone familiar with mb diesels. if they are not their thoughts about the engine will probably not be very accurate.

tom w

I agree with Tom......
 

I'm sure your mechanic is great and trustworthy. I have friends that are great indy mechanics but they are honest with me about not being familiar with MB's and even more specifically diesels. We just don't want you to be disappointed by a major problem.

If he is familiar with them, then you have the best of both worlds and should be in great shape.;)

So far I have not been able to really find a local mechanic that is familiar with these cars, which does worry me a bit. I do have a number for somebody that can help, but I have never really dealt with him, and I know at least the guy I'm planning to take it to is honest, and will be happy to put on tires and do an alignment for me. Everybody I know has heard what it is, and the price and said to go for it, but I am cautious going into this sort of thing.

Well, we don't know where "local" is but if you post your location in your signature, (user cp) someone here may be able to help. Most of us here have been in that same, uncertain situation and are usually willing to help.;)

I decided to go ahead and buy the car. It needs a few things, but nothing that can't be fixed. So, I guess I'm in now! The engine and tranny do not leak, which is a good thing, and seem to work well. Problems, that have to be fixed now, are the lower ball joint on RF, new tires, and an exhast leak, at the spot where the pipe splits off to the resonators. Would bypassing those and just running a pipe back to the muffler cause any problems? I think my next project will be some body work.

i think i know what car u are talking about. is it the gold one? i was looking at that. i had my resonators removed and a straight pipe welded on. its been 2 or so years now and no problems. i know a great shop in columbia, where i live. good luck

Welcome to the forum.

Yep, take those resonators and toss 'em. BUT, the resonators provide the support for the center of the system. Without them, there is no support between the clamp near the transmission and the rubber supports behind the rear muffler. It's a looooong way. I've got the same issue with the SD. I want to get over to the muffler shop and have them fab a couple of hooks on the driveshaft tunnel cover.

I bought the green one. The gold one he sold before. They will probably notice that there is nothing to support the pipes without the resonators. Personally I can't wait to get on the road

See, you should listen to Tom and Sam.
It's very likely your mechanic does not have the proper tools or the know how to do an alignment.
Do yourself a favor and find a mechanic familiar with these old cars.

Also, welcome to the forum and remember the SEARCH button is your friend!

Danny

I'm doing my best to do that at the moment.

I realize you already purchased the car but for others that are reading this.....you should always have someone familiar with these engines check them out before you buy one. At the least dont buy one that has an unknown service history.

My extended family was initially impressed with the 2 MB's I have and they decided to "go get them some". They thought the cars looked OK and the price was right so they bought a total of 6 over the last couple of years. 4 of them are sitting with major problems, 2 I think are rod bearings one rings/low compression etc. These cars will last a long time......if they have been maintained properly!!!!

Two of them are running great and the two I have also run great. About 50/50 not great odds. I was really carefull, bought cars with service records and were 2nd or 3rd owner cars and both still run flawlessly. They in fact have paid for themselves many times over by now.

They can be a good investment if you are carefull.

Stephen