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#1
08-17-2006, 04:00 PM
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1984 Mercedes 300D??
Got a lead on a 1984 300D for $1500. It's got 296,000 miles and is curently being driven on a daily basis. The owner has maintenance records for the car. Only problem is the A/C doesn't work (he said it's the compressor....said it can be picked up at Autozone for aprox. $100..is it really that easy/cheap to fix?) and the rear passenger window and door lock doesn't operate with the switch (non essential at this point).
Here is a link to pics of the car: http://public.fotki.com/jlosness/my_car/ Would this be a good car for daily transportion? I only drive a 50-60 miles a week and I know nothing about diesel engines. I'll be checking out the car next Tuesday (it's about 75 miles away from me). What kind of things should I be looking for? Thanks for all your help!! Steve 
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#2
08-17-2006, 04:24 PM
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If in fact there is no rust, service records, and lack of AC being the only thing wrong with it, I would jump on it. Autozone's price for the AC compressor is more like $160, with about $50 worth of additional small parts that will need replaced (drier, etc.). But for around $200, I think the system can pretty much be rebuilt (DIY of course, check out www.dieselgiant.com for more info and a pictorial). If it's running well now, I think you have few worries with this car. Probably one of the most reliable cars you will ever own, and If you are a DIY kind of person, maintanace and work done to this car will not break your wallet. Very comfortable, too.
__________________
1989 300E 144K
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#3
08-17-2006, 04:26 PM
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Do a Search
do a search on a/c compressor for 300d or w123. I just wrote one yesterday on how to check if a comp can still be usable or not but theres plenty of articles or topics on it here.
__________________
the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth... 2007 Honda Accord EX 2007 Honda Accord SE V6 96 C220 97 Explorer - Found Another Home 2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home 85 300D - Found Another Home 84 300D - Found Another Home 80 300TD - Found Another Home Previous cars: 96 Caravan 87 Camry 84 Cressida 82 Vanagon 80 Fiesta 78 Nova Ford Cortina Opel Kadet 68 Kombi Contessa
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#4
08-17-2006, 04:39 PM
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for 1500.. don't even think twice about it...it looks like it's in pretty good shape.
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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP
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#5
08-17-2006, 04:43 PM
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A 300D will make a great commuter car. That is a decent price if the records show some work was done on it. Even if it needs a new compressor (a freon leak is another thing though!)
If you aren't inclined to work on it (they are really quite easy to work on!) you'll need to find a good Independent shop that knows this model, I am sure R Leo can help you. An Indy can also do a PPI (pre purchase inspection) which is highly recommended! Go over to the Diesel forum for lots of help if you do buy it. And if you find an A/C shop that tries to sell you on a conversion to R134A, tell them forget it unless they will install a parallel flow condensor, if they say whazzat? then find a shop that has R12 and isn't greedy. In Texas you need a cold A/C and R12 will do just that.
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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!
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#6
08-17-2006, 05:23 PM
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I see rust in the right rear fender which is odd for a Texas car. Maybe superficial rust doesn't matter to you, but check the frame and jack points closely.
This is an iffy time of year to get a Diesel because it isn't as cold as it can possibly get to see how well it starts. If you can, get there first thing in the morning and see how easily the engine starts after having sat for ~12 hours. In general starting is the most difficult thing for a 617 to do. If it starts, it will run There are no worthwhile interior pictures. What's the condition of the seats? Unsupportive seats will make you hate driving the car. As will a loose front end. Steering bits are easy to replace if the steering box doesn't have too much play. Getting a tired front suspension up to snuff is a few days DIY work or $1200-1500 done by a respectable shop. Sixto ... stay tuned
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#8
08-17-2006, 07:51 PM
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Deposit made
I decided to go ahead and send the guy a refundable deposit on the car. I'm going to try and make a trip up to see it tomorrow if work is slow enough. Thanks for all the info..I'm sure I'll be researching allot more in here in the near future.
Steve
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#9
08-17-2006, 07:55 PM
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Quote:
__________________
85 300sd SOLD  ,85 745i,95 740i,1972 Suburban,1938 International
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