New Here Few Questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

76white02 · #1 08-31-2006, 09:55 PM

Hello.

I currently own a 1976 BMW 2002, I have never owned anything but a BMW but now I am thinking about purchasing a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300SD. The car is a florida car (i am in michigan), there is not one spot of rust anywhere, the paint isnt in the best condition. The interior is spotless also. There are some quarks, speedometer doesnt work (rest of cluster does, so I am thinking maybe the wire has just come loose) slight transmission leak, but is a new transmission last october, the guy says its the seal.

When the car is sitting it has a slight rough idle, the air cleaner housing rattles, when the car is driving it is completely smooth, is this normal for diesels?

How are they one fuel consumption, difficulty in the winter?

The car was listed at 3000, I have talked him down to 1200 since I plan to do a restore and told him the ammount it will end up costing me to do some of the work. should I go ahead with this deal?

Wodnek · #2 08-31-2006, 10:02 PM

Go for it! I think most of them rattle like that. Expect 20 mpg. Anything over that is a bonus. If you are going to drive in Michigan salt invest in POR 15 and wash it daily, or it will look like the rest of them up here in no time.

jwhughes3 · #3 08-31-2006, 10:15 PM

Best of luck with the restoration.

John

#4 08-31-2006, 10:17 PM

It's hard to go wrong for $1200 if its running.

Brian Carlton · #5 08-31-2006, 10:18 PM

I do believe that there is a law against purchasing a rust-free W116 and operating it in MI in the winter.

If there is no law, there should be.

Welcome to the forum, BTW.

rhodes2010 · #6 08-31-2006, 11:06 PM

Outstanding.
Buy it. Take care of it. Enjoy it for decades to come.

I'd be interested to hear what the odometer reading currently is.

76white02 · #7 08-31-2006, 11:19 PM

are they difficult to drive in the winter? I know diesel can get like gel if it gets too cold and I have heard glow plugs aren't the most convinient. I will be driving it this winter and start the restore in the spring. Sorry for all the newb questions, I just know 0 about Mercedes, I am a BMW guy

Ether · #8 08-31-2006, 11:23 PM

As the owner of 2 1980 300SD's I heartily reccomend you purchase the car. I love both of mine (much to my wifes chagrin).
The rattling air cleaner is quite common and can be solved easily.
I also would like to know the mileage. If it is in decent condition it's certainly worth the 1200.

Ether · #9 08-31-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76white02

are they difficult to drive in the winter? I know diesel can get like gel if it gets too cold and I have heard glow plugs aren't the most convinient. I will be driving it this winter and start the restore in the spring. Sorry for all the newb questions, I just know 0 about Mercedes, I am a BMW guy

I can only attest to Georgia winters which are of course considerably milder than Michgans. I have never had any problems starting my cars when the temps drop into the 20's around here. You may want to invest in a block heater considering the severe cold likely to be encountered in your part of the world.

76white02 · #10 08-31-2006, 11:29 PM

it truely is in great condition. It definently needs a repaint, the trunk and tops of the doors are sun faded. But no rust, frame is good looking. I am just concerned about the trannie leak, if it is a seal does the trans have to be dropped?

the interior looks like it just rolled out of the factory, it has the owners manual (hard to get with these old cars!). The drivers and pass. windows will go down, but grind on the way up, would this be a bad motor or out of track? The rear vaccum locks dont work, you have to manually push them in. The title is actually still the Florida title, the couple drove it up to michigan. They are both disabled so cant care for it any longer.

Here are some pics of my 76 02 BTW

Wodnek · #11 09-01-2006, 07:42 AM

I would guess the window regulators are going. Common on these cars.
Also a very good chance the cliamate control will work on hot only and on defrost only, but thats another post.

Diesel Giant · #12 09-01-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I do believe that there is a law against purchasing a rust-free W116 and operating it in MI in the winter.

If there is no law, there should be.

.

LOL you are a nut Brian

Yes I think it is a crime to sentence the old man to the rust belt. Just keep it washed or dont drive him in the salt.

kerry · #13 09-01-2006, 10:06 AM

Winter fuel, synthetic oil, good glowplugs, acceptable compression, strong battery and good starter should keep you predictably startable down to about 5 below zero in my experience. Temperatures below that will be much less stressful with a block heater. Many MB diesels already have them. Check for it.

Rudolphrocks · #14 09-01-2006, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I do believe that there is a law against purchasing a rust-free W116 and operating it in MI in the winter.

If there is no law, there should be.

Welcome to the forum, BTW.

Welcome

There is a law here in our great state of mi however, you are required to give the car to me.

bill murrow · #15 09-01-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

Winter fuel, synthetic oil, good glowplugs, acceptable compression, strong battery and good starter should keep you predictably startable down to about 5 below zero in my experience. Temperatures below that will be much less stressful with a block heater. Many MB diesels already have them. Check for it.

Same here. I never have a problem starting in the winter.

I think the tranny will have to be dropped to replace the seal. No big deal. I'm sure you'll find a detailed answer upon using the search.

What do you mean by rough idle? The engine isn't smooth or does the whole body shake a little?

Great bunch here. Welcome.

Cheers,

Bill

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