Just got my 1st MB and right away bought Bently's "Owners Manual". With no service records for last 50,000 miles I had : radiator flush, tran.oil/filter,and oil/filter changed. It has 151,000 on it. The "Owner Manual" says to use Dexron III, mechanic used Dexron II, manual says MB coolant, he used Prestone. He also said to use the Dexron in Steering. He used 20W-50 Castrol for engine. It runs great. I got it for $4,400. The manual says MB put "Exhaust system trap oxidizer" in engine for California. These would breakup and ruin turbo charger and engine so for 1988 model MB did something else. Does anyone know anything about this? How can I find out if it was replaced by MB. I still can't figure out the a/c controls, any place to find any info, I'd like to know.
Thanks.

You first need to do a search for 87 300D and make yourself comfortable. You've got lots of reading to do.

__________________
-Jason

'87 300D Turbo 333,492 miles on a #14 head

Thanks for your reply. I have seen the #14 several times but can figure out what they are talking about. Could you shed some light on this for me, please.
David
So much to learn. Ive always done most of work on my gas cars, this diesel is a new animal.

You do have a bunch to read. It sounds like you did very well on the price... the wagons are relatively rare and have been commanding a premium.

First off, your mechanic didn't do you any favors. You should only use one of the approved coolants - and Prestone isn't one of them. Flush it again and put in either the MB coolant, or Zerex G-05. There are a few others but the Zerex is the easiest to come by. Put in a new thermostat while you are at it. There are plenty of opinions on oil and other fluids, but Mobil 1 (Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40) is probably the best bet. Mobil 1 ATF works very well in the tranny and steering pump. Consider changing to those at the next change interval (but change the coolant now).

Here is a picture on gsxr's site of a trap oxidizer next to the replacement pipe. If there is something sitting next to your exhaust manifold that looks like the top item then the recall has not been performed.

If you don't have an actual owner's manual you can likely order one from MB Classic center. You can find a link from mbusa.com.

There is a casting number located on the aluminum head under the crossover pipe above the #2 injector. If two of the numbers are "14" then you have a #14 head. Your car came with a #14 head. MB has revised the head several times and the current revision is a #22 casting. The other most common edition is the #17. The original head had some deficiencies that could lead to cracks or blown head gaskets. The cardinal rule is to not let the engine overheat. There are plenty of #14 heads out there. There is a ton of info on the head issue as well as plenty of theories, etc.

There is a good article here mostly authored by gsxr (Dave) which has some intro information to the model.

Dave's site, http://www.w124performance.com/images/ has a wealth of information and resources on it, as does this forum.

Another item to put near the top of the list of things to do would be the vacuum pump. The original style pumps have been redesigned and that is one item that you will want to replace before it dies. You probably have some time but best not to tempt fate on that one.

__________________
=-=-=-=-=
1987 300TD 231,000
#22, afterglow, plastic fan, euro lights, alternator upgrade, cluster housing update

Thanks so much for the info. The links will be very helpful. I bought the sedan not wagon. What should I have called it? 300DT ? Not 300TD?

If you call it an '87 300D, then most of the folks here will know it's a turbodiesel sedan. If you call it an '87 300TD, then most of the folks here will think you're talking about the wagon version. Both were available in the U.S. in '87.

By the way, welcome to the forum! You've come to a great place to find answers to your questions.

Been looking for this info....
Want to check my W126 head number
Would it be in the same place?

I still have to find the crossover head & # 2 injector
Is this on the inner side of the head?
May have to wait til I get access to it
but would eventually like to know my head number...

Thanks