`77 240d Considering selling. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nuclearw · #1 02-22-2008, 09:12 PM

Hey guys, I have made only a few posts on here. I have come to a few realizations as of late.

#1. Diesel fuel is getting more expensive.. (just hit 3.90 a gallon here).
#2. I don't have time to brew my own BioDiesel.
#3. I don't have time to work on my car.

I have not had many issues since I first got this car, but whenever something does break, its at the worst time (when its -0 outside heh)..

Here are the issues I know of with the car:
1. One of the oil filter housing screws stripped, which promptly evacuated all oil from the engine. Fortunately this occurred when I was pulling into the parking lot of my apartment complex.

2. One of the Resister wires in the glow system broke, I purchased the Bosch pencil style retrofit kit. But Have been unable to complete the installation(Due to Weather mostly, but also lack of time w/ the family)

3. Odometer is stuck at 180,000

4. I there is a problem with the alternator, or Voltage Regulator (not sure how to tell). I have had to charge the battery after each trip to/from work (due to running lights and heat at the same time).

5. Floor mat on driver side is gone, water leak filled the mat with water, and had been sitting for a little bit.

6. Drivers seat vinyl has a tear on the back.

If I think of anything else I will add it. Now that I look at it from this i don't see why anyone would want it

I will try to get some pictures to show exactly what it looks like ... Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Would it be better to try to part it out, and junk the rest? Or do you think someone would be interested in paying anything for it..

I live in North-Central Illinois, 45min east of rockford and about 10min south of Wisconsin. If your near-by and would like to see it send me a message.

One conversion I did that I love is the Cluster lights.. the original dimmer was trashed so I bridged the connections for the rest of the internal lights. I replaced the cluster lights with 4 bright blue LED's. It looks great, and makes the orange really glow at night.

herring · #2 02-22-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuclearw

Would it be better to try to part it out, and junk the rest? Or do you think someone would be interested in paying anything for it..

None of what you posted sounds too terrible. I'd advertise it here and on the Chicago craigslist.

Stick or automatic? How much rust? What color (interior/exterior)? Does it have working air?

yellowbenz · #3 02-22-2008, 11:17 PM

Hate to hear this. Shocked to see diesel at 3.49 here in Missouri. Wondered aloud if this might have an impact on the lifespan of these wonderful cars. Had visions of gutted w123's heading for the crusher and destined for China. Gave me a bad feeling...

Kevin
1978 300D
1979 240D

turbobenz · #4 02-23-2008, 02:07 AM

Yea, I just filled up at 3.79 today at arco, and arco has always been the cheapest place around

nuclearw · #5 02-23-2008, 09:51 AM

Yeah, unfortunately It was my daily driver, and with my current family situation wife+4kids+1 on the way finances are a bit tight.

I have had it for the past year, and when it works it works, I'll get some pictures posted tonight. It is Tan exterior, Brown interior.

There is some rust bubbles, mostly under the paint. On the front passenger fender there were 3 holes drilled, no idea why but suprisingly that hasn't caused a lot of rust.

I need to re-check the trunk, I think there may be some rust in there.

After I post the pics, I would be interested if you guys have a "fair" value to ask ?

nuclearw · #6 03-01-2008, 03:42 AM

Took a little longer than planned.. but go here for the pictures:
http://www.silver-wolf.com/benz/index.php

If anyone could suggest an asking price(via pm is fine). It would be appreciated. I don't expect too much, considering the current condition It would probably need to be towed (I have not finished wiring the new relay, and have not fixed the oil filter cover yet..)

GlennCraven · #7 03-01-2008, 04:03 AM

Diesel is $3.49 to $3.59 here in my part of North Carolina. I get decent mileage with my '83 300D (when it runs!) believe it or not. The price isn't killing me yet ... and my wife's 2003 Jetta TDI getting 50 mpg is way better than paying 50 cents less for gas and getting 25 or even 35.

I can't believe what some manufacturers try to pawn off as an "economy car" -- tiny little POSes that still only get 32 or 34 mpg.

Anyway, good luck selling the 240D.

JimmyL · #8 03-01-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuclearw

........... and with my current family situation wife+4kids+1 on the way finances are a bit tight.

OK, now yall have figured out what causes that, right???

nuclearw · #9 03-01-2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

OK, now yall have figured out what causes that, right???

Haha yeah definately have

Can't say how many times I've heard that either heh.

Funny thing though, we're at the lowest scale of families 75-150 ago

This'll be the last in case you were wondering ...

Now, any comments related to the vehicle? Anyone look at the pics?

EDIT:
Noticed I missed few questions up above, Air has not worked since my dad got the car in 2001.. Nobody has looked at it to tell why tho.

It is an automatic, and the Trans seems strong(to me anyway)

Alberta Luthier · #10 03-01-2008, 01:35 PM

pic #100_2901 looks like an after market cruise actuator. Is that hooked up to the original cruise circuitry? vacuum operated? And is that air cleaner cover tied on?

nuclearw · #11 03-01-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alberta Luthier

pic #100_2901 looks like an after market cruise actuator. Is that hooked up to the original cruise circuitry? vacuum operated? And is that air cleaner cover tied on?

The Cruise Control only works Part-Time, and is hooked up to the original controls on the steering column.

Yes, the Air cleaner is tied on, It was rattling and I wanted to keep it from getting lost... That is 12ga wire wrapped around the manifold to keep it in place it worked quite well.

The exhaust is loose somewhere near the front, I cannot tell where.

Acceleration is as good as I can tell, this is the standard D so it is a bit slow(as to be expected). From what I can tell the engine is in good shape. My friend's dad is was a mechanic in Bulgaria, apparently his specialty was these cars but he has NO tools here.. He said the engine sounded good, But needed a Valve Job.

I think the steering wheel may be aftermarket as well.

Alberta Luthier · #12 03-02-2008, 01:49 AM

Well I think you were sort of asking what it's worth. I think some of our members know a LOT MORE than I but I'll toss in my $.02 anyway I have noticed that the value of these cars is very different in different places. They go for much more in Canada than they do in the USA. More here than lots do on E-bay. I've been looking at one near here, very similar to yours but with a 5 speed standard. It is in much nicer shape mechanically, interior, and body, almost no rust at all. He's asking $1900. I think he is high and even though I really want the 5 speed I am trying to work him down. I am guessing your car is worth quite a bit less how much I am not sure and it really does depend lots on your local market.

nuclearw · #13 03-02-2008, 08:16 AM

Whatever I get I need to use towards a new older vehicle...

herring · #14 03-05-2008, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuclearw

Whatever I get I need to use towards a new older vehicle...

I've just looked at the pictures. She looks like a sweet car and worth saving but the rust behind the front wheels seems to me like it's going to need to be taken care of ASAP, especially if you've got corresponding amounts on the underbody (have you looked?).

For comparison, I paid $2,000 for mine in January but the rust around the front jack tubes isn't nearly that bad and amazingly there was only one underbody rust spot. I've got many more miles but it's 5 years newer, it's cleaner and things work (a/c, alternator, power antenna).

I'm new at this but my 2 cents is: Given that yours has to be towed I'd ask $750 and put it up on the "cars" section here...and be flexible. I'd guess you need to find a buyer who's interested in doing some body work themselves and has a grinder and welder.