New to MBZ Diesels - Some simple questions
 

I recently purchased an '83 300SD w/ 212,000 mi. The car has the common problems - tach, blower motor, cruise, minor oil leak, but runs and drives better than I imagined a 25 y/o car would.

It didn't come with an owner's manual, so I am wondering what the proper fill levels are on the oil and tranny dipsticks. OK, I know the hi and low marks are obvious when you look at the dipsticks, but I'm erring on the side of caution here:

Oil - two sets of notches on the edge of the dipstick. Am I right in assuming the upper notch is high and the lower notch is low?

Tranny - Z-bend in the dipstick. Top of the "Z" is high and bottom is low, right?

Another question.....whats the best repair manual out there? I've been seeing some on ebay for like $4-5. Any good, or best to avoid?

Thanks for you help,
Christian

Engine oil dipstick has plastic markers. The metal between the markers represents 2 quarts. Many folks fill no higher than midway between the markers because it seems that oil consumption is greater when the level is close to the upper marker.

Tranny dipstick has notches on one face a couple of inches above the hook at the end. The level should be between the notches with fluid around 180*F (too hot to keep your fingers pressed on the wet part of the dipstick) with the engine running. Cold fluid with engine running will read about 1cm below the low mark. There is entirely too much fluid if it's up at the Z section with the engine running!

The Haynes manual for the 300D series is adequate for most mechanical maintenance on your car. Get the factory service manual if you need more. It's available on paper from sources like books4cars.com, eBay and the parts forum. Also on CD from MBUSA with bootlegs on eBay.

Sixto
87 300D

I'm guessing the two sets of notches on the oil dipstick is where the plastic markers used to be.

Good thing I checked about the tranny dipstick! I checked it cold and it was right above the lower notch.

Thanks for your help.

Many models have no plastic parts except at the top. Yes there are two marks- the upper is full, the lower is low. The tranny stick may have marks on the bottom if you look carefully also.