euro specs vs us specs(Diesel) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kevindlittle · #1 01-14-2009, 06:49 PM

Hello,
New to the forum, but not to the W123 Benz. I had a 83 240D 4 speed, and sold it because Im an idiot! I have just com across an 82 300D Euro model with an automatic transmisson. Ok, my question is what is the difference besides the awesome headlights and the bumper/body trim and the colors that were available? Is there any tranny.engine difference? This car is NOT running and I believe it to have bad glow plugs/glow plug relay issues. Are parts going to be harder to find(if they are different at all)? And No I won tell you were it is! LOL LOL LOL, because I do know that these are hard to come by, just want to know all the differences. I have heard that they have a hotter cam, rods, things like that, but I do NOT know for sure. Thought I would come to the experts, so here I am. This car is a different color tan, almost like a "Mocha" color. What are the options/delete(s). If I dont buy I will tip my hat and let you in on where it is. Many thanks in advance,
Kevin

Stevo · #2 01-14-2009, 07:07 PM

The IP is different, no problem, parts available
Seats are cloth
It wont have an oil cooler, no problem, less to worry about.
I have heard the blower motor is different but haven't had to change mine so I dont know for sure.
The vacuum shut off switch is different, (because of the IP)
There are other differences with the lights, fogs will turn on with low beams, a few little things like that but nothing thats a problem that i have found, Happy motoring, i love my Euro

kevindlittle · #3 01-14-2009, 07:13 PM

Thanks Stevo, Im probably going to buy this tomorrow. I wonder???? With a different IP, will it get better MPG? Is it a Bosch IP? Thanks
Kevin

t walgamuth · #4 01-14-2009, 08:28 PM

Cloth seats are all euro but not all euros are cloth. They can be tex or leather as well.

The ip is different.

the 300 if stock will be non turbo, and it will take a 240d fan belt not a us spec turbo fan belt which is narrower (don't ask why I mention this

).

Few of them have ac and that is why the blower motor will be different if it is. They also tend to rust a bit more than the us models, I think.

Most basic maintenance parts are the same (excepting the fan belt).

I have one in my 83 us spec 240d body. I love it, but the us spec cruise control will not work with the euro throttle linkage which is different.

POS · #5 01-14-2009, 08:30 PM

Seems like a lot of euros also lacked cruise and a sunroof.

Stevo · #6 01-14-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevindlittle

Thanks Stevo, Im probably going to buy this tomorrow. I wonder???? With a different IP, will it get better MPG? Is it a Bosch IP? Thanks
Kevin

Oh sure, its a Bosch, I dont know about better MPG, they are a more desirable pump for some reason. I think because you could send it off to Finland and (for a bunch of $) "jack it up", seems kind of silly, just go get a 300 turbo if you want a "hotter' car, for sure don't buy a 240D.

I dont think there is any difference in the pumps for "practical' purposes.

300GD · #7 01-14-2009, 10:21 PM

I agree, power output and fuel economy are on par with the US spec 617.912 - not enough difference there to get excited about.

Mine does have the MB-Tex upholstery and also came with a factory oil cooler, BTW.

t walgamuth · #8 01-14-2009, 10:51 PM

Supposedly the euros give a little more power.

Mine will run 100 mph. I dont' think a us spec 300 na will do that. Of course my car is a stick.

pizzachef · #9 01-15-2009, 09:15 AM

The only trouble I've run in with my euro wagon was the state's brilliant computer system didn't recognize the VIN. They wanted to make it a late '90's sedan or something. They kept asking me if I was sure it was an '85

I invited them to come look at the car themselves, they did not indulge.

Anyway, a supervisor had to override something and assign me a new VIN (they dropped the WDB off the beginning because that part isn't raised on the VIN plate and didn't transfer on the rubbing). Other than that, just about everything has been fine. Some things are different from the US spec models, but so far everything that I've needed has been available.

Go for it..good luck.

Stevo · #10 01-15-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300GD

I agree, power output and fuel economy are on par with the US spec 617.912 - not enough difference there to get excited about.

Mine does have the MB-Tex upholstery and also came with a factory oil cooler, BTW.

I believe only the 616 does not come with an oil cooler, The 300D Euro TD I had once, had one.

The cloth seats that my euro 85 had were not only a "pukoshious' baby crap color, but the outboard panels were not MB tex like all other euro cloth seats I've seen.
Which meant they were really hard to keep clean.

cscmc1 · #11 01-15-2009, 11:30 AM

Might be SLS, too. Check that out, and if it is, be sure that system is working properly; they can be expen$ive to fix! Mine also had a manual "lumbar support" that was apparently popular with taxi drivers. I miss my Euro 300D.

Stevo · #12 01-15-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

Might be SLS, too. Check that out, and if it is, be sure that system is working properly; they can be expen$ive to fix! Mine also had a manual "lumbar support" thta was apparently popular with taxi drivers. I miss my Euro 300D.

I think the SLS on the 82 Euro 240D I once had was part of the "tow package", seems like allot of work and expense to go through to be able to tow something with a 240D

cscmc1 · #13 01-15-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

I think the SLS on the 82 Euro 240D I once had was part of the "tow package", seems like allot of work and expense to go through to be able to tow something with a 240D

Wow -- a tow package on a 240D? And SLS on a 240D, for that matter? I'd think anything in the trunk heavy enough to drop the back end to where the SLS would need to engage would make it immobile anyway.

Stevo · #14 01-15-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

Wow -- a tow package on a 240D? And SLS on a 240D, for that matter? I'd think anything in the trunk heavy enough to drop the back end to where the SLS would need to engage would make it immobile anyway.

I understand that in Europe its not uncommon to see a 240D with a tow, There was a guy from Norway on this Forum that mentioned towing a small camping trailer. The hitch was fastened very secure to the under body of the 240D, I was going to take it off till I crawled under and looked at it.

kevindlittle · #15 01-15-2009, 10:01 PM

Well, I must say..... I had no idea that someone would tow with a W123????????!!! Why?? It does have the torque, but no HP. Either way, thanks for the helpfull insight. The car has been sitting for several years, and I was told that it "Might be a glow plug issue, and would not start". Of course it could be a hundred things, but im guessing the GP's, or the relay. Cars tires are sliced up a bit, and it has miss-matched rims. The interior looked like an 7 or 8 , and it has a rust spot(size of your fist, all the way through) on the passenger door. Other than that, some tires/rims, fluid change(ALL) and hopefully some GP's, and??????????? So, was there any difference in the internal parts of the engine? Cam, valves??ETC? OH YEAH, I can buy it for $400.00.
Kevin