New 300D driver

[roundout]

Hi folks,

I've been lurking here for a while and finally decided to join.

Ever since I was a kid I thought the W123 300D was one of the best-looking cars on the roads. It always seemed like when I got old enough and financially well-off enough to have a project car, it would be fun to get a W123 and tinker with it. Recently, I was totalled out by a dude in my beloved TDI Jetta; luckily nobody was injured. I had 200k on the car so they didn't give me as much money for it as it would take to purchase another TDI in similar condition. The situation at my job recently changed, taking my commute from 70 miles per day to about 10. I found a 1984 300D being sold by the original owner for $2500 and went to see it. Paid $2000 for it and drove it home. The thing is in amazing shape. 188k miles (fewer than my 2002 TDI).

Unfortunately, the car sat more than it drove in the past 5 years, as the owner got a couple other MBZ diesels to use as daily drivers. I have had to do a lot of R&Ring of rubber parts to get it sufficient as a daily driver. New tires, new driveshaft support/bearing (also ended up with a rebuilt driveshaft because the U joint in mine was shot), lots of vacuum connectors, adjusted valves, adjusted bowden cable, got a/c running again, flex discs, fuel filters, oil change.........probably forgot some stuff in there but I have been working on this car all weekend for the last 3 weekends in a row. Now that I've got the mechanical stuff reasonably well tamed, I'm going to spend today detailing the exterior so I can post some PICS.

Anyway, long post here....I am just excited to finally have my childhood dream car in my driveway. Especially since it's a good enough copy for me to use as a daily driver. The Shop....err PeachParts has helped me immensely in getting my ride all smooth and functional again. I look forward to learning more about this car in the future here at the Shop.

[jdc1244]

Welcome – 123 Ds are great; wish I still had mine.

[toomany MBZ]

Cool, I'd to see the pics when you have 'em.
You're on the right track by tackling the mechanical issues first.
If you would, put your car in your sig or avatar please.

[running-snail]

Welcome Roundout. We have both a tdi & 300d -much prefer the 300d to work on, but love the mpg with the tdi. I see there's a low mileage (100k)ALH golf in Texas on Fred's for $7,500; sounds like a good deal on your 300d.

[bostondiesel]

Welcome here! I also have a 300D and a Jetta TDI, love them both!

[fruitcakesa]

My 81 240d was a similar situation to yours ie: driven 500 miles a year for the last 10 with minimal maintenence. I have spent all winter R&Ring it and having a blast with the total repairability of it and look forward to DDing it this year.
BTW I love my TDI too. only differently, it averaged 43mpg to Boston and back yesterday at mostly interstate 65mph and city stop and go.

[t walgamuth]

Welcome, the 123 benzes are some of the highest quality, simplist to work on cars ever built!

I had a wagon and about thirty or so other 123s, mostly diesels. Love them.

My dd is a 83 us spec 240d with the euro 300d motor, a five speed and the 307 rear end.

Love these old benzes!