I am interested in buying a 240D and have noticed some differences in models I have looked at. I hope that someone can answer the questions I have.

When did Mercedes:
* Start putting power windows on a 240D (I want manual ones).

* Go from using the "York" style AC compressor to the R4 (I think that is what it is called) style? I have read that the York style is less troublesome.....correct me if I am wrong.

* Use a dial-wheel to activate the AC instead of a large rotary dial that is above the heater/blower controls. Also, does the dial-wheel on the later models have an ACC like the 300 models? I prefer the manual rotary dial....seems like there would be less to go wrong.

* Have cruise control as an option?

As you can see, I am interested in the more simple models....but not sure when Mercedes made the changes I have listed above.

The only thing I like about the later model 240D is that they have a right-side mirror. I know you can add something like that if the car deosn't have one.

As a side note....I just drove an '83 240D (one owner) with 185,000 on it. The guy took it to the dealer for everything....I mean EVERYTHING.
I spent about 15 min looking at the records myself. He just recently put in a new clutch ($1,800 OUCH), starter, battery (who gets their battery from the dealer?), and brakes. The bad things: big-big dent in the drivers door. Dings elsewhere on the car (this car has been in San Francisco all its life....people don't care if they bump you when parking). Paint is original and someone didn't wax at all....it needs a paint job. Clock is broken, Dash has some major cracks, AC does not work...compressor wouldn't even cycle. And a hubcap is missing! PRICE: $2,500. It ran real strong (of couse it would....no AC to bog it down). I know there are cleaner cars out there...I am in no hurry and can wait. All that aside, does that price sound like it is too much or is it just me?

Thank you,
mike

mike,

Answers in order:

There was no particular year that power windows were put in the 240D. This was the bottom of the US MB line and most I've seen have manual windows. Those with power windows were probably put in as an option.

1980 was the first year of the R4. I have had 240D's with York, R4 and my Euro's have aftermarket air with a Sanden. Indeed the York is my preference as long as I have R12 available. But, the York does not change over to r134a well. The R4 is okay if you replace it with a NEW compressor if you ever have a failure. Also you should THOROUGHLY flush any system that has had compressor failure.

The early 123's, through '79 I believe, have the rotary wheel for temp. This is a simple system. The dial wheel is a manual system in the later models unless the ACC is installed. This is identified by the row of buttons and an auto fan button. The ACC in the late 123 cars is not too problem prone except for the monovalve that controls heater flow. Fortunately the monovalve is very simple and inexpensive to repair. What you want to stay away from is the servo ACC system of the '77 through '79 models. But, I don't think this system was ever put in the 240D. Remember the 240D was the cheapest new car available at your local MB dealer when they were available.

I have seen very few cruise controls in 240D's. Even if you have one, the MB cruise control is EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE to repair. I expect that cruise was an available option throughout all years of the 240D.

Again, the right side mirror is just the standard configuration. The right side mirror can easily be retrofitted. I would expect that there are a few early 240D's with a right side mirror installed.

$1,800 is an insane amount for a clutch. I have replaced several for about $300 doing the work myself. Even if you took it to a shop the labor should be no more than 6 or 8 hours max.

Your $2,500 car is overpriced. It does sound like good mechanics, but there are plenty of decent 240D's around for that kind of money.

Best of luck, keep in touch with us and let us know what you find,

Larry, you said that the York won't change over to R134a well....why not? Has anyone else with a York changed theirs over to R134a?

thanks,
mike

TXBill

Didn't they stop making R12 a few years back? I would think it would all be gone by now.

Also, if you were looking for a 240D would you look for the 77-78 or later models? I am so on the fence about what you look for. I guess what I am asking is if the 77-78 is better than the later ones....I think I once read that the later ones had more HP.

thanks,
mike

The problem changing over the York to r134a is getting it to hold the r134a. Some of the Yorks will not leak with r34, some will. I personally have had bad luck with this.

I personally would not get hung up on whether I would be an early or a late. I would try to stay away from the ACC, and maybe the power windows and things, but make my selection criteria the cars condition. If you look long and hard, you will be able to find one with relatively low miles and well cared for. To me condition would be more important than particular options. If you're buying a newer car you can be a little more picky about options. As the cars get older and more run down, you MUST look for one in the best condition.

My $0.02,