Hey guys,

New member and new to Mercedes and diesel motors. Recently picked up a pampered 1979 240D in Tucson, AZ from an elderly gentleman.

209,000mi on the car -- 65,000mi on the new OM616 motor. Nice stack of records comes with it.

Interior is a 10/10 and the exterior is a 9/10 (a few rock chips) -- using my own judging scale for a 30 y/o car. Motor and 4-speed run beautifully.

The acceleration is glacial, but it will sit at 75 mph fine. It drives more gracefully than any other car I've ever driven. There isn't a single out-of-place rattle or whistle or creak on this vehicle. Every button, knob, clasp, and mechanical unit responds as if it were new. The speedometer needle floats up & down like a Rolex movement. The four-speed shifts effortlessly.

The doors and trunk open with a Thok! and close with a Shump!

Absolutely the finest car I've ever driven, much less owned. A real throwback to comprehensive quality and attention to detail. This car feels hand-built.

Averaging about 33mpg thus far. I love the nostalgic clatter.

Really, really happy with this one, dudes.

I look forward to joining the discussion here -- seems like you have a great forum. I'm a regular over at www.advrider.com

Cheers!