I'm going to take a look at this one later on today if time allows - here is the ad:
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1355875088.html

I'm assuming that it's a pretty good model - I asked about 1991 300D few days ago and received positive opinions and this one is an SD.

Anything in particular I should check during visual inspection (other than rust situation, front end condition, oil/fuel leaks)? Eventually, I would have the compression check done IF i decide to go for it...

Thx in advance -
James

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

Not so fast. It is in theory a MBZ to avoid as the engine is known to have issues unless it has been replaced. But there is always exception. Do a search on 'Rod Bender' and evaluate it yourself.

Good luck.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

I thought the 1991 350SD had the 'rod bender' reputation... man, oh man - it's a nice ride...

__________________
1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

Read some of the posts on '1992 rod bender' - I'm crushed... One of the posts said: "Again most the 3.5s give a clear signal the rod is bending or has bent over time. " - what are some of the symptoms - oil consumption? blue smoke? other?!

__________________
1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

Those plus low power / lumpy idle.

Add to that the W140's failure prone AC system, and other complicated systems.... it's not a car for the faint of wallet.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Friend of mine just picked up a nice 1991 300D Turbo - is that one in the rod-bender category as well, then?!

__________________
1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

1991 300D Turbo has the 602 a 2.5l. 5cyl which is a good engine.

The rod bender issue is the lesser of your worries if the 603.97x 3.5L engine has been replaced with a new one incorporating the upgraded rods -the 140 chassis is reputed as a wallet zapper to keep gadgets going e.g. AC.

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'83 SD, 2x '85 SD
You are entitled to your own opinions, you are not entitled to your own facts.

First-year W140 and a rod-bender to boot. A shame that a car so great to drive can be such a time-bomb.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff