After a long absence tinkering with the MB's I picked up a decent manual '81 240D and drove it back to FL from MS yesterday. I've got a laundry-list of minor issues to start tinkering with but one I can't seem to get a clear answer on from ye olde forum here is springs. I'm not idiot when it comes to "search" but suspension questions seem about as divisive and numerous as oil threads. Basically, does ANYONE have practical experience with decent stiffer springs for the 240? I've got a new set of Bilstein HD's not used on the 4-speed 300 so will be coupling with those, and I'm not necessarily interested in lowering the ride height. An inch or so isn't going to bother me but I prefer to keep stock height.

Oh, anyone have a reprint or know where there is one on how to operate the manual climate controls? I fiddled with 'em for over 600 miles and still haven't reasoned out exactly what does what.

Thanks!

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Joe Black
Get yellow fever at ACME!

Just the MB's: '82 300DT (stick), '81 240D, '80 300SD, '80 300D, '81 240D Manual

Look at the owner's manual, it took me about 6 months to figure it out, too.

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1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition

Would stiffening the ride not make it unpleasant?

As for the climate control. It's pretty simple really. The owners manual reveals all. The two red dials control heater temperature for the left and right side. The central wheel controls blower speed for the entire dash, left, right and two center vents. The slider contorls above that control air flow to either the windshield, the center vents or the footwell area depending on how theyr'e adjusted. No heat out of the center vents. But fresh or air conditioned air out of all of them. Assuming the A/C is working of course...

Oh yes. The AC that would be the blue/white dial at the top of the center concole with the dome light, antenna and rear window defogger switches. And sunroof if it has one. But of course the A/c will only work if the blower is on a well.

Nice to have found that car. Post some pic's when you get a chance.

- Peter. .

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

I like stiff suspensions so no worries about comfort, the chassis weight will pretty much even out any increased stiffness for a compromise. I'm not looking to rally this one!

Thanks for the manual refs, wasn't sure if it would be in the 300D manuals I have or a separate book and didn't have 'em handy to check.

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Joe Black
Get yellow fever at ACME!

Just the MB's: '82 300DT (stick), '81 240D, '80 300SD, '80 300D, '81 240D Manual

Since you don`t know how old/miles are on the shocks, maybe installing some HD Bilsteins.

The 300TD uses a front sway bar that is 2mm thicker than the 300D. I don`t know if the 240 and the 300 use the same bar. I do know the TD is thicker.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Yup, got four new HD Bilsteins that I hadn't yet installed on the 4-speed 300 so they're going on this 240. Just need to get some good stiff springs first. Aren't there some folk here that were autocrossing their 240's? That's the kind of springs I'd be in the market for!

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Joe Black
Get yellow fever at ACME!

Just the MB's: '82 300DT (stick), '81 240D, '80 300SD, '80 300D, '81 240D Manual

Diesel and auto cross don't usually go together very well, at least old diesels.

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83 SD

84 CD