New here. going to spend some time reading.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ngarover · #1 10-19-2010, 11:49 PM

Well, I took the plunge and bought my very first Mercedes today. Don't really know anything about them, but I was looking for a good sturdy car that I could drive around without eating me out of house and home on fuel. Currently I drive a pair of Land Rover Discovery's and the 12-14mpg and running premium fuel only requirement was really getting hard to swallow. Not to mention the constant upkeep (I do all my own work, but rover parts are expensive and since mine are a 96 and 97 and computer controlled there is always an issue here or there with are to track down sensors going)

So, I was going to drop a Em617 into one of them. (Still planning on this) but in searching for a donor I ran across an 87 300D with 217K on it. Cars solid, I test drove it and it runs good plus the guy was already running it on VO so I was like hmmmm... anyways it's now mine.

Going to go threw all the treads I can here and see what the first steps I should take to get this car back in shape. I have read about the #14 head... and I do think this one has one. I read the serial on the drivers side of the head and in the second to the last set of digits it says 14...

There is a pile of old service records I need to go though etc. The car could use some paint, some fresh headlights and a windshield. (anyone know the going cost of a windshield?)

First car I have ever seen with only 1 wiper... interesting... Seems slow. something I'll have to look into.

Anyways... just wanted to intro myself and say hi.

arcticathlon · #2 10-20-2010, 12:56 AM

Welcome to the forum. you will love the 300D you have just purchased.

Regarding the windshield, i think you can get it replaced for $250. that is what i was quoted from my indy recently for my 190d. do some reading on the ALDA, i removed mine and it made my 190d (602 turbo engine) go from slug to rocket. it was super easy to take off.

i hope you realized that you just took the first step in becoming addicted to MB's. somehow they just keep showing up in your driveway.

alphadeltaromeo · #3 10-20-2010, 07:26 AM

Welcome to the MB club. You'll be sure to have fun with your new toy!

Andy

vstech · #4 10-20-2010, 08:54 AM

there are many members with similar vehicles, I have two, and love them. babymog seems to have wonderful hints on the car, as does tnbob. I'm rapidly building my experience with the cars as well.
WELCOME!!!
check out the WVO threads at the top of the forum before you go too far into continuing the p.o.'s use of it.
I second the info on the alda removal/adjustment.

babymog · #5 10-20-2010, 09:08 AM

I hope that you are able to convert your LR, so that I can learn from your journey.

I had a '99 Disco 1, really loved the (truck). Only 17mpg on a really careful freeway trip to FL and back, just couldn't get better than low-teens in normal combined driving no matter what I did, and only 200hp from that aluminum V-8.

The good side was that it had a great 3-diff AWD system with lockers, a PERFECT 50/50 front/rear balance with that magnesium/aluminum body, towed wonderfully behind the motorcoach, and was a hoot to drive in the dunes. SO many parts available (need some free urethene bushings I still have?)

But, I too wanted a diesel. The Tdi that LR put in them makes them pedestrian slow, and I couldn't find the adapters to stuck that ZF on a 603/606 engine like I really wanted. My solution became looking for a good Unimog DOKA diesel with the H-D towing package (6-speed and torque converter), high-speed gears, ... but that's another discussion entirely.

So if you can find a way to adapt to the excellent AWD system that is already in your truck, I really do want to hear about it and see photos, great project. Do try to keep the engine back as far as possible to maintain some semblance of balance, a shame to upset that.

-=DeanstuD=- · #6 10-20-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngarover

...premium fuel only requirement was really getting hard to swallow. Not to mention the constant upkeep (I do all my own work, but rover parts are expensive....

Sounds like you are fully prepared for classic Mercedes ownership! At least around here, diesel cost as much or more than premium, Mercs require constant upkeep, and parts are expensive! BUT, at least you can buy the parts and the maint. is relatively easy to do.

Not trying to be discouraging, just my observation. Welcome, and be sure to ad a signature with your car type and your location too. Love to see some pictures of your new car and your LR.

ngarover · #7 10-20-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

I hope that you are able to convert your LR, so that I can learn from your journey.

I had a '99 Disco 1, really loved the (truck). Only 17mpg on a really careful freeway trip to FL and back, just couldn't get better than low-teens in normal combined driving no matter what I did, and only 200hp from that aluminum V-8.

The good side was that it had a great 3-diff AWD system with lockers, a PERFECT 50/50 front/rear balance with that magnesium/aluminum body, towed wonderfully behind the motorcoach, and was a hoot to drive in the dunes. SO many parts available (need some free urethene bushings I still have?)

But, I too wanted a diesel. The Tdi that LR put in them makes them pedestrian slow, and I couldn't find the adapters to stuck that ZF on a 603/606 engine like I really wanted. My solution became looking for a good Unimog DOKA diesel with the H-D towing package (6-speed and torque converter), high-speed gears, ... but that's another discussion entirely.

So if you can find a way to adapt to the excellent AWD system that is already in your truck, I really do want to hear about it and see photos, great project. Do try to keep the engine back as far as possible to maintain some semblance of balance, a shame to upset that.

I'll do you 1 better. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=852955

The guy is making a bolt in kit for the em617, using the rovers trans and correcting the shift points. full kit (less engine) will be around 3k.

ngarover · #8 10-20-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=DeanstuD=-

Sounds like you are fully prepared for classic Mercedes ownership! At least around here, diesel cost as much or more than premium, Mercs require constant upkeep, and parts are expensive! BUT, at least you can buy the parts and the maint. is relatively easy to do.

Not trying to be discouraging, just my observation. Welcome, and be sure to ad a signature with your car type and your location too. Love to see some pictures of your new car and your LR.

Actually, I have a youtube area, has a few of the rover, and I'll add the 300D when I get it in the morning.

http://www.youtube.com/user/NGARover

My baby is the white 96... it's been an almost 4 month project to bring it back to life after finding it abandoned in a Walmart parking lot where is sat for 8 months... It's also the one I'm considering for the swap. If I do the swap, the other upgrades I have done to the 96 would move over to the 97 and I would rebuild the 4.0 from the 96 while it was out and keep it as a spare for the 97.

There's a method to my madness (I keep trying to tell that to my wife)

So, I pick the car up at 9AM and it will be taken directly to my lube guy so I can change all the filters and fluids... anything to be aware of? It also gives me the chance to get under the car myself.

babymog · #9 10-20-2010, 10:57 PM

If only it were a 606, ...

ngarover · #10 10-21-2010, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

If only it were a 606, ...

For the conversion? I'm new but the 606 is the version engine I have in this 87 correct? The em617 is actually a tight fit. Actually, from my research on this it requires a redesigned oil pan, plus ends up sitting in the bay tilted...

By no means are you doing this conversion for speed.... Fact, if I do mine I'll name the truck the white turtle. (kind of reminds me of a turtle anyways). I'm not interested in going fast anyways. What I DO want, is a engine that runs without a lot of computers controlling it, last forever and or is cheap to replace if needed.

3k for the kit is quite a bit. (considering I paid 1k for the entire truck and 2k for my entire 97 daily driver) But, I would be building this as something to keep for myself for many years.

vstech · #11 10-21-2010, 09:31 AM

no, the 606 is the 24valve 6 cylinder 3.0 liter found in 95 and up diesels. the 87 had a 603 a 606 with a turbo would be much more powerful, but if the 617 is tight, adding inches will not help...

babymog · #12 10-21-2010, 10:06 AM

Agreed. If the 617 is tight, a 603/606 will likely not fit (both 6-cyl based on the same block but the 606 is a 4-valve).

I think I'd go with the lighter and more powerful 602 (5-cylinder) or 605 (5cylinder 4-valve) turbo engines, more efficiency, less noise, and most importantly for balance, slightly less weight in an I-5 TD engine.

That's where I gave up on the diesel conversion for my '99 and sold it, figured if I'd have the highway performance of a Unimog, I'd be happier just finding a Unimog than trying to create a diesel land-rover and kill its resale (what was left of it in '05 anyway). Nice idea, but the details and price make it a "labor of love". Once I figured it would upset the on and off road capabilities of a perfectly balanced truck, which is IMO the best "out of the box" off-road capable SUV, the project ended. Put a VR6 in a Vanagon Syncro and learned that lesson.

ngarover · #13 10-21-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Agreed. If the 617 is tight, a 603/606 will likely not fit (both 6-cyl based on the same block but the 606 is a 4-valve).

I think I'd go with the lighter and more powerful 602 (5-cylinder) or 605 (5cylinder 4-valve) turbo engines, more efficiency, less noise, and most importantly for balance, slightly less weight in an I-5 TD engine.

That's where I gave up on the diesel conversion for my '99 and sold it, figured if I'd have the highway performance of a Unimog, I'd be happier just finding a Unimog than trying to create a diesel land-rover and kill its resale (what was left of it in '05 anyway). Nice idea, but the details and price make it a "labor of love". Once I figured it would upset the on and off road capabilities of a perfectly balanced truck, which is IMO the best "out of the box" off-road capable SUV, the project ended. Put a VR6 in a Vanagon Syncro and learned that lesson.

Ya, I agree with you on most points. Unfortunately, you can not get a Diesel discovery, any I'm really partial to the discovery...

Got the 87 300D today, changed all the fluids, new filters etc. on the way home it seemed like the ball joints might be going... turned out to be the steering was just loose... fixed. Still could use some front struts but they will be fine for a bit. There is no thermostat, so I ordered one and will put one back in.

Shifts hard. so will be working on that( vacuum)?, and a dead short on fuss #2 (rear headrests/ stereo etc...

Checked that ALDA thing... it's on there but the bolt has come loose and it was just sitting on top of of it... hand tightened it down again until I can locate that tread everyone mentions about removing it etc...

shertex · #14 10-21-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngarover

First car I have ever seen with only 1 wiper... interesting... Seems slow. something I'll have to look into.

The monowiper is very cool....you will learn to appreciate it. Two wipers seem so "clunky" by comparison.

ccuartas · #15 10-21-2010, 07:19 PM

Welcome to the forum! I too became a proud owner of an 84 300SD but here where I reside in S. Florida the Diesel is as pricey as the premuim! the good of all is the fuel milage that I get with my car versus my Villager mini van which she runs on premium -- I'm very picky with my cars and like to give them a lot of TLC.