300 TD questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zu! · #1 03-04-2011, 02:42 PM

Hello:

I've been thinking of getting myself a 300TD to replace the family big block chevy minivan. Gas prices are NEVER going down here in beautiful BC, so I'm literally going broke running the damn thing. On the other hand, my daily driver, the 84 300D, keeps on going and going and going like the duracell bunny.

I guess the turning point for me was when we had that great big dump of snow that was at least 8 inches high outside my garage. I pride myself on never letting the weather change my travel plans and we were going to church no matter what. When the wife asked; "should we take the van? After all, it had snow tyres too. The clearance is better, its pretty thick out there and doesn't look like the plough is coming soon." My automatic answer was, no, we'll take the merc. Its never let me down before and I've got a 80 km round trip commute.

So long story short, the five of us piled in, I placed a 50 pound (seemed like 50!) pail of sand as far into the boot as it would go. Started up the car and gingerly reversed it out.

Well, you guys know the rest of the story. We got out of the garage fine. And then on the last hill to church, I was feeling confident. A COMPLETELY virgin snow road!! No tracks nothing! My wife said, no no, the children in the back said yes yes. Plus me, the vote had already been taken. I literally ploughed up that hill like it was so much butter.

So,you probably get it by now. I really like my 123.

So I'm thinking of getting a 123 wagon. Diesel of course. The thing is, it needs to do the following:

1. Carry 7 passengers, sometimes.
2. Tow a utility trailer loaded with up to 2000 pounds of firewood.
3. Go off-road every hunting season.
4. Be as solid and dependable as my 1984 300D.

Right now, there's one on the local craigslist, that, I feel, the guy is asking too much for. Plus, it doesn't have the all-important 3rd row seats. I understand that all NA 300TDs came with these, so this might be a grey market import from Japan or some such.

So what do you guys think of my plans?

kerry · #2 03-04-2011, 02:46 PM

Good plan. Link the local one on this thread so people can comment. I don't believe there is any connection between NA TD's and third row seats. The third row seat can be retrofitted. Personally, I would get a turbo and not an NA version. There are far more turbo versions available on the market. You'll need to get the correct receiver hitch to tow a load like that. Don't use a bumper hitch.

leathermang · #3 03-04-2011, 03:14 PM

I loved my 81 turbo wagon... except that it did NOT have type one aC.... and with turbo the working room under the hood is pretty much nil... but it would get 27 mpg going MORE than 75 out on the road... which amazed me for an car where the odometer quit at 297,000 miles...

If you found a NA 300 123 in good shape and brought it home... I would sure not take it off road... find something with higher clearance and easier to find replacement parts.. and baby the beautiful wagon. I actually have a spare NA wagon engine ( meaning the head has the sls pump built in )... but we are a long way from each other....

zu! · #4 03-04-2011, 03:19 PM

Sure. Here's the link:http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/2242341731.html
He's sent me pictures and the car itself looks pretty straight. The owner has replied my email for more info and stated that he's rebuilt the transmission, rebuilt motor, done tie rods, ball joints, new disc brakes, pads, calipers, front shock absorb. Replaced steering box @ 295,000 km's, new valve cover gasket @ 295,000, just recently new starter and rebuilt 5 injectors. Suspension good, no hitch and no 3rd row seats. Sunroof works ( mechanical).

I just wonder why so much work is necessary on a (relatively) new car. My 300D is at 560,000K now and engine is still purring away. Well, maybe a test drive would show the difference.

With no 3rd row seats, well, I can't really use it anyway. Unless there's a way to get the 3rd row seats separately and install them later?

Kerry, when I said NA, I meant 'North American" and not "Normally Aspirated". Sorry for the misuse of the nomenclature.

disqo · #5 03-04-2011, 03:29 PM

Hey ZU,
I have looked at many many TDs and it is my belief that the third row seat has always only been an option. You can retrofit one (I am in the process of doing this now) but there are lots of parts involved. You will not be disappointed with a TD, but definitely wait for the right one.

kerry · #6 03-04-2011, 03:32 PM

85 is the best year in my opinion. It has the higher gear ratio in the rear end. Juergen has taken his wagon off road in many interesting places in the world, so it's definitely doable. Price is not out of line in my opinion, depending on the actual condition of the vehicle. Third row seats do show up for sale and they could also be obtained from a junkyard. You may look for a very long time to find a good example with the third row seats. Better to buy a good example and look for the third row seat separately in my opinion.

zu! · #7 03-04-2011, 03:34 PM

Thanks disqo. I really need the 3rd row seats or the wife will not allow me to get it.

Looks like I might have to keep looking. I do realise I need to get a good hitch professionally made/fabricated etc, but if the seats are not there, its probably a deal-breaker for me.

starrywhite · #8 08-19-2014, 09:59 AM

Hi
I am reading these comments with interest.
I am at present removing bits from a parts wagon, that happens to have a 3rd row seat.
Can you confirm for me that I can retrofit the jump seat into a wagon with regular cargo cover?

THe parts car is an 85 and my two wagons are a 79 and an 83
I am at present hoping to put it into the 79 non-turbo since I am replacing the entire interior.
Many thanks

uberwasser · #9 08-19-2014, 11:03 AM

Yes, everything will bolt up.

vstech · #10 08-19-2014, 11:34 AM

get the seatbelts, and the entire middle seat too, not just the rear fold down seat...

starrywhite · #11 08-19-2014, 12:19 PM

Wow thanks. This is the best news in years

Since I have you on the line,

Would one be able to retrofit an 85 turbo diff onto a 79 normally aspirated?
My diff is of the type that has the bolt on side plates with o-rings. But it is very clunky.

I wonder if the bolt holes to the subframe will be in the same place, and secondly I wonder if the gear ratio of the 85 would mess with my transmission shift or put unnecessary strain somewhere.

(although adjusting shift on this transmission is all mechanical and a piece of cake)

h

uberwasser · #12 08-19-2014, 01:00 PM

The diff will indeed bolt in. They should be the same, externally.

However, the 85 model year in particular has rather "tall" gearing. Namely, it will have a ratio of 2.88:1.

Your '79 N/A car has a ratio of 3.46:1

That is a substantial difference and you will notice dramatically decreased acceleration off the line, especially with no turbo to help with the get up and go, compounded by the fact that your car is likely equipped with the 722.118 auto, many of which are set up to start in 2nd gear unless floored from a start, or manually shifted.

If you want some more top end, or simply a quieter running car at highway speeds, you may look in to swapping a diff from a turbo car anywhere from '81 thru '84. These have a ratio of 3.07:1 and this might be more livable.

vstech · #13 08-19-2014, 02:02 PM

as he said, yes... it will fit, but I'd NOT do it. that car has terrible problems from 40-60mph stock... climbing a 2.88 ratio would keep you from EVER attaining 50mph...

starrywhite · #14 08-19-2014, 02:12 PM

That's exactly what I needed to hear, and the figures are helpful. Thanks.
I'll wait for another one or just enjoy the sound of the clunks.

Yes, my 722.118 does take off in second.
When I bought the turbo a few years later, it surprised me to discover that it is set up to take off in 1st every time.