My car is an '84 300TD imported via Guatemala. Ive got some questions about some of the differences between the car and the US versons.


Euro headlights:

The car has the Bosch ones as well as the panel level control. The vacuum lines are connected to the lights...but after dissassembling one I've found the parts (other than the spigot) are missing. (The purple vacuum line at the fire wall has been disconnected) Are kits available to add the parts?


'European suspension' (stiffer springs)

Was this available as a US option?


Door reinforcement:

This is on the option list ($1700). I also have an Engineer's calculation sheet. It appears the mods were done in the US in order to meet US strength requirements...yet was listed on the option sheet...seems a bit odd.
Does anyone have addl info about this?


Backup lights:

I ordered a replacement lens which did not fit...so I know the Euro type are different. I may just convert to the US type assy if they will bolt on...are the bumper cutouts the same size?


EGR:

There is no valve.

The car also has ABS and Driver airbag supposedly not available in the US for that year.


I'd appreciate hearing about any other differences!



D

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D

The area has my interest as well as my 85TD is a gray market car. I believe that I have the door reinforcement as a steel shaft runs parallel-sideways on the inside of the driver's door. I also have the panel level deal for the lights. I haven't figured it out yet though. I have no air bag, but do have an EGR (disconnected now).
One question I have for you is how much does yours weigh? I'm over 5000 lbs and waiting to hear of another beast that heavy.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Don, I can't see how your TD weighs 5,000 lbs, my '80 300 SD only weights 3,890. Where did you fiind this list weight?

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Rick:

Its a wierd deal and I think I'm going to go down to the scales just to make sure I'm not going crazy. I also had "loupache" verify this when we had a mini-meet. It says on the official stamped specification tabs in more than one place (engine compartment). I forget the exact number but its over 22 hundred kilograms. "Loupache" is a physics prof up north and he converted it as well.
Others have commented that perhaps the metal weight was different having come straight over from Germany (gray market). I know the original owner. "Turbo diesel" thought this was crazy as well.

I'll post the specs and results when I drive it over the scales later this week. My curiosity is getting the better of me.
I'll say one thing that compared with my 84 300D-T, it truly feels like a tank. Not even close

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Is this a W123? I did not think any 123's where made with driver side airbags.. I know a few euro cars had ABS, but also pretty rare. If you car does indeed have that airbag, its one in a million.. i'd love a pic!!

I think the import papers I have state the weight at 3750 lbs.
There is a scale at the local dump. I can check it there in a couple of weeks....the steel in the doors must add some extra weight.

The car is a 123...I'll get a photo to post here. I have the options list with $ for each. If anyone is interested I could post as well.
I've had the car for about a year. She has about 212K miles now.
I sleep better with my wife driving this opposed to the old mini-van!

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D

Yes please do post pics