looking at 1981 240d purchase
 

The indy shop that I get my C280 worked on has a Blue 1981 240d with 157k miles. Motor was just reuilt.

The shop guy told me that normally a rebuild will cost $2,750. Is this accurate??? What should have been done when someone says it was rebuilt? He said the cylinders have been re-bored(sp?). He said he would sell for about $3,000.

Paint is rough. Lots of oxidation and the driver side paint is crackled. Also looked like it would need some tires and the dash was cracked.

Everything else looked good. Seats, body, etc. Didn't see any rust.

I'm going back in a couple of weeks to have them fix a leak around the timing chain cover on my C280 and thought about driving the 240d.

This would be my daily driver. I drive about 60 miles/day mostly highway. What kind of mileage should I expect? I know the 240d is a slow runner, but that's not important. I have a couple of hills to and from work that would want to make sure it could climb, but if I could do 65-70mpg comfortably on the interstate, I would be happy.

I was thinking this might be a good car to cut my teeth on as far as learning how to do my own maint. How much life can I expect on a rebuilt motor?

I know a guy who got over 300k miles on his 240d with the original engine.

Does a rebuild "weaken" the engine in any way?

Thanks.

$3k sounds a little high to me - especially since it needs a paint job. I recently rebuilt the engine in the 240D myself and the cost was approximately $1000. $400 for machine shop work and around $600 for parts (included 4 pistons and liners). Does it have any rust?
Be careful - if it was not a good rebuild you will end up pouring alot of oil into it.

For $3000.00, the car should be in PERFECT condition. I've never driven the 240, but from what I've read on the Diesel board they're bullet-proof. Problem is, we Diesel drivers tend to fall in love with the cars and put WAY more money into maintenance costs than the cars are even worth - that tends to make us think the cars are worth more. I know a MB independent mechanic in my town who just bought an '84 300D(Turbo Sedan) for $2000.00 and the thing looks like it just came off the show-room floor. If you're really considering this car, take it across town to another independent MB tech for a second opinion. And check everything - A/C and cruise control(don't know if the 240 has this option), radio, signals - everything. If it all works perfectly offer him $1500 just because it's ugly. I advise you to look around.

I must concur with Egnatwork. I bought a 240D with only "10K on a fresh overhaul." I'm going through oil at the rate of a quart every 300 miles. 3K is too much. There is a "newer" 85 300D not too far from me that has a fueling problem going for that price, and I refused to pay it. I paid too much for my 240D as well, but I am intending on keeping it for many years to come. Keep looking, there are better examples.

The diesel forum is an excellent place to look. There was a lengthy discussion on the best diesel just recently that will give you a good perspective on mileage, repairs, and durability. I bought a one owner two years ago and it had 91K on it for $4,800 and she was in excellent shape. I put about $500 into it to bring it up a bit and she's running strong 23K later! This is my 3rd one over the years and plan to keep it. My advice? Look around!

DW

You don't give us a location as to where you live!

If you live on the left, there are tons of great cars for cheap.
If you live on the right or middle, there are tons of good running cars with rust and such.
I would keep looking. It is more likely this "rebuilt engine" is a salvage engine, than a rebuild.

"but if I could do 65-70mpg comfortably on the interstate, I would be happy"

It may be a rebuilt, but I think it sounds a bit optimistic, even for a 240.:D

EMPHISIS on the "MPG"

fuel milage
 

DWCasey,
I recently purchased an 82 240D with 210,000 miles for $3200.
"Benny" has a four speed manual, runs good and burns about 1/4 a quart between changes (3500 miles), some small minor dash board cracks, recent paint (2 to3 years) and rebuilt suspensions front and rear. I am getting 32 MPG. I drive her daily about 50 miles on a country road at an average of 55 MPH. Check the floor mats for signs of water in the cabin.
I can't comment on the rebuild or price the for your area. Just evaluate your needs and desires. I love mine and it is the best car I've owned and expect to get another 150,000 out of it. Even with scheduled maintenance and an unexpected repair or two, it should be a good mileage per dollar vehicle!

Good luck, the bern

bargain him way down or skip it. I bought a 300D turbo sedan for $2250 with fresh paint, rubber, brakes, engine mounts, suspension arms, sway bar, alternator. Working AC, windows, everything.

I agree with what everyone has stated. Definitely bargain him down, my father owned an 84 300D with a perfect interior and an average exterior 90K, the car was totaled and only worth $4300 two years ago.

As far as gas mileage it really depends on how you drive. The car is really reving when your doing 70mph or better so mileage suffers.....of course this was a 4spd manual. Anyways if you do go for it good luck!

Placo1