Hi,

I am looking at a 82 300SD... could anyone shed any light on the known ..shall we say classic areas of weakness... in body or mechanical... ?

known issues are no A/C - driver window motor inoperable..odometer failed.... tachometer inoperable

any input appreciated

thanks

ok, the vehicle has plenty of points that need addressing, but no serious weaknesses.
I'd say the tach is likely the "trash can amp" under the hood.
the a/c could be a myriad of issues, from a temp switch, compressor, push button unit, low freon, etc. testing further is needed.
the odometer is out because the soft plastic gear vdo used on the system is weak, and has disintegrated. odometergears.com has replacements. around $75

there are issues that could cause problems, from the vacuum pump in the trunk that controls the door locks, to the climate control pods to the vacuum shutoff to the vacuum pump itself.
post some pics of the car.
we love pics!

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Transmission.

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83 SD

84 CD

The vehicle is 30 years old.

The "classic areas of weakness" on a 30 year old vehicle include every single mechanical part that was originally delivered from the factory.

If the previous owner(s) have not replaced it, consider yourself to be doing it fairly soon.

If you purchase a 300SD without a maintenance log, be prepared for many hours of work and a lightening of your pocketbook by several thousand dollars or more by the time you are finished.

Of course, if complete functionality and total reliability are not of prime concern, the vehicle will move forward under its own power for many years with minimal attention.

Thankyou fellows for your input. I just went to look at the car and it was rougher than expected ...complete with a rust hole area in the frame. So I am still looking. Thanks again