Folks-

So its been some time since I've been here, I owned a '76 240D for 6 years and got alot of great help and info on this site, but I haven't had a Benz in the last few years.

Recently my other vehicle died on me. We're looking around for another car and happened upon an '81 240D locally. He listed it as a good runner that needed rust work for an inspection sticker, but was currently registered with "antique" plates......here in Maine that allows you to bypass the inspection but restricts your usage (although lots of people drive daily with antique plates).

Anyway I immediately got excited as I have such fond memories of my old 240D, which course was on the 115 chassis unlike this car on the 123.

I got to the place and saw the car had cosmetic issues, which don't bother me one bit, little things like the missing hood emblem, chewed up shifter knob, used deodorant stick, old pizza crust, I'm not kidding!

I wore my old work coveralls and got all under the car with a flashlight looking at the rust. The rockers have rust and the wheel wells, but it didn't look TOO bad.

Mismatched tires, but original rims.

Power windows (oh no!!), 2 windows don't work but at least their up.
Looks to have vacuum locks, which I never knew the 240D had, but the locks don't work right (not a big deal in rural Maine)
Has a sun roof, I didn't try to open it.

I checked the oil and it was full and looked fine, the air filter was brand new and an actual MB branded one, new looking fuel filters to boot.

I asked when it was last started and he couldn't remember, but it was run around during the winter.

Started instantly, no smoke!

Drove her down the dirt road and got up to 3rd gear, the clutch and transmission felt great, the ride was great, the steering felt good, the brakes felt good and no noise.

All the lights and signals work as they should

The heater works great.

I thought, well, this thing might be a good one! Mileage unknown.

Maybe it could even get real plates with a little rust work.

I'm posting because I really don't know the 123 240Ds quirks/differences. Is there anything particular I should check?

I know I'll be tinkering with this thing alot during my ownership but I also know I'll be able to drive it home and have a dependable rig to drive in the meantime. Plus, my kid loves it, and darn it, I've missed my old 240D so much in the last few years!

Any thoughts? Tell me to go for it!

thanks,

mark in Maine