There is a 1981 240D in our local area that is up for sale. Owner wants $1500 firm. Haven't drove it yet but looked at it a bit. Normal wear and tear on exterior. Interior looks good except for the passenger seat headrest is a different color than the rest of the interior. Windshield has a couple stone chips but no cracks. 190K on the clock

I'm used to my 300D with the turbo, but have never been a fan of automatics. Granted the 240 is a step down in "gadgets, but I like the idea of crank windows, and a manual adjust heating system, and then there is that 4 speed stick......

What do you think? am I crazy to be even thinking about it. My wife already weighed in and is not for it, but not against it either. As for 240's, anything I should know about that would change my mind one way or the other......

Glenn

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2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 91K (hers)
2005 Corvette 55K (fun car)
2002 VW Jetta TDI 231K (mine)
1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 196K (kids)
1994 Ford F150 4WD 249K (firewood hauler)
1983 Mercedes 300D 376K (diesel commuter)

they're easier to work on (glow plugs, starter...) because of more room in the engine bay. the manual climate control wont have busted vacuum pods or monovalve issues... those are positives

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1981 NA 300D 310k miles

Sounds like many of your questions could be answered by driving it. I'd go take it for a pin and see how you like it...

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"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes

1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod

2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."

If it starts well and idles smoothly with minimal blowby the engine is probably sound. It it shifts and drives well and its not rusty you chould be good on the price too. They are very very high quality and simple to work on. Love em!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.