Need Advice re: Buying 300SD

[Phalcon51]

I'm planning to buy an early to mid-eighties 300SD and I'd like to ask you all a few questions. This will be my first Mercedes, and I don't know much about them other than their reputation for quality, comfort and longevity. Is there a "best year" model that seems to have the fewest problems? What weak points should I look for, i.e anything that should eliminate the car from consideration due to cost of repairs (esp. parts). I'm mechanically adept and usually do all of maintenance on my cars, from oil changes to water pumps, timing belts/chains, suspension parts, etc., so I'm not too intimidated by most repairs that can be done with hand tools and a good service manual.

I can only afford to spend up to about $3000 max on the car. What should I expect for that amount of money in terms of mileage, mechanical condition, overall condition, etc.?

What is the typical service life on things like water pumps, timing belts, transmissions, suspension bushings, wheel bearings, etc.?

I've never owned a diesel. Is there anything I should be aware of as far as fuel system problems peculiar to diesels? (I live in southern CA with a hot summer coming on, if that matters)

Any help, opinions, warnings, or advice are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary

[rickjordan]

First of all welcome to the fold. My first Mercedes was also a 300SD, albeit a 1980 W116 model. The early to mid 80's SD you are looking for would be the W126 chassis, which replaced the W116. If you don't understand the chassis numbers, you will over time. If you want to have the legendary 3.0 5 cyl turbo diesel engine in a early to mid 80's SD , you will be limited to the 1981-1985 W126 cars. Starting in 1986 they switched to a 3.0 straight 6 with a aluminum head. These engines were not as durable as the 617 engine. As for how long do things last, that all depends on well it was taken care of. Some things seem to last forever. For example, my 19 year old TD still has it's original radiator hoses. Since you live in a very warm climate, cold starts won't be an issue. One of the most important things to look for are maintenance records. Also, while under the hood of a potential buy, look at the spin on fuel filter and notice what brand it is. This will tell you if the previous owner used OEM parts or not. Look for Mercedes (Knescht), Hengst, or Mann. Also while under the hood, look at the pre-filter for the fuel. This should be a clear plastic 3 inch long filter and is just before the pump. If the fuel is real dark, then there is algea (sp) in the fuel. Either the previous owner has been running the car on a very poor grade of diesel or the car has been sitting a long while. When you go to check the oil level, do not be startled by the fact that the oil on the dipstick is pitch black. After an oil change and 5 miles of drving, the oil will be pitch black, this is normal for a diesel. I would ask the previous owner if you could have the car inspected by a MB mechanic, be it a dealer or an independent MB garage. When looking for diesels, you shouldn't be scared off by high mileage. I would rather have a high mileage car that's driven regulary than a "barn find", which probably needs it's brakes overhauled, and all seals replaced.

[rickg]

See the thread "Poll, Does everything work on your diesel" here :http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=38992
These cars can be 'spensive to fix, especially if you have to pay someone else. But if you are a do-it yourselfer, parts can be found fairly reasonable. One piece of advice: Do not go to the dealer for your parts if you don't have to! I was doing that until I found a shop closer to home, and talking to the mechanic, he told me that he can get me almost any part I need for my 300SD much cheaper than the dealer, and they would be the same part. He told me that very few of the parts that I buy at the dealer are actually manufactured by Mercedes. You'll have to do some homework and find a good source of parts near you, or use mail-order.
But other then that, they are awsome autos.