Perspective purchase.. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-01-2002, 12:59 PM

Now that I have my 240D in working order as a car for my son, I want a new daily driver for my wife. The 86 Camry is starting to need more and more repairs. I saw a literally PRISTINE non turbo 300D diesel at a used car lot. The mileage is a bit more than I wanted, 230K, but there is absolutely no rust, and the interior is beautiful. He wants 2300 bucks. It is his daily driver, and he commented that he loves it. Is this price too much for a car like this? I know the tranny last a long time, about 300K if maintained well, but I havent test drove it. Would the tranny be on its last legs at this mileage? Thanks

dieseldaddy · #2 07-01-2002, 01:16 PM

Kyle,
I can't answer the tranny qauestion, but an asking price of $2300 sounds pretty good...IF the A/C works well, oil comsumption is not too great, you can get maintenance records, and the exterior and interior is what you claim. Be sure to check under the car for rust in the common places (several threads here on that!)
How long has it been for sale? If he is asking $2300, I would say offer him $1700. (assuming everything checks out to your liking.)

#3 07-01-2002, 02:20 PM

He wnated 3K and I offered him 2300 and he said ok. The tranny bothers me because I am not really sure how long these things last. Some have them replaced at 150K, others at like 300K. Nevertheless, my friend has a rotting 300D with a tranny with only 126K on it and if worse comes to worse, well...you know..

dieseldaddy · #4 07-01-2002, 03:48 PM

Someone MUST chime in here to talk at the tranny issue...
Steve Brotherton, TX Bill, Larry Bible, Jim Smith...?
Maybe if you post on teh Tech Help board...that seems to get a bit more traffic. Or just email the guys I listed above. I know there are many out there with the answer to your question, but these guys I have noticed seem to pop up VERY often with detailed, no BS answers!!!

Good luck, and you ROCK on your 240D acquisition!!

-Brian

engatwork · #5 07-01-2002, 04:40 PM

Kyle - I don't know

If I were in the mkt for another one and knew where a tranny was I would think about it real hard. I struggle with the issues of bringing another one home.

My 300D has some tranny issues and I just live with it and make sure the fluid is at the correct level and change it every 15k miles. It was leaking a little so at the last change I put a can of TransX in it and the leak has slowed alot. I realize this is just a band aid but as long as it goes I will drive it. When the time comes it will get a rebuilt tranny. I will probably go through the engine at the same time.

The only problem I have is it is in high gear at around 30 mph. I suspect it is the bowden cable and may eventually get around to replacing it. I figure that it reduces the strain on the drivetrain so I just live with it. It shifts manually fine.

You will probably want to replace the front ball joints over the next year or so.

#6 07-01-2002, 05:30 PM

my 300d had the tranny rebuilt at 186k by the PO. I bought it with 205k and have replaced almost all the front end with the exception of the lower ball joints, both rear axels, engine mounts, tranny mounts, etc. Don't know how long a tranny is suppose to last but I'm ok with 200k between rebuilds.

JimSmith · #7 07-02-2002, 12:16 AM

KylePaveo,

The first step is to drive it and note how the transmission works, shifts, and so on. Also, check the fluid and its condition. Transmission fluid should be nice and clean, not like the engine oil. It should not smelll wierd too.

I am a relative novice at automatic transmission evaluation and maintenance. My rule has been to avoid them at all costs, just because I don't like them. I have been forced to accept them by MB as they stopped offering manual transmissions on their cars for the US market.

However, MB Diesels seem to run for a long time with them, especially if they are reasonably well cared for, meaning fluid and filter changes, as well as keeping up on the vacuum controls and other mechanicial interfaces. Allowing the transmission to operate out of the design parameters will obviously lead to degradation sooner. The best way to judge the condition of the transmission is to drive it. Each car starts with one of approximately the same build quality. How the next hundred, two hundred or three hundred thousand miles are accumulated in terms of driving style, maintenance and terrain/type of driving will determine the longevity of the machine.

You might consider driving and giving a report on the performance you note. We can all pipe in with comments and suggestions once you give us some data about this car's transmission. But, like TXBill said, sounds like a decent car for a decent price, so go for it unless the test drive suggests otherwise. You should be able to milk the transmission for a few more years of operation even if it is showing some signs of weakness. Good luck, Jim

dieseldaddy · #8 07-02-2002, 07:32 AM

Kyle,
See? "If you post it...They will come."

#9 07-02-2002, 07:52 AM

Checked it out more closely and the 300D had tranny fluid seeping all over and dripping once I started and shifted the car...not good..even I know that

Good news is that the auto auctions are today and the Red CD I saw with 144K didn't sell even at 750 bucks. Hoping I can pick it up for 500. It sounded really awesome, but need to test drive it again to get the feel of the transmission. For 500 bucks If I have to put a used engine and tranny in I am still under the amount of money I wanted to pay. The coupe rear legroom is small, but it looks nice

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