300cd Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hill · #1 08-14-2002, 11:52 PM

There is a rather nice looking 300CD that has been sitting in my neighborhood for about a year. I wanted to approach the owner but need some info first. The car looks like from the mid 80's. Do's it have a turbo? Is the coupe style with a diesel worth a premium like the benzene burners?

unkl300d · #2 08-15-2002, 01:47 AM

I believe that from 1982 they had turbos.

Yes, the coupes usually bring n more money than the sedan.
Make sure the window seals don't leak and the rear window operates.
There may be other issues that a quick archive search will reveal.

lus, certain parts cost more just because it is the coupe.

speedy300Dturbo · #3 08-15-2002, 02:07 AM

Also check to see that the front seatbacks lock in place properly via vacuum.

hill · #4 08-15-2002, 02:40 AM

"Also check to see that the front seatbacks lock in place properly via vacuum."

Whoa maybe I should think about this and do more searches as recommended. Thanks for the info.

#5 08-17-2002, 10:58 AM

minuses...the rear windows just don't go up and down...so forget that.

Also, body parts will be expensive...only about 2,000 diesel coupes came into the US, total...but that makes it an interesting car.

Have it checked out like any other used car, especially a leakdown test on the engine...I didn't and I paid for the mistake.

Plusses...nice to drive, shorter wheelbase than sedan so cornering, parking, is easier. Should hold its value.

There are a few paragraphs on these cars (all turbos, I think) in Frank Barrett's Mercedes-Benz Buyers Guide...along with general info well worth having...check it out.

mikemover · #6 08-17-2002, 05:41 PM

As with any old MB, there's probably climate control issues. Check that out thoroghly.

Mike

unkl300d · #7 08-18-2002, 01:13 AM

Daryll, my mechanic is working on a '78 or '79
300CD.
No turbo.
He pulled the engine and I am not sure what is being done.The interior is fair-average, with some things in need of perfecting.
Has burlwood trim.
Body may have a minor ding-small.Needs paint buff etc.
No rust issues.
Calif car, but had been parked a long time. (Concord)

Anyway, his name is Medi.

He's got 4 wagons and a '85 300D , '85 230E also. etc.

Do a search in the 'Mechanics-referral' section for his shop number
(too tired to get it now.)

hill · #8 08-18-2002, 09:56 PM

Thanks for the info. The car has some serious issues with the climate control and worn out suspension. Since I don't do any "grunt" work anymore the cost will be prohibitive.

unkl300d · #9 08-21-2002, 09:44 AM

You are welcome Daryll, I was there yesterday and found out that it is actually a 280CE Coupe and not a diesel.

The engine is pulled for rebuilding and it has a new trans. clean title.

Dcraig · #10 08-22-2002, 01:10 AM

I bought my 2nd 1985 300CD last November, I sold the 1st (big mistake, pics on my web site.).

1985 was the last production year for the W123 coupe and if I remember, there were 1,371 imported to the US.

In my experience, the problems with the coupe are very similar to the problems with the sedan. Some of the parts are a few dollars more than the sedan, but I haven't found anything that is that out of line. Oh, one exception is the weatherstriping around the door windows. Available only from Mercedes, they will put you back about $300+ for each side. Other than that, all parts are available and not that expensive.

Craig

omegabenz · #11 08-22-2002, 02:04 AM

I have an 83 300CD its turbo, you could casually walk over write the vin down and do a carfax on it....you know?

My vacuum seat locks dont work, I got to fix that soon, I have heard the bad stories. One of my rear window regulators needs to be replaced, but books are more important right now, they are about 150 dollars for a regulator I think.

They are really neat. Mine is pretty rear it has a moon roof. And im the only guy with AMG wheels I think. The only things that are the same on the sedan vs coupe for body parts are the front fenders, hood, all bumpers, and the front windshield, the rear one is more curved and the doors are different, and the side windows are different. Most interior items are the same for the console, dash, etc. The coupes are faster than the sedans because they are lighter. Mine has a lot of miles on it, and Im using it to get through college.

Dcraig · #12 08-22-2002, 02:14 AM

My seats didn't work either, but I fixed that quickly because it affected the entire vacuum system. You can buy a diaphram repair kit to fix that.

Actually the front windshield is not the same as the sedan. The coupe has a lower roofline, therefore a shorter windshield and back window. Park next to a 560SL some day and I think you'll be surprised that the CD is about the same height.

Craig

omegabenz · #13 08-22-2002, 02:18 AM

interesting, I will try it out next time im at my friends house he has a 560SL. where are the diaphrams located, do you have part numbers, I should fix that asap for safety related items. Thanks

Dcraig · #14 08-22-2002, 02:24 AM

I don't know the part numbers. I bought mine from Randy at EPS (European Parts Specialist)

There are 2 per seat (one for each lock on the sides of the seat). Look under from the front of the seat and you'll see them.

Hook a Mighty Vac first and check them out. Hoses are under the front passenger carpet (opposite from the sedan).

Craig

gsamuelson · #15 08-22-2002, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Actually the front windshield is not the same as the sedan. The coupe has a lower roofline, therefore a shorter windshield and back window. Park next to a 560SL some day and I think you'll be surprised that the CD is about the same height.

Well that explains why my head touches the headliner in my 300CD but is no where near it in the 300TD!!

I thought the seats where different!! LOL:p