5 speed 240d - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1stimer · #1 10-28-2002, 10:47 PM

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1984 240d 5-speed. I am pretty sure the car has been overheated. Lets call it an educated hunch based on a variety of factors. I am not that familiar, but have read some of the oil in the coolant posts. Should have 2 grand left for repairs after purchase price of $700, but if I understand correctly new engine would be upwards of 4k and thus would be financially unrealistic. Obviously this is a euro complete with sunroof and ac. How can I tell if it is a top or bottom end engine problem???

#2 10-29-2002, 08:59 AM

It is difficult for overheating to hurt one of these engines. They have an iron block AND an iron head. What specifically are the symptoms?

To me, this car would be worth more than the average 240D because of the five speed. That's what all of them should've gotten.

Good luck,

Stevo · #3 10-29-2002, 10:09 AM

the tranny is worth that as far as your investment. As far as a rebuild on the engine that would depend on your abilities as a DIYer. The 240d engine can handle allot of overheating and is, in general a 'tough" machine so if I were back in the Islands I would "jump on it " in a second and try to figure out whats wrong with it later. Is it running now and if so is the oil pressure up all the way to the top with the RPMs above idle and how does it start? If you ever wanted to get into engine work this is the time and engine to do it with because you would really have a nice car when you were done assuming the car is not rusted out and the interior is in good shape. The engine could be given a compression test for starters but how it starts and sounds would tell a diesel mechanic allot. I would buy "da kin 5 speed 240D right now."

engatwork · #4 10-29-2002, 10:24 AM

Buy it and get the engine resleeved. Install new pistons if necessary. You can do it for under $1000 if you pull the engine out yourself and take the block to a reputable machine shop. A five speed would be great in this car.

#5 10-29-2002, 05:41 PM

I'd have a real hard time passing on an older diesel with a manual tranny.

Man! do I miss my old 240.

#6 10-29-2002, 05:59 PM

I say jump on the chance of buying it. If the engine turn out to be bad, you can do a "RIDGE" conversion, and put in a turbo engine out of a 300D. You could even put in an intercooler like he did.

Stevo · #7 10-29-2002, 07:41 PM

1stimer

Looks like the verdict is in, that 240ds gota have your name on the registration. Look at it this way, getting this car will give you incentive to find a parts car and do some switching around. How do you feel about DIY , I worn you it could get addicting. Like I said before if you ever wanted to get involved in the joy of pulling something really cool apart and being to fix it (most of the time) then this car is the ONE. Putting a 300 (non turbo) in it would be a little more than I would attempt now at my skill level. It doesn't sound like there are allot of MBs around Oahu which might mean rebuilding the engine you have which, like someone pointed out" wouldn't be over 1K. In reality you might not want to do this 100% on your own. There might be a few retired ol MB mechanics over there getting tired of just kicken back on the beach, that might be willing to help a guy fix up such a cool car.

vrsmith · #8 10-29-2002, 08:41 PM

I would buy that car sight unseen.
What does it cost to ship a 240D to the mainland?

1stimer · #9 10-29-2002, 10:50 PM

Well thanks guys. As a frequenter of this site I knew I'd get a rise with my latest find. Before you get overly optimistic I should tell the whole story. This car was at an auction here and bought by guy selling it. I saw the car on the auction site. When similar car came out in an ad, I called and owner lied that he has owned it for a couple months just to cruise around with while he was here on the island. I know it's the car from the auction, but didn't tell him I knew that. The guy has no idea what he bought. On the auction site it said there was no key and car didn't start. Owner says only problem is the temperature shoots right up after starting, but starts and drives fine. My ploy was to scam the scammer, but I'm too damned ignorant to be able to tell what I'm getting myself into. I am going to look at the car tomorrow. Only seems to be one independent shop here, german car service, and the guy there told me if there is oil in the coolant then I am looking at 4-5k. He was really helpful untill I mentioned the idea of re-sleeving and new pistons to which he replied "good luck" Plus the same guy told me he's been looking for a new 240 and I could here the excitement in his voice whe I was describing this one. Don't know if I could hope for an honest evaluation of condition when the mechanic wants to buy it. So here I am. ANY OTHER THINGS TO CHECK BESIDES OIL IN COOLANT? WHAT IF OWNER CHANGED COOLANT? HELP PLEASE...LOOKING TOMORROW

Billybob · #10 10-30-2002, 05:56 AM

Yeah, if your friggin' dreaming!!!!!!!!

engatwork · #11 10-30-2002, 06:03 AM

I don't know about the "island" but in the Macon, Ga area you can have it resleeved AND purchase new pistons for right around $800. That is if you take the engine down and take the block to them. $4-5k sounds like alot to me. Also, oil in the coolant could be a bad head gasket. You have to pull the head off to see what kind of condition the lower end is in. I wish that car were close by - I would probably pick it up in a minute

.

dieseldaddy · #12 10-30-2002, 06:33 AM

1stimer,
Sounds like you could use some help.
Here is what I am willing to do for you:
You will need to fly me down to where you are, I will look over the car for you...by the sound of it, I should probably just buy the car so that you are not tempted...
Then you can repay me (because I did you a great service) by shipping the car back to the mainland.

engatwork · #13 10-30-2002, 07:00 AM

dd
LOL

- I'm willing to do the same.

mplafleur · #14 10-30-2002, 07:12 AM

I think you've got a whole crowd that's willing to do the same. We'll just throw our names into a hat and you can draw out the lucky winner.

Jim Anderson · #15 10-30-2002, 11:37 AM

Check for coolant in the oil too. Since water is heaver than oil you can just crack the oil drain plug and check the first few drops that come out.

When I blew a head gasket I drained a quart of water out before I got oil

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