You all have helped me purchase a 1998 E300 TurboDiesel back in September 2002 and now I have the opportunity to look at a 1985 300 SD with about 150,000 miles and am asking for your help again. I will have the car in my possession tomorrow evening for several hours of driving and inspection. I would appreciate any particulars to look for. I would also appreciate comments on this particular year and model.

Where specifically to look for rust? I believe this car has been in Maryland for most of it's life and garaged for all but the last 2 years.

Any feedback will be most appreciated.

Try to keep it overnight, park it outside and start it up the next morning to see how well it starts/idles. Pay close attention to how it idles while hot too. I am assuming it is still pretty cold in your area. A compression/leakdown test will tell you alot too. Take it to an independent MB shop to do a ppi.

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Jim

My friend is swapping cars with the owner, so it may be possible to keep it at my house overnight and return it to him in the morning. Of course, I will have to give him my E300 TD ...

My concern is I am not mechanically inclined, nor do I have time for major engine work with 7 children. I keep hearing how nice these older 300s are but I do not want to spend all my spare time taking this back and forth to the shop.