There is a 1976 300D on Ebay #2427711711 that's really caught my eye!
And a '85 300D #2427821247 that looks real good, too!

Any experience/feedback on the '70 300's????

Most of you folks have recommended that I stay within the 1980-1985 years on the 300D's and 1982-1983 300DT's.

I'm also looking at a 1986 300D Turbo w/121K on the odo here locally. Any feedback on that year?

Thank you my gifted gurus!

Really would appreciate any comments!

Peace,
Harp

Try them all then decide. If there's any aggressiveness to your style of driving, the 86 will win hands down. You're also spanning 3 generations of the class so there's styling and features to consider.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Is there a reason that you're hung up on a 300D as opposed to a 240D. The 240D's are 4 times easier to work on and longer lived.

They are down on power, but if it's power you are looking for, you should probably buy a gas car.

Good luck,

I know nothing about the 240's, but have read enough about the 300's to "think" that's what I want!

I want to give my 420SEL to the wifey and do my daily freeway/intown driving with the 300D Turbo. I drove one and beside the fact its a dog from 0-15mph, once the Turbo kicks in I liked its nimbleness!

I found a '83 300D Turbo w/153K on the odo...here locally!
Two owners, damn good records all dealership work and I can snatch it for $2500-$3000.
PLEASE HELP ME...if you think I should be looking for a different model????? Don't have a lot of time to make a decision!!!!

I fond of just about all the MB's from the 70's & 80's except the 190's!!!

HELP ME , BOYS!!!!

The 300D Turbos from 1982 - 1985 are rock solid cars. If they have been maintained well, run strong, have under 200K miles and everything works, power windows, AC (make sure it blows cold and out the center vents) sunroof, and so on, then anything around $3000 is a good deal. You might want to get a pre purchase inspection done at a mechanic that knows these cars well. Good luck with everything!

My 83 300D Turbo was a much better driving experience on the freeway than my '74 240D. Once you got up to 75 it performed like most of the gas cars around it.

Both were solid. the 74 240 didn't like to start below 32 fareinheight without some coaxing.

2 cents

__________________
02 S500
92 500SL
92 400E (Sold)
87 300E (Sold)
83 300D Turbo (Sold)
75 300D (Sold)
74 240D (Sold after 20 years)

Went to look at the '83 300D Turbo, listed in the paper at $3400 "excelent condition!".....jeez what a waste of time!

Dealin' with an 85 yr old man....clueless! Poor fella, just wanted to talk about his poor ol' sick wife!

Fired it up, engine was strong! No blow-by! Been sittin' under a tree......bird poop everywhere...needed a good buffin'...no big deal! Center actuators were shot, no air through center vents, dash is trashed/cracked.....figure another $500 to fix! Fantastic records from the first owner that Grandpa bought it from! Got great potential, so I arrange for my mechanic to meet me over at Grandpas house for a test drive! Cost me a couple of Cohibas and a Macanudo to get him over to bird-dog it!
He agrees with me about the strong motor ( 135K on the odo) Now here's the kicker....we ask Grandpa to test drive it, he says,
"No, that ain't such a good idea, my son told me don't let no one drive it 'cause the tranny don't work...ain't got no forward gear! But it goes in Reverse real good!"

Our jaws dropped, had to bite our tongues not to howl laughin'!

Wished him Godspeed and Good Luck to any future propects!

I had a 1983 300dt for 14 years and it had a 100000 when I got it and had 250000 when I sold it this year, I loved the car. I bought a 1986 300e and I miss the diesel but the 86 does handle better not that the 83 handled bad it handled great but the 86 with the 15 inch wheels and stiffer side wall tires is better, I am thinking of looking for a 90's diesel but there not turboed so don't know about how the power is

If you're hung up on power, get a gas car.

That said, of the 616/617 diesels, the turbo 617 is definitely the most powerful (or more accurately said, the least underpowered.) What you should realize is that the 300D's are much more difficult to work on than a four cylinder. Probably three times as much of a PITA. Additionally the 300D's are FILLED with gadgetry! Power Windows, Power Sunroof, Automatic Climate Control, etc., etc., etc., These accessories are fine when they're working, but expensive and frustrating when they break, and they WILL break.

You just need to be aware of this and know for sure that you are willing to put up with the large addition of expense and frustration in return for power. I say again, if it's power you want, stay with a gas car.

Best of luck with your decision and enjoy whatever you purchase.

Good luck,

Larry,

The more I view different 300's the more I agree with you regarding the gadgetry! PITA to work on is a valid statement! They all seem to have the same characteristics; i.e., oil pan gasket leaks, engine to tranny leaks, ac units with bad dryers, accuaters (sp), nortorious for cracked dashes and center console woods, typical front suspension work needed, etc. etc..........

Historically, what should I be looking for??? If I summed up my wish list .....I'd like something simple mechanically, quick & nimble, yet smaller than my 126 but as powerful! The SL's just don't have enough room! Love the looks of the older 70's, but know nothing of their reliability or power! The SEC's look great but appear to be way overpriced?

With all that being said, the headaches of "gadgetry" has been ingrained in me from my 420SEL...nickle & dime items that add up! I see your point regarding the 300's!

Larry, what would you choose! Drivin' everyday in Vegas, freeways, city stop & go and damn hot.....what would you choose?

Peace,
Harp