Hi there!

I'm looking at a 1982 300DT tomorrow and could possibly be Smokeless III.

I know in 1985 model year, MB introduced a vacuum amplifier for the transmission and other than that, correct me if I'm mistaken, '84's and '85's are pretty much the same.

Question: What are the other major mechanical and technology introduced in model year '81, '82's, '83, and '84?

81 to 82 the turbo got added. Along with this you got the oil cooled pistons which are necessary. In addition to the advanced tranny controls on the '85 there is some kind of electrical connection/part on the engine side of the injection pump that makes the fastener closest to the block harder to get to. The '84 models on down did not have this feature. I would not let the tranny control on the '85 keep me from owning one. I think too, that the rear differential is geared for a little more high end on the '85.

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Jim

Dear Fellow Forum Members:

Pending receipt of your respected comments I am prepared to make an offer on this car today. I am seeking your feedback on whether the items below are considered a major (expensive to fix) undertaking to bring it to a good working order.

Items observed not to be operating and in need of repair:
1. Tachometer
2. Door locks
3. Cruise control
4. Driver’s seat torn MB tex and sagging springs
5. Under normal operating condition (over 10 minutes of idling) the temperature gauge is about 70*- 75* centigrade and remained there after a test drive. Comparatively, Smokeless I and II sits at 82* C for the most part.
6. Fuse taken of the sunroof but the owner says it works (to be verified).
7. Some rust spots here and there but acceptable
8. Excessive of blow-by (smoke coming out of the air filter housing). Oil viscosity used is 10W40 (I use 15W40)
9. The steering wheel is off-centre (the point of the star is pointing at 10 o’clock) but the car drives straight
10. Some water pooling in the rear passenger foot well

At 246,000 kilometers, the overall car feels and drives well with good power on take-off and cruising. The transmission shifts nicely. The ACC works well both hot and cold, unusual. The vacuum tube to the EGR has been disconnected and plugged only on the tube end (the EGR end is left unplugged?).

Time is of the essence and I do apologize for not doing individual searches on the above-noted problems.

Your time and help is appreciated. Thank you.

Based on what all you found not working I would be reluctant to pay much more than around $1500 MAX. Does the a/c work?
Temperature running that low may be someone pulled a thermostat out to cover up a head gasket issue? It is not good for them to run during normal operation under 80dC in my opinion.

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Jim

Kindly elaborate. If the thermostat has been removed, does the cooling system circulates coolant to the block continously? What are the signs of head gasket failure? Is repair of head gasket a major job?

BTW, the ambient temp when I test drove the car was about 38*F.

Jim, The ACC works fine hot and cold on demand. Thank you.