Greetings All-
Just bought it at a fly-by-night dealer, no service records, no operator manuals, $3200. Hope I didn't pay too much. No rust, believe it to be a GA car, looks a lot better than it is. It's been repainted.
Slow doorlocks, poor accel even when floored, sunroof doesn't work(can hear motor running and it starts to engage but then nothing, odo quit at 142k, trans jerks from 1st to 2nd but after 10 minutes it smoothes out, excessive play in steering and wheel is cocked when going straight, cruise is cranky(craps out on you then works whenever it wants to). Rear windows chug, front ones are quick and smooth. Starts and runs smooth. Engine bay clean, not apparent evidence that it was degreased or pressure washed. Spare and tools still in trunk. BTW- anyone know the proper stowage configuration? Tools were loosely thrown in the trunk, can't figure out the correct placement. A/C compressor missing.
Love this thing and want to rehab it as much as possible without going broke. I think it's worth a bit of wrench-turning. Can post better pics if somebody can tell me how to (I'm dumb). Really nice looking car. Need service manuals and operator manuals. Where to buy? Thanks people
d.delano

welcome aboard

You did good picking up a '85. Start reading up about turbo boost to improve the acceleration issue. What part of the country are you in?

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Jim

Mr Jim-
You'll never guess. I bought it in Warner Robins.
I myself live in DC. I left it down at my Dad's place in Ft. Valley, hoping he'd tinker with it to get some minor issues fixed. He's a retired USAF engineer and a decent troubleshooter. Hopefully he'll get around to messing with it.

I just picked up 2.

'85 300D Turbo $1200
226k miles
flakey A/C

'84 300D Turbo $1800
216k miles
DOA cruise control

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'84 300CD Turbo 132k (Anthracite Grey) - WVO - My daily driver - Recently named coo-coo-coupe by my daughter.
'84 300D Turbo 240k (Anthracite Grey) - Garage Queen
'83 300D Turbo 220k (Orient Red) - WVO - Wifes daily driver

I'm not a certified mechanic, but I did stay at a HolidayInn Express last night.

Where the heck do you people find your deals?
Maybe I got rooked, who knows.

I think you paid too much.

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

Looks like it. Can't do anything about it now. Should have checked the value online, but wasn't looking for a car when I found her. She was an impulse buy.
Still, I like the car. Anybody have information about the issues I outlined above? thanks again

Don't be too worried about the price. I've paid from $5k down to $500 and I like all my deals. Yea, I overpaid for the first one but heck, I've logged 65k miles already on it. It will pay you back in spades with some love and maintainence.

From the smaller pic you posted, it looks like one of ours. Is it the same color as this one?

Congrats!

I can help you with the acceleration and vacuum issues. The 85's are the best of the breed so I like the year that you bought.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Oops. Forgot to attach this pic....

Attached Thumbnails

 

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Check your private msgs delano.

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Jim

If you really enjoy the car, no price is too much. The important thing is the support and advice of others when you do want to fix something. Congrats!

First thing I would do is make sure your air filter is clean. Then replace both fuel filters. Maybe run some diesel kleen through. Sunroof repair manuals can be found on E-bay. Cruise control can be a costly fix. There are two main components. The actuator and amplifier. The actuator is found on the very top of the motor and is connected to the throttle linkage. (see pic) The amp should be under the driver's side of the dash to the left of the steering column. Those can be resoldered if you have time and patience.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

Welcome to the board! You have found THE place for help and info. Don't worry too much about the price. You will have a long term relationship going.

Some suggestions... (not advice... I'm still a newbie also).
1st tool to get is a Mityvac Vacuum test gauge. You will use it as long as you own your car for many things.

Read stickys' info site linked from the top of this forum for many great tips and info.

Consider changing all your fluids, regardless of what the dealer told you may or may not have been done. Include the differential oil. This will teach you your way around your new baby and insure a proper start.
MOST important is changing the oil and filter often... many of us do this every 3000 miles - Much more often than a gasser.

Look inside the air filter housing for evidence of oil. This is one indication of the condition of your engine. No oil is great but if there is some don't panic.

Inspect the fuel filters... there is a small clear one called the primary on the drivers side in engine copartment. See if there is any sediment or black stuff in it.

Most things can be done on this car by anyone willing to get their hands a little dirty and to learn some new skills. If you have the ability to change a tire and change your oil, you are well on your way. Most things are preventitve maintenance and when done properly will result in a very economical vehicle lasting hundreds of thousands of miles.

Last but not least, don't be intimidated by the prices the dealers quote for most of these jobs and parts. There are many sources for parts that are much more affordable including our host here on this board.

Welcome again...

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Mr Goodfahrt (pronounced FAIRT... means "good trip" in German)

1982 300D Turbo Pastel Gray (off-white) 200k+(?)
newbie but willing

Jim-
I will attempt to PM you, but again, I'm dumb so have patience.

Diesel Don-
How'd you post that big beautiful pic?
-delano

K Jim, I sent you a PM. Check your messages.