I finally gave in and purchased a 1982 300SD this weekend. I've wanted a diesel MB for years, so am really looking forward to the experience.

Details:
1982 300SD, gold(repainted from cream), moonroof, 147k miles, no rust or dings. Paid $3100

Took it to my mechanic to have checked out, no major issues. Looks like lower oil cooler line is leaking a little, otherwise completely dry underneath. Seal on trunk needs replaced.

So, would like any thoughts/opinions on the purchase, as well as general maintenace stuff I ought to look into right away. From what I've read, seems like people like Delo 400 for oil in the diesels.

Thanks,

Adam

by "moonroof" do you mean the opening roof, also called sunroof? Use only the MB special grease for this. LUBRICATION is the #1 word to remember in automotive maintenance. Speaking of which, keep close tabs on of all aspects of the transmission. Relatively speaking, it's a common trouble spot.

Get that leaky oil cooler line replaced ASAP (actually replace both). You don't want it to burst at highway speeds and lose all your oil..... not too likely to happen but it can.

__________________
1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

Sounds like a fair price. Are you sure it is the trunk seal? Water in the trunk is common and it is usually the rear window seal.

__________________
'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

Could you post a picture of the car?

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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

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sunroof/moonroof, yes. no glass, just the sliding roof. Thanks for tip on grease for it.

Yes, its the seal for the trunk lid, parts of the seal were hanging loose.

I don't have a picture right now to post, will do when I get one.

Thanks for thoughts and inputs.

-Adam

ajohnson1,
good car to buy!!! Mine had same basic problem, trunk seal broken, and headlights aimed every where but the road... hehe
with mine one of the foglight lenses is got a hole in it but still lights up. for the most part, keep up the maint., I did replace all 4 shocks, and installed a new cd player.