Hi, I am going to take a 1983 240D for a pre-purchase inspection (because M.B.Doc told me to get the compression checked) and was wondering what the compression should be for this car. What is the lowest acceptable compression before I should say "no thanks" and keep looking? There are very cold winters around here so I know high compression is vital. Also, I am trying to stay away from 240D automatics because I hear they aren't that dependable and make the car even slower, but where there any years that the automatics were considered better than usual? There is a nice '82 240D around that I might look at depending on the replies I get. thanks
Greg

The compression should be at least 20BAR (about 290 lbs @sq. in.). Anyone with a diesel powered car should consider a "BLOCK HEATER" esp. in cooler areas.

------------------
MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS M.B. TECH

The autos are almost too slow to drive in the fast paced world of today. I would stick with the standard transmission. They are ultra reliable. The compression is everything on this engine when it comes to cold winter starting!!

------------------
Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM