I'm considering purchasing a 1976 300D which has been in storage for 7 years wihtout being started, much less, run. The owner says he just started it and it ran fine even with the old batttery and fuel!! Both since changed to new.

I'm thinking a diesel does not take well to sitting that long even though it was garaged. What am I in for with this car? I would expect rubber hoses might need replacing but what else might be a concern. The car has about 150K on it.

I drive a 79 300 TD now but like the simplicity of the 115 300D. Am I crazy?

Thanks

roverini,

As to your mental health, I am unqualified to respond. As to a diesel that has not run in 7 years, I think it is salvageable if it is a decent car.

If the owner just started it, I'm sure you will have him start it for you before you buy it. It sounds reasonable to me that he could do what he said, but I would bet that a 7 year old battery didn't take a charge and then start the car without some help.

Plan on replacing the battery, belts, hoses, oil and filter change, fuel filters and air filter at a minimum. Also definitely change ATF and filter. Also plan on treating the fuel tank for algae, a fuel tank drain and strainer change wouldn't hurt.

I gave my son my 240D when he turned 16. When he went to college he left it behind. It sat almost two years before I started it again. It was amazing how easily it ran after getting the starter to spin.

I would go through a few short cycle oil changes after putting it on the road. A couple of hot oil changes in about 500 or 1,000 mile intervals.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles