I have a 1979 300D that we purchased early this year. It has a vacuum pump from a later engine (only 1 vacuum line exiting the punp) that was put on it about 35K miles ago. Last week the whole pump let go- upon inspection, both large metal discs inside the pump were shattered, though all pieces are large and accounted for, nothing got into the timing chain..
The follower bearings and check valves are still good. Is this a common failure mode in these pumps?
Should I go back to the original '79 style pump? The previous owner was told that this later pump was the better of the two.
Does anyone know who has the best price on a Mercedes-Benz replacement? The one that came off the car was made in Spain, and they do not deserve a second chance.
Please advise---

welcome to the club.
I've been told that the vacuum pump
lasts a long time. On the average..
anyway replacement $190-325 depending on
engine number.
Maybe a rebuild kit $55 ?
Try partsshop or ************************
the rain in spain falls mainly on the plain!
Keep posting!

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

The pump on my 240D went over 500,000 miles with zero attention. When it let go the bearing almost got in the engine.

I believe that if the mechanical portion including the bearing and arm are tight and smooth, a rebuild kit would be okay. But always keep in mind the possible consequences of a roller/arm failure. It could cost you an engine.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

The rebuild kit that went into my vacuum pump was made in Spain. This made me think that the pump was made there too, but this could be just coincidence. Mine so far has lasted an additional 40+k after the original 140k.

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03/83 300D 184k
07/73 280 160k
-88 other 153k

try silverstarrecycling.com
from sacramento, ca.
good luck

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

Larry,

I hadn't thought about it until I read your post. The new pump I put on my 240D was made in Spain.

Larry