Looking to get my first Mercedes Diesel
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk VA
1985 300D Turbo diesel
Looking to get my first Mercedes Diesel
Hello
New guy here. I’m new to the Mercedes line of cars but love diesel engines. With the way fuel prices are going I figure a diesel car would go nice with my Dodge Ram diesel. I need a little help with a car I’m looking at. The ad says it’s a 1985 MB 300TD Sedan. My main question is: is this a good car, are there things to be aware of? What kind of things do I need to look closely at? The car has a 4 speed automatic, 4 door, 5-cylinder diesel with 217000 miles. They say it very clean.
Options Installed
Driver air bag; Anti-Lock Brakes; Air Conditioning; Alloy Wheels; Cruse Control; Rear Window Defrost; Power Seats; Power Door Locks; Power Mirrors; Power Windows; Power Steering; Sunroof/Moon roof; Tinted Glass; Tilt Wheel. Going for $3900
Should I go for it or run away? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
New guy here. I’m new to the Mercedes line of cars but love diesel engines. With the way fuel prices are going I figure a diesel car would go nice with my Dodge Ram diesel. I need a little help with a car I’m looking at. The ad says it’s a 1985 MB 300TD Sedan. My main question is: is this a good car, are there things to be aware of? What kind of things do I need to look closely at? The car has a 4 speed automatic, 4 door, 5-cylinder diesel with 217000 miles. They say it very clean.
Options Installed
Driver air bag; Anti-Lock Brakes; Air Conditioning; Alloy Wheels; Cruse Control; Rear Window Defrost; Power Seats; Power Door Locks; Power Mirrors; Power Windows; Power Steering; Sunroof/Moon roof; Tinted Glass; Tilt Wheel. Going for $3900
Should I go for it or run away? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by billg; Apr 2, 2004 at 11:35 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 242
Likes: 5
From: Canada
Mercedes 2019 AMG S63, 2015 E250 Bluetec. Previous: '18 E63S, '07 E63, '10 S550, '15 S550, '10 GL350
Dude,
If I were you, I'd look into a W124 Diesel. Go for an 87 300 D Turbo if you have the money. You are getting ALOT more car (better styling and more power).
T But, if you like the styling of the W123, go for it. I guess it is all a matter of personal choice.
I think there is a W123 forum where you can find techincal info.
D
If I were you, I'd look into a W124 Diesel. Go for an 87 300 D Turbo if you have the money. You are getting ALOT more car (better styling and more power).
T But, if you like the styling of the W123, go for it. I guess it is all a matter of personal choice.
I think there is a W123 forum where you can find techincal info.
D
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
The 82-85 diesels are considered by many in the MB crowd as the most desirable diesels to own. I believe it has something to do with the simplicity and repairability of these engines, which is an important factor when you're paying less than $5000 for a used car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 1
From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
The best diesel from the eighties was the '84 300D. Pre-1984 had a troublesome transmission and after 1984 they added the trap oxidizer for emissions which really sapped the power.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 187
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http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php3
Go over and talk to these guys in the diesel section. There isn't a thing they don't know. They'll tell you everything to look out for. The first thing they'll tell you is if you are serious to get a pre-purchase inspection. It will be the best 75 bucks you ever spent. They can run forever if taken care of, if not...watch out.
My advice is take your time to buy one of these.
Go over and talk to these guys in the diesel section. There isn't a thing they don't know. They'll tell you everything to look out for. The first thing they'll tell you is if you are serious to get a pre-purchase inspection. It will be the best 75 bucks you ever spent. They can run forever if taken care of, if not...watch out.
My advice is take your time to buy one of these.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk VA
1985 300D Turbo diesel
Thanks for all the replies. Thanks for the link SLCPUNK that is a cool site.
I went and looked at it and the wife drove it home. The leather seats looked very good for the years (no rips and color still rich), the rest of the interior looked very good, except the dash it has a few cracks. The motor runs smooth but a little slow on take off. I plan on checking the injector pump timing and valve lash for that. The car is sweet on the highway and got 26mpg coming home. The wife liked it so much she said no more gas vehicles for us.
I went and looked at it and the wife drove it home. The leather seats looked very good for the years (no rips and color still rich), the rest of the interior looked very good, except the dash it has a few cracks. The motor runs smooth but a little slow on take off. I plan on checking the injector pump timing and valve lash for that. The car is sweet on the highway and got 26mpg coming home. The wife liked it so much she said no more gas vehicles for us.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
They are wonderful cars and there is no other like it at all. The quality is amazing. I had a 240d that I loved but sold it because I am moving and think I can get a better one. I'll probably pick up a 300d, 300sd, or 240d in the next year again. Enjoy yours!
