82 300sd compression
Per the OM617.95 manual-
"test values for engine at operating temperature in bar gauge pressure (atu)
Normal compression pressure 24-30
Minimum compression pressure approx. 15
Permissible variance between the individual cylinders max 3
(1 bar = 14.508 psi)
Checking it cold will give noticeably lower numbers, but you should be about 20 bar (~300#) or more.
My '81 300TD had about 320# cranking pressure (cold) at around 250K miles.
If this vehicle truely had a compression of ~115 lbs on all cylinders it should be very difficult to start and be blowing excess smoke, wouldn't you think?
The vehicle starts up fine and does not blow excess smoke. I don't think the mechanic that did the compression check new what he was doing.



