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cyntaxx
Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500
Posts: 248
| Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
First off, this purchase is more or less for my father, who has always regretted selling his 1981 240D. As such, I've found a maroon 1981 300D that seems decent for the price, very driveable, and in better-than-okay shape. Paint is good other than the common rust spot behind the rear wheels; interior is good despite some minor cracks on the dash and a slightly worn driver's seat. However, having no experience with older Mercedes vehicles, I figured I'd ask here since most seem to be pretty keen on them.
The car at hand has 240k miles on it. Head gasket has been replaced, valves adjusted, but other than that no rebuild or major overhaul in the drivetrain. I know these old diesels last forever, but is there anything in particular I should look for as far as previous maintenance or repair areas? The car is locally owned and always has been so I am hoping I can recover a good portion of the records.
The main problem with the car is the AC compressor not working. I was told by a local import repair shop that the work would be anywhere from $400 to $1,200 depending on which compressor it is, and what all has to be replaced along with it. Does this seem realistic? The parts seem expensive; any way I can source them second hand easily if it came down to it?
Anything else I should consider before plopping down on this car? Have yet to test drive her but will plan to this weekend.
Oh, and the gentleman's asking price is $1,500 with some wiggle room depending on how large the AC compressor issue is.
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Merz-Ben
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
Vehicle(s): 230G, U1200, U1250 DoKa, U1300L, U1500, U1700, 416
Posts: 377
| RE: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
Those cars are pretty bullet proof, but a few things to look at are the trans shifting condition and how the engine runs. If the tranny hasn't been rebuilt or replaced, I'd look closely at the fluid condition and quiz the owner on trans services that have been done on the car, if it hasn't been serviced regulary with filter and fluid changes it is probably about shot... the tranny is the failure that most times lands those cars in my salvage yard. If possible, go look at the car on a cool morning and make sure it hasn't been running before you start it, if it starts good and clean with little smoke, the engine is probably still good, but be cautious if the owner has already warmed it up before you get there or if it doesn't start right up if the engine is cool. Oh, yeah, check and see if the odometer works, because half of the 123's I service with over 200K on the clock have broken odometers and the owners don't care to have them repaired.
Cheers,
Ben
PS, I should have several used compressors and lines and maybe even a used condenser if you need used parts. PM me about it.
Edited by Merz-Ben 5/10/2007 3:18 PM
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KERR
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
Im starting to think ben is a walking dictionary like harald and dutch....
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DesertStar
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Vehicle(s): 85-280GE/95-G320/08-G500
Posts: 2156
| RE: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
Cyntaxx, I would also check to see if timing chain has been replaced, at 240k miles if it has not, would be good piece of mind. Lots of different views on this subject, but some mechanics recommend change at 175k-200k pending on who you talk to.
Mike |
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BenzDieselTuner
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
i would think that they replaced the timing chain when they did the head gasket, but u never know..... |
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cyntaxx
Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500
Posts: 248
| Re: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
Great info guys!
Ben, you have a PM! |
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iNeon
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
I'm not sure someone that remembers a 240 will appreciate a 300 as much! If I had moved on to different automobiles and wanted to repurchase one, I'd be somewhat let down if it had a different engine, transmission or trim package, ya know?
The 240 is easier. You give up a cylinder, and maybe a turbo-- but you have a few more vacuum doohickies.
The price seems right, and the A/C shouldn't be a big deal. Got a Pull A Part around? I love mine. My Shlomo has 155k. Should I think about the timing chain? You can cut the A/C belt and it won't hurt anything else, until you get that resolved.
Did you crawl under it, wiggle things about, start it cold and run it like hell? |
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cyntaxx
Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500
Posts: 248
| RE: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
Going to look at the 300D today but it will have been driven so no chance to inspect upon a cold start. Will examine the tranny fluid and quiz about filter changes and general tranny maintenance. Anything else? Will most likely put ink to paper today if it drives smoothly and looks to be in good condition. Was told the car was purchased locally and maintained locally but not sure if that holds true; guess we will see! |
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BenzDieselTuner
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Non-G related: Thinking of purchasing a 1981 300D? A few questions...
good luck! i'm sure u will love ur new 123!!!!!! |
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