hello all,

new to the forum. i am in negotiations to buy a 1987 300d turbo with 173k miles. the price is $2196. it needs an a/c control module, which i priced on the net for around $240. it has a couple new parts(glow plugs, alternator, fuel filter). it does have two quarter sized rust spots on the wheel wells. i know that members do advise others to run when they see rust, but i have the tools to cut it out and weld it back. anyways, my question is; does this sound like a good price for the vehicle? some say the '87 300d turbo is one of the best. i like the mb diesel reliability and fuel mileage. and i am pretty sure that the car has at least another 100k in it. any advice on what i can do after buying it to keep it runniing strong? thanks.

 

Run good fuel, keep clean oil and filters in it, and correct minor issues before they become major. Beyond that ...enjoy

 

Love these cars, the major issues in them is the aluminum head on some of these. However, with 176 miles you probably don't have a bad (#14) casting number head. Mercedes corrected the issues with a new cast. Another thing to watch out for is the vacuum pump, if it goes out it can be catastrophic for the engine. I replaced mine with the new one just as PM.

 

preciate the advice. i did purchase the car today for $2000. the only issues are minor (passenger windows and sun-roof electrical issue) except for the a/c module. new tires and i think it will be set. what are some signs that i may need a new vacuum pump?

 

There is the old style vacuum pump that doesn't have sealed bearings, if that blows, the bearings get sucked through the engine. The newer style pump has sealed bearings that prevent that from happening.

I would imagine if all the systems, locks, engine shut off, hard shifting, etc... all start failing at the same time, the pump may be going out.

 

ok thanks for the vacuum pump advice. The engine runs strong and the transmission shifts tight, so i am not really that worried at the moment. i do have a couple questions about some minor issues. first, the sunroof. now the motor does run, but for some reason it does not wanna open. i haven't tried to force it open because i dont want it to be stuck open. any advice? also, the front passenger window's motor does work, but it will not open. i am assuming that the window regulator maybe at fault. and the back windows do not work. has anyone had any problems with the child lock going bad? that could be the reason the back windows are not functioning. lastly, the a/c control module is shot. i want to check to see if it got burnt out b/c the heater blower motor may be shot as well. anyone have any advice with the blowing motor? any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks again.