My first Mercedes purchase, possibly - the seller of an 87 300TD wagon with 259000 miles has not told me yet whether it still has the #12 cylinder head.
If it does, am I looking at a time bomb waiting to go off, or should I take the chance (if the car checks out ok in other areas)?
Also, is there any reason NOT to use the wagon as a daily driver -- four 2-mile trips a day (to work, lunch, back to work & home)? Will the engine heat up enough, or overheat, if driven that way?
Thanks for your advice.

 

I guess I did mean the #14 (stock) head. If the car still has its original radiator, should I plan on replacing it to prevent overheating?
As to daily short-hopping, would a weekly "Redneck tuneup" (yes, I am a Redneck) help at all? I think it's also called an Italian tuneup ...
As one with no TD experience, I have to ask - should the engine be allowed to reach full temp before driving, and then be allowed to cool down for a few minutes before shutting it off? I read that somewhere ...
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Much obliged for all the tips. I hope to look at the car this weekend.
One more, unfair, question .... is $4000 a reasonable price? Owner says nothing needs fixed, paint is good, clear title, good interior, no smoke when driving, 3d owner, 259000 miles, garage kept.
I know the 87 300TD wagon has telescoping steering wheel, but does it tilt as well?
Thanks.

 

Well, I passed on it. The car looks beautiful, paint is like-new and interior is excellent, no rust, all the power accessories work. But - engine still has the #14 head, green coolant & a leak from the radiator somewhere, odometer is dead, fan clutch is questionable & has original metal fan, serpentine belt idler is not straignt, some revving when upshifting. And an odd whistling from the right front when driving.
I might offer them $3000 .... does that seem reasonable? But I doubt that they will come down ... maybe after a few months.
If I had a Mercedes shop closer than 50 miles away, I might be more confident, but I don't.
Oh yeah, the steering wheel telescopes but does not tilt.