Hello. I am new to the forum and wow what a site to be on. this is the 3rd MB I have owned and sadly I never was able to drive the last 2 MB I had. I just bought a 1982 300SD Turbo diesel with 289,000 miles on it for $350.00 but it does not run. I would like to fix this 300SD but what am I getting myself into here. the car will turn over and try to fire off but just wont. I havesearched through many threads on the forum here and found alot of useful information on the300SD models. however at this time I am not able to check anything out until I get the car home this friday from Atlanta GA,any suggestions as to what I need to look for other than the glow plug system as thats the first thing I am going to check out. also is the high mileageon the motor going to mean total rebuild?any thoughts or am I asking way to early about this since the car is not here right now. Thanks

 

Take car to an independant shop for an inspection. Expect to pay $100-$250, plus towing.

 

Could be the fuel system like the pump not pumping or the engine with no compression.

 

Also check/change the fuel filter primary and secondary.

 

Thanks guys, well I got the car home from Atlanta friday afternoon. the car is in very rough condition as the previouse owner did not disclose the truth to me about it, well, I messed with it for a few hours and got the car to start only to hear a very loud rod knocking. so this car is headed for the junk yard. guess im on the hunt for another diesel. I had a 1987 300SDL about 5 years ago that had a blown motor but the car was in awesome shape, should have held onto it, anyway, I will look on ebay and see whats available.

 

hey man dont junk that car you should part it out you llprobally get double of your money back.

 

don't junk it. these are becoming rare these days. You can chop it up and make lots of $ for these diesel parts. The engine is rebuildable with a new crank and bushings if it's not too beat up. If the injector pump is good, it's worth considerable amount.

 

Thanks, didnt know these 300Sd models were hard to find, butthis car is very rough and its just not worth my time and money to repair, I was poorly mis-led to its condition but its too late now. I was told it only had a glow-plug problem, yea right. stupid me. howeverI did get the engine to start again today and the transmission went into reverse and drive without hesitation so I know there are a few good parts left on it, oh and it will not shut off with the key. I am considering a 1986 or 1987 300SDL with the 6 cyl turbo diesel that needs a little work but not like the one I got now and if I can find one thats not too far away.so I may part this300SD out on EBAY since I have room in the barn to store whatever I want to.any opinions on the 300SDL models. I had a 1987 300SDL that I bought with a bad motor but like I said before it was in very good shape inside and out but that car is long gone. and now I want another one. correct me if I am wrong butare the 300,380,420,500 and 560 SEL models the same W126 chassis but just have different engines. I am going to give up my MK1 diesel Jetta and my 88 F250 diesel just to get one of these300SDL models as long as it is in good shape and is worth my time and money to maintain the car.