Hi. My name is Jake, and I don't even have a MB yet. But I recently moved and lengthened my commute considerably, and all my current vehicles give me 17-18 mpg (or worse). And I've been lusting after an old Benz for a long time. I like the look of the older models, the clunky ones like the 123's and (most beautiful to me) the early '70s 280SEL.

Now I've decided a diesel model is justifyable. So on Sunday I'm going to look at an 82 240D auto. 180k miles and it is claimed to be in fairly good condition.

Is there anything I should know about the 616.912 I4 engine? Any parts that must be changed routinely like timing belts? Too bad it's not a turbo diesel, but the price is in my range. The engine is rated for 67 hp, but I'm well aware the hp is not where a diesel shines. Does anyone have torque specs? Can I expect this car to keep up on the Interstate - my commute is 47 miles and 90% of that is at 80 mph or above, any slower and the cement trucks run you down.

Oh, and what's this vegetable oil conversion I read about? I thought these things would burnjust about any lightweight oil just as they stand.

 

Unlike the MB build in 90's the economy of those build in 80's was good at the time, but not bu today's standard.
I used to own 83' 300 tdt. Adequate HP with 112 ponies, but with my heavy foot never could get more, than 20 MPG.
The 92' 300D 2.3 averaged 35 MPG at 70 MPH and 28 MPG at 90 MPH.
Right now, facing long commuting I bought VW TDI. It is rated at 46 MPG. Something I would love to see at over 80 MPH.

 

Hey, i dont think interstate will be a problem, just make sure you have new tires and they are aligned, and dont get lazy with the maintence; oil, transmission, anti-coolant, power steering. My 81 300 SD is perfectly fine, i can hit 75 on interstate easily. Slow acceleration of course.

ALi,

81 300 SD 86 320 SDL 91 420 SEL