Really? That is a major reason I was going to get a diesel. I was going to convert put my 99 TDI and a mercedes into veggie cars once I buy a house. Fuel prices are already up to $4 in Phoenix, I'd rather drive at 50 cents a gallon.

 

Can you make bio-diesel? Is there any conversion you need to do to you vehicle?

 

Any comments on a 1997 diesel?

 

how is the gas mileage and reliability? Since there is no turbo I assume it is turtle?

 

1983 Turbo 300 SD is an amazing car. Over 400,000 miles and still runs like new. Except, the air filter housing is constantly coming lose. I must have replaced those rubber stops under the housing a hundred times, before long, they're broken and the entire housing rattles like crazy.

From my experience, that's one item on this car Mercedes could have done a much better job of keeping this thing tight.

P.S. anyone has any suggestions how to secure the air filter housing once and for all, I am all ears.

Thanks

 

I am looking to buy an 83 300SD. Is there anything I should look for other then obvious condition problems?

 

New to mercedes, not diesel. Having trouble figuring out what year models vs engines, cast vs aluminum heads, mechanical IP, timing chain/belt/gearset ect ect ect.

Sorry to lazy to phrase it differently but you get the drift.

Anywho wife finally decided to park her 3/4 ton truck in favor of a car and needed some technical info before I start looking.

As of now all we own are cummins engines, 95 and 2000 dodge and 87 IH big cam 3. MB seems to be the only diesel car that have a decent inline engine and IP with the fewest moving parts. Looked at VW way to "glitchie" for lack of better terms for what little I've seen of them. And I hate electronic diesel engines.

Specifically looking at a 95 E300D 186k 3800$ Most parts seem relatively inexpensive, mileage bothers me, mainly in not knowing if it were poorly maintained with this mileage. And if these were relatively stout transmissions, even though its auto at least its rwd.


Thanks sorry to bother

 

Which engines/year/model had a cast iron head?

 

I'm new to MB and relatively new to older (non-CRD diesels). I live in northern NJ, about 20 minutes outside of new york city. I've found two 1993 300D's (2.5L, OM602 as far as I can tell) that I'm considering buying. One is 132k on the odometer, perfect CarFax, one local owner and all maintenance done at local MB dealer, asking $6900. The other is 183k on the odometer, no accidents, second owner purchased it used in 95, no service records but they can put me in contact with their (independent) mechanics.

I'm looking to buy it as a commuter car, about 32k/year.

Any suggestions, or specific things to look for? As far as I can tell (from here and elsewhere) the OM602 turbo is quite well respected, and it seems that any W124 is considered a relatively good car. Other than rust, any major things to look for? And also, as a commuter car, do you think this would be a good move? I'm really only concerned about sudden issues that would crop up when I'm away from home and tools.

 

Great thread, i've learned a-lot reading it thanks.

I'm going to look at a 1983, 240D stickshift here in Paris this week, its on ebay for 2500euros (3500 USD) 220000 kilometers on it (136000 miles) they say it's in perfect condition and has been serviced by the book by Mercedes. Is this a good price ?

I've never owned a Merc but love them and decided to buy one for many reasons, is this car a good choice for a first timer ?

advise greatly appreciated, thanks,
rob