I'm looking to buy a low cost Turbo Diesel car to go back and forth to work. All of the VW's are over priced for what I want and I like the looks of the 80's 300d with the round yellow fog lights, so that's what I'm shopping for. I would call myself a gear head and this will be my third diesel, but I know next to nothing about the MB diesel engines and need brought up to speed on them and the cars ie. what to look for, things to avoid.

Do they have timing chains or belts? How often do they need changed.

Power window are they vacuum or electric? should one be avoided if able to?

Areas to look for rust

Should I get over the round fog lights and buy a different model that's better?

For the price range I'm looking at I don't think a compression check will fly with the sellers so how / can I tell if a motor is getting weak?

I'm looking for any and all input be it fact or opinion on these cars and motors so everyone fell free to put there .02 cents in.

P.S. I've read the three pages that I can go back on and am looking for more.

 

Thanks for the reply ForcedInduction.

When it comes to checking the chain, can I see the cam or grear through an oil fill cap on the valve cover or does the valve cover need to come off to check the chain wear?

I went ahead and picked up a cheap compression tester today. What is the acceptable range for compression on these motors?

Can anyone recomend a good manual for these cars?

74dj5d

I think you'll get a better response if you start a new thread
for what your working on

 

MD diesels are so good and reliable because as I've noticed in my car it's basically WWII technology. It's all sooo very simple. Always avoid Kalifornia model vehicles of any kind.