First let me say, after viewing this forum for several hours, what a great site!

Here's my issue. I just bought a 1985 MB 300D with 132k original miles. Original one owner car that was titled here in MD with 80 miles on it. The issue date of the title is 01/17/86

The car is designated as a 1985 (on title) but it has the 1986 body. It has the squared headlights versus the round lights and it has the '86 body lines. It has the 3.0 litre straight six (non-turbo) diesel engine. One more thing, it has manual windows!

Based on my research the only diesel engine on the 300D for '85 was the 5 cylinder. Also, I haven't been able to even locate any 300D models for '86. Also, what gives with the manual windows. I don't care about the windows being manual but it just seems odd for a Benz.

Here is the VIN in case you guys are curious: WDB1241301A097336

I tried to decode the vin and it says the check digit is incorrect. I tried computing the check digit as well and also found that it doesn't compute correctly. I personally verified the vin on the title to the vin on the radiator core support tag. By the way, this is the only place I noticed a vin#. No VIN on the dash like most other makes.

Sorry for the long post but any help you guys can give a newbie to the diesel scene would be greatly appreciated. Is this some Euro-version that was imported to the US before it was ever registered? What gives? I am confused. Thanks!

 

The VIN # on my 1985 300d is on the drivers side windshield pillar.

 

Any diesel enthusiasts who live in Maryland? I would be happy to compensate someone for their time who really knows these cars and can give the engine and trans a check-over. Thanks!