1983 Mercedes Benz 300D

[DAN V]

I am going to look at a MB 300D tomorrow and was wondering if any of you have own one of these or have had experience with them? From wht I have read in research the '81 to '85 model years are the best models to get for the engine is pretty much bulletproof. Any input would be great. The 300D I am looking at has 250k on the odo and he is only asking$2700. Thanks.

 

[jhenderson]

As has been stated here before, " the most expensive car you'll ever own is a cheap Mercedes Benz"

 

[SnoKing]

As has been stated here before, " the most expensive car you'll ever own is a cheap Mercedes Benz"

So Volvo is in second place??? Chris

 

[The patriot]

Their OM 0617 engine is bulletproof.

 

[rscurtis]

Unless the car is close to perfect, that sounds like a lot of money for that many miles. Your best years are '83 and '84, with the '85 as a good option with its longer gearing. The '81 should be a non-turbo version, you want to avoid that. Also, it would still use the evil Chrysler-based climate control. The biggest issue is hidden rust in a car that old. If it's rust-free, you almost can't go wrong with one. Pay particular attention to the condition of the rear axle swing arms, they can rust and replacements are expensive. Also, be sure that the climate controls functions, and resist the temptation to switch to R134, it doesn't perform as well as R12. Having said that, it may be OK in the Pacific Northwest. Be sure the vacuum system hasn't been tampered with or that the car hasn't been run on grease. Once you get it sorted out, you'll have a nice car that can last many more years. Parts are also readily available, some directly from your local dealer. I paid $2500 for mine 9 years ago with 100K miles on it. It was suffering from "deferred" maintenance, but was all there. It turned out so well, I had some minor body work done and had it repainted in June of 2012. Too bad you're so far away, another forum member has an '84 for sale on LI with only 105 K miles on it. It's virtually perfect, and runs great. He'd like to see about $7K for it as a point of comparison.

 

[Regcabguy]

I don't know how tall you are but I'm 6'3" and couldn't fit my thighs under the humongous steering wheel. No tilt wheel. Aside from a hard shifting auto,the vehicle was an overmaintained, beautiful,garaged old man special. The owner encouraged me to contact the garage where it was serviced and they said "buy it".

 

[DAN V]

I am 5'11" 280 lbs. I was not aware of the huge steering wheel. I will check it out when I go look at it later.I have found some info online and I am not too fond of changing the oil every 2500 miles. Are the motor mounts easy to change if they need it?

 

[rscurtis]

I'm 6'3" and have plenty of room. Forget about the 2500 mile oil changes. Use a good oil, and 5K miles is no problem. The motor mounts are easy to do, but be careful of bootleg parts. Also, failure to change bad motor mounts will result in the failure of an oil cooler hose, and you don't want to know where that goes from here. www.peachparts.com has a helpful website and sells parts on line, as does www.mercedessource.com, who is located in Washington state. The hard-shifting auto is somewhat normal, it gets better as the car warms up. That issue was rectified in the '85 with the use of a different converter and taller axle ratio. The control system, however, is a little more complicated.

 

[Tractorat]

A buddy of mine had either an 83 or an 85 (I forgot which year). He is 6'8" and over 300 lbs. The steering wheel never gave him any problems. I think he may have had the seat moved back a little though.

 

[DAN V]

I'm 6'3" and have plenty of room. Forget about the 2500 mile oil changes. Use a good oil, and 5K miles is no problem. The motor mounts are easy to do, but be careful of bootleg parts. Also, failure to change bad motor mounts will result in the failure of an oil cooler hose, and you don't want to know where that goes from here. www.peachparts.com has a helpful website and sells parts on line, as does www.mercedessource.com, who is located in Washington state. The hard-shifting auto is somewhat normal, it gets better as the car warms up. That issue was rectified in the '85 with the use of a different converter and taller axle ratio. The control system, however, is a little more complicated.

I am aware of mercedessource.com and amazed as to how many videos and kits he has available. I stumbled across his website early this morning b4 I went to bed.Lots of helpful tips. Just looking/ thinking very heavy towards the MB due to the VW I have is too small for me. I would rather have a more comfortable car with less mpg than a gocart with more mpg.