Through a friend at work I have stumbled across a 1982 300CD Turbo. The car is in Great condition on the outside and pretty good condition for the interior (two heat damage cracks in seat). It has 119k miles. I am gathering that the 900$ price tag is a great deal. I am wondering what kind of problems I should look for once I buy it. Also is Maintenance expensive on this model if I need to fix a few things? As far as I know the only problem are the brakes needing to be "Blead"
Any Info appreciated.
Thanks,
-S
Through a friend at work I have stumbled across a 1982 300CD Turbo. The car is in Great condition on the outside and pretty good condition for the interior (two heat damage cracks in seat). It has 119k miles. I am gathering that the 900$ price tag is a great deal. I am wondering what kind of problems I should look for once I buy it. Also is Maintenance expensive on this model if I need to fix a few things? As far as I know the only problem are the brakes needing to be "Blead"
Any Info appreciated.
Thanks,
-S
You don't know how lucky you are. Maintenance is very inexpensive if you DIY. So are parts on line. Coupes are rare. You better buy it fast. Breaks are an easy bleed. I can think of many people who would be rushing to buy it even if the brakes are shot.
I have driven a 240D, about the same mpg as a 300D turbo for about 6 cents per mile when company was paying me 31 cents.
If you buy the car it will likely change your life,
in addition to creating a fatter wallet. My 300D Euro runs like new at 256K plus. You can't wear it out a Mercedes diesel.
I would suggest changing the brake fluid with DOT 4.
It should be done every three years or 36K. Germans like to change brake fluid, power steering fluid too.
All fluids in the car.
Run dont't work. If you list where it is before buying it, it will be gone. Sedans are just as good but do not sell quite as well, because of supply and demand.
Transmission is the weak point at $3500 RR a rebuilt one. I have done them around $100 from wrecks and salvage yards. Front end work can be pricey for labor.
Front end is quite sturdy though. $900 is a no loose price.
John Gregg
I just drove the car home last night so I could take it in for a pre-buy inspection this morning... I noticed a lot of problems right out of the driveway.
Screeching Noise while gassing
Nightime internal Lighting is dead
Odometer is stuck at 119xxx miles (He says actual mileage is ~130k.)
Turn Signals don't work
AC is dead
Radio works but LED is kaput
Car Lurches as it go's into 2nd gear
Seat has a few cracks on side that I noticed when I got in.
\/
Is this still a good deal for 900$? I was thinking worst case someone might be interested in buying it from for for 2k or so if the inspection turns up a few issues. What do you guys think?
The electrical problems don't sound that major. The radio will be replaced anyway. Compression test on the cylinders might be worthwhile. Rust? That would be the biggest problem.
[:D]
I sure second that. I was tempted to buy a non turbo
300CD, with interior that looks like dogs had been
fighting, front end shot, PO says trans is shot,
engine has severe blowby, just to get a straight
rust free 300CD body. Came by car in Dallas.
Have a 78 280CE in #2 condition quite fun with gas engine. Coupes can be fun and hold thier value.
John Gregg
Well as Ed says, the electrical is probably not major. Is the screeching a belt sound (like the AC or generator)?, if so also easy. Tranny lurching into 2nd could be several things, may require a filter + fluid change, or could be vacuum (time but not too much money). How easy does it start? When you open the oil cap, does it have a ton of blowby? How does it feel when rolling? Accident history? All these things will help you decide but for 900$ if the body is good and other things can be fixed, why not?????
Personally I don't think you should buy it........[:)]
Instead get the seller to ship i...
Personally I don't think you should buy it........[:)]
Instead get the seller to ship it over here. I’d kill for a 300CD coupe, for some reason we in the UK never got offered them[:(].
Although I've heard that they all had one major defect, something to do with the steering wheel being on the wrong side[?].
But seriously, none of the problems sound major and I would think a good service will sort most. The screeching is most likely just the fan belt and gearbox depends on how bad it's lurching. Most Merc autos don't change as smoothly as they could and 9 out of 10 times they just need fresh oil.
If you’re a confident DIY then I don't see any worries. If not find a good small local garage. Main dealers or specialists aren't really worth paying the extra for on a car like this as everything is just simple and straight forward.
P.S. If you don't buy it I might have to borrow my Nephews dingy, paddle across the Atlantic, and b!tch slap some sense into you[:D].
Re: Personally I don't think you should buy it........[:)]Instead get the seller to ship i
[quote]
Personally I don't think you should buy it........[:)]
Instead get the seller to ship it over here. I’d kill for a 300CD coupe, for some reason we in the UK never got offered them[:(].
Although I've heard that they all had one major defect, something to do with the steering wheel being on the wrong side[?].
What does it cost to ship a car from the USA to Europe?
My 300D euro spent it's first three years in Germany.
I pulled the Euro lights of a 116 that came from the East end of London, to South Africa to DFW at a local salvage yard. Wheel of course on the wrong side.
In Europe they get lots of good diesels of many makes and models. Mercedes diesels after 1985 really
command a premium in USA.
John Gregg
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