well i think i got a bit "took." It's probably a wash, though.
I bought a 300D with 163k miles non-turbo STICK. I don't know how easy it is to find the manual tranny 300's, but I wanted one, i finally found it, and i got ahold of it. I made the deal with a guy in L.A. and didn't see it.. just talked about it. I know that's a mistake, but there was some issues with the transaction that made it take like 2 months (I really just wanted to finalize the deal- i know money only goes 1 direction, so i had to get ahold of some sheetmetal before it was out of style).
Anyways, it's a '81 300d w/ 163k.. for $2350. Seems like a good deal. The paint job is shot, the chrome is dead... and ther are some things that need serious attention (window track, brakes, etc.). Tires are funky, there's a small rust patch on the rear quarter, and 4 rust spots on the bottom of each window. The dash is cracked.
On the better side, the interior is superb (aside from the dash), suspension, engine, and tranny are excellent. The thing gets really really good mileage compared to my 300d turbo automatic (which is in keen shape for mileage). It's fast... faster than the 300d turbo 'cause the stick makes it faster where it counts (off the "line"). Most of the electrics work, but the ignition is a little "off", so you have to toy with it to get the stuff to work (but alas, they do). The a/c and heater work great, but some buttons are missing. The vehicle seems to be weatherproof (no leaks)
So if you think about it.. the thing is dead on if you don't mind looks, and fixing small dollar items (aside from the tires). Great fuel economy... It would be difficult to sell the way it appears... but what the heck..
ANyways i just wanted to get that off my chest.
I'll post some pictures of it soon, when i have a chance.
Sounds like my 81 300 D, except for the manual. Where’s the paint bad on your 81? On mine it’s the hood and roof. My interior is in good shape as well, with a crack-free dash none the less; but there is a worn patch on the driver's seat bolster. It’s a shame my car’s interior’s nice and the paint is bad. As long as it runs well never mind the looks.
I took it to the best German auto place in town. They gave it an inspection and a general clean bill of health. I'm really happy with it-- if i can find a painter I'll prep it in the summer and get it a new coat. I want to steal the good chrome off of my other MBZ.
I'm content. I have come to terms with the bad paint issue.
When i say bad.. i mean really really jacked up. Like it's weather worn on every panel. It looks like it has spent too much time in the desert. Anyways... i'm doing some minor adjustments and I want to first/foremost get this car to like 35mpg. I put the bridgestone tires on it that come with the Honda Civic Hybrid. It's getting me some great fuel economy. Once that is complete, it's getting a veggie oil "two tank" kit. More to come, including pictures, when i find the time! Oh so valuable these days.
main issue would be rust. if there is little/no rust then the re-spray will take of that cosmetic for u.
mileage is very good especially if highway.
pics would be helpful.
I'm very jealous! 300D with a manual? Is it a 4 or 5spd? I'd love an opportunity to dump the automatic in mine, and swap to a stick shift. The last 240D I drove with a manual seemed a lot more peppy (especially in city traffic) than my automatic 300D. I'd also love having one less item on my car that runs on vacuum.
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