1989 300D 6 Cylinder with 5 manual trany

[lunatius]

Looking at purchasing this car, is imported from Germany, will it be difficult to get parts? I can't find this model on the online parts sources, it has 105 K miles and is in immaculate condition what would be a fair value??
Thanks
Leo

[sbaert]

If you bring this car into the US, the local MB dealer won't even look at it and they cannot even order parts for it unless the part is identical to the US version. There was no 6 cylinder diesel engine in the US bound W124s except for 1987 (OM603) and 1995 (OM606).

A classic example is the climate control system which is problematic in every single W124 made, all the US cars had a fully automatic system while 95+% of the Euro cars had a semi automatic system. The 2 systems have nothing in common other than they are supposed to perform the same function. So if your AC evaporator core goes south, chances are you may never be able to fix it unless you get another one from another identical Euro version car.

Also bear in mind that diesel fuel quality in the US is marginal at best. This means that unless the grey market car has at least 3 filters (fuel tank strainer, pre-filter, main filter) you are going to have major expensive injection pump & injector problems shortly after the car gets here.

Been there, done that way back in the 80s with the W123s.

[lunatius]

Thanks a lot, I guess I will not go for it, I will stay with my 190 D which I can still get parts, too bad a very nice looking machine
Leo

[jhodg5ck]

I can get any parts you need for that car...just need to know where to go!

That would be a Very sought after 124 to say the least!!!

Jonathan

[Zeitgeist]

If that were an OM603 with a turbo and a 5 speed, it would be extremely rare and yes, highly sought after. More than likely though, it's an NA OM603, which is nice, but not quite as compelling. ACC was an option in Europe, so if its a turbo, it could also be similarly optioned to the cars we got here in the North American market. It's definitely worth inquiring further.

[lunatius]

I know by talking to the guy it has manual windows power lock doors and the AC is just a push on/off, I didin't mention the car is in Canada so m I the guy says it uses same parts as the 1986 and shouldn't be a problem getting parts
Leo

[sbaert]

Manual windows might be a good thing as you won't have to worry about window regulators or switches going out.

I'm fairly sure that the Canadian bound W124s had the same equipment levels as the US, except for the km/h speedometer which was a regulatory requirement.

So as long as you see at least 2 fuel filters in the engine bay, and you use a fuel additive (due to ultra low sulfur fuel these days) with each fill up such as Red Line diesel fuel catalyst this might be worth a shot.

I would recommend you find yourself a source for the unique stuff like the climate control system for the day you need it. Jonathan said in a previous he can get anything you need.

I think the 5-speed is the same unit as the ones that came in the early M103 engined US bound W124s.

[lunatius]

I called and will be checking it tomorrow he is asking $8500 CA

[lunatius]

Saw the car, lots of vapor ? coming from the engine with the oil cap removed I think it is too much blow by, they claim it has only 100 K miles, asking too much money
Leo