[Cody Miller]

So my sister just bought a manual transmission 1977 Mercedes 240D off of a family friend. I think it has about 170,000 miles on it. The car had been in storage for about 18 years. The family friend bought it brand new, drove it for about 20 years and then it sat in storage. I was wondering what maintenance items we should look at doing. My thoughts were oil change, coolant change, fuel filter change, and maybe a transmission fluid change. What oil, oil filter, coolant, fuel filter, and transmission fluid would everyone recommend? What other things should we look at doing?

Thank-you in advance for the help!

 

[MBCAJUN]

Do a search on this site for recommended fluids and places to buy filters etc. Don't forget to check/change brake fluid when looking at brake lines, pads and calipers and drain gas in the tank if it was stored with some. The tires are 18 years old and I'm sure dry rotted (change). Post photos to generate interest in your car and you'll get lots of recommendations from people on this site. Welcome and good luck.

 

[240Dave]

First thing , if you plan on keeping the car more than a year, is to buy a service manual. They are available in book or DVD form from sellers like EBay.

W123 diesels were quite labor intensive and require 3000mi oil changes and annual cooling system flushes and brake bleeds. That is one reason they last so long.

My original owner, similar to yours, kept all maintenance records and spent more on maintenance than the purchase price. Do what you can yourself and find an independent mechanic for the rest.

Happy (slow) motoring.

 

[Forcedinduction]

require 3000mi oil changes and annual cooling system flushes and brake bleeds.

Incorrect.

5k miles, 5 years, bi-annual.

 

[luisg92]

Clean the fuel tank strainer and consider cleaning the tank as well. Old diesel gets jelly and clogs everything.

 

[luisg92]

Incorrect.

5k miles, 5 years, bi-annual.

Well, according to the owners manual, “the coolant should be checked for sufficient protection before the start of and during the cold season. Have the coolant replaced at least every three years” and the “Brake Fluid should be replaced annually, preferably in the spring”

 

[240Dave]

Incorrect.

5k miles, 5 years, bi-annual.

I don't care how you maintain you car.

My '78 240D service manual states 3000mi oil changes and annual brake fluid changes. I have every maintenance receipt since it was delivered in Newport Beach back in 1978 and they show the car went back to the dealer every 3000 miles for this maintenance. This maintenance schedule is the reason my 40 year old car is still running with every single component that was installed at the factory.

 

[Forcedinduction]

Well, according to the owners manual, “the coolant should be checked for sufficient protection before the start of and during the cold season. Have the coolant replaced at least every three years” and the “Brake Fluid should be replaced annually, preferably in the spring”

My '78 240D service manual states 3000mi oil changes and annual brake fluid changes.

The owners manual was written more than 32 years ago. Fluid technology has progressed drastically in just even the last 10 years so fluid recommendations are not applicable today.
The OM617 was put on the market the same year the first synthetic engine oil got API approval (1975, AMSOIL).
So by your logic we should never use synthetic oil....
3k miles is a myth and very wasteful.

Valvoline says G-05 is good for 5 years in automotive applications.
Mercedes amended their maintenance schedules for brake fluid to be changed every two years.

This maintenance schedule is the reason my 40 year old car is still running with every single component that was installed at the factory.

I sincerely hope you're not still driving on 40 year old CV axles and flex discs. Thats just dangerous.
I know you're not using a 40 year old battery.

 

[240Dave]

The owners manual was written more than 32 years ago. Fluid technology has progressed drastically in just even the last 10 years so fluid recommendations are not applicable today.
The OM617 was put on the market the same year the first synthetic engine oil got API approval (1975, AMSOIL).
So by your logic we should never use synthetic oil....
3k miles is a myth and very wasteful.

Valvoline says G-05 is good for 5 years in automotive applications.
Mercedes amended their maintenance schedules for brake fluid to be changed every two years.


I sincerely hope you're not still driving on 40 year old CV axles and flex discs. Thats just dangerous.
I know you're not using a 40 year old battery.

I said every single component. Items like tires, brake pads, brake discs, shocks, rubber brake lines, rubber bushing, BATTERY AND FLEX DISKS are considered consumables. Yes, I am still driving on my original CV axles along with my original alternator, PS pump, vacuum pump, brake pistons, rear end, transmission, engine, radio, AC system, dash, upholstery, and paint.

 

[cooljjay]

A 3k change is great to do when you first get a car and have no idea of the maintenance history. Oil needs to be changed say annual as well as mileage...Some people would keep the oil in for 4 years because they just went back n forth to the corner market....Doing 3k oil changes is a great way to clean out the engine....drive it hard, re check valves....dump oil...

But....

Once the engine is clear of gunk, 5k is when the changes should occur...