Mercedes-Benz : 300-Series 1981 300TD Turbo Diesel

organicfuel · May 8th, 2003, 01:30

I noticed this car for sale on EBAY, and would like to know if it is possible to run on Bio-Diesel. Also it has 243000 Miles on. Does anyone know how long it might last? I am looking for a cheap solution to run a vehicle on Bio-Diesel so I can get rid of my gas Jeep.

dieseldorf · May 8th, 2003, 13:03

organic, is this a 300TD (wagon) or just a 300D (sedan)?

These beasts tend to rust, but depending upon its location, it might not be too bad. Yes, it will run without a problem on BD. I would strongly suggest a compression check before laying out any $$. Having owned Benz diesels, I can tell you they can and will nickel and dime you to death just like any other hi mileage European car. If you are not a perfectionist, this will be less of an issue since these cars can provide many miles of excellent service.

BiodieselCleveOH · May 8th, 2003, 14:53

Organic, a Mercedes can definitely cost you $$ in maintenance. I've had 3 of them over the years and can attest to the longevity and comfort, but there's no such thing as a cheap part or cheap repair. I have a 1981 VW Diesel pickup going up for sale in a week or two with 106K on it. It's a New Mexico truck, engine & tranny rebuilt at 85K, lots of new parts. Good value for $1500. It's been running just fine on biodiesel for the last year.

Derrel H Green · May 8th, 2003, 18:51

Ray,

Is that PU in good enough shape to make a trip to CA?

banzai · May 9th, 2003, 08:06

A totally beat, low in the back(bad air suspension)
messed up bumper
300TD wagon passed me on I95 in Saugus MA yesterday.
Car was moving along at a surprising clip with no smoke!

Parts are reasonable.....but parts break after 20+ years that last the life of mere mortal cars (trans mounts/heater fans/seat springs etc)
RUST is main killer of these cars- car can be rusted totally yet still have doors that shut perfectly!!!

Restored 1972 220 sedan to daily driver last summer email me to talk older MBz cars!!!

pharmerman · May 9th, 2003, 08:54

I believe the rear suspension on the W123 chassis MB is hydraulic, not air. Very prone to failure nonetheless, and one of the first things you want to check out...along with the vast vacuum system that controls everything from door locks to brakes.

flatfour · May 9th, 2003, 09:05

I believe just the wagons have the rear hydraulic suspension as a load assist/height adjust.I have an 81 sedan that runs fine with 245,000.Realistically I wouldn't want to depend on any car from the early 80's for daily transport.Later cars are more dependable in design almost irreguardless of mileage.Just my humble opinion of course.

banzai · May 9th, 2003, 09:41

Well the one I saw was hauling ace.....even in its obvious state of disregard and disrepair! (not one you want!)

I want stickshift gasser 220/115chassis

Larry Larson · May 9th, 2003, 15:52

I own an '85 300TD wagon. It is possible to run these cars on biodiesel. If you go above B20 you need to switch your fuel lines to Viton synthetic rubber, as well as the little hoses between the injectors, and the rubber parts near the fuel filler. Larry

dieseldorf · May 9th, 2003, 16:29

Quote:

If you go above B20 you need to switch your fuel lines to Viton synthetic rubber, as well as the little hoses between the injectors, and the rubber parts near the fuel filler.

The Wise Man will always <font color="red">upgrade</font> to viton when running bioDiesel...whether running a 300TD, a 300D, an E300D or a TDI...it's always prudent.

banzai · May 9th, 2003, 17:27

We upgraded our gasser's fuel line to new tubing/new hose-
things tend to gum up over the years.

Hose and stuff like that are consumables anyway- after 30 years gets fragile!