The lower motor incurred damage at 310 000 km.
Glow plug relay went at 274 000 km.
Engine did not start during cold weather, despite a good working block heater.
Engine smoked excessively in the morning.
This vehicle was supposed to last way over 300 000 km, especially since it was powered by a diesel. The poor compression, numerous vacuum leaks, etc., made it not worth the time or hassle.
You are being totally unreasonable.
The car had over a quarter of a million kilometers on it when you bought it. It's only going to survive that in good shape if it was well maintained by its previous owners and it doesn't sound as if it has been.
If you go to any diesel car built in 1983 you will find it will smoke a good deal when cold because diesel technology was not as advanced then as it is now!
Many 617 Mercedes diesel have passed one million miles. Mine gets 38 mpg hwy 46 mpg city. I would take her anywhere. Oil changes are critical.
As far as the new diesels with aluminum heads and blocks and electronics, NO THANKS. Mine will smoke them.
I agree with the other person, that the car was not properly maintained. My 1984 300SD is still going on the original engine, no overhaul or major engine work done. It has a little over 664,000 miles (over 1,068,000 km) and it's still going, 5 days a week. It has always been properly maintained, too. I did have to overhaul the transmission at 580,000 miles, but I didn't think that was all that bad!
I've driven these cars for years, and I've had more than a dozen of them. I have four of them right now. 1982 & 1984 300SD's, 1983 240D, and 1987 300D. They've all been good cars, because they have always been properly maintained.
Ignorance will kill ANY car, as will neglect and abuse.
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