Built to last
So far, I've only had the Mercedes for about 4 months, nothing has gone wrong.
It's a true tank to drive; reliable, slow, heavy, noisy,... but I love it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st June, 2005
Comfortable, svelte, athletic and extremely economical, the Mercedes Benz 300d is an excellent car
The ball joints and tires had to be replaced at 130 thousand miles. Additionally, a full alignment was called for.
The brake pads needed to be replaced at 132 thousand miles.
The alternator needed to be replaced at approximately 140 thousand miles.
An exhaust component, between the manifold and catalytic converter, had to be replaced at 151 thousand miles.
The two fuel filters needed to be replaced at 152 thousand miles.
The original Webasto sunroof had failed before my ownership.
512 miles on one tank of diesel fuel.
Slow yet steady, it has yet to fail me.
The wide, comfortable cabin is supported by excellent materials.
The dashboard is very ergonomically correct, yet the radio is placed rather low.
The wide diameter, thick, steering wheel is a refreshing departure for a car.
The antiquated seat architecture (springs and horsehair) has caused the passenger's to cave in. The remaining four positions are remarkably comfortable.
The excellent chassis is let down by the less than robust engine. This car handles well, and is very steady on the interstate.
Cruising at eighty miles per hour is possible, yet somewhat taxing on the car, after hours of use.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th May, 2005
Solid, tank-like. Buy one in good shape and take care of it if you like it!
Needed overhaul of suspension, ball joints, rear axles.
Also needed air filter box bushings.
Some other things I have replaced because I wanted to. About $3600 total, but that is just because I wanted to restore things.
Quite powerful and has torque.
Abundant creature comforts for the vintage.
I love the manual sunroof, it's large and easy to operate. I love manual controls.
Everything works except lower door locks. All other vacuum mediated systems are fine!
I am putting Bosch European headlight on it cause the original lights are old.
Silver is a great color. The interior is an nearly immaculate blue and it's growing on me.
My bearded collie loves this car!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd February, 2005
Built like a tank!
Needed new axles and ball joints and general going through.
Simply the most reliable and economical car I have had. I spend the money and money too take care of it. It's a west coast car with NO rust. It has taken care of me!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th February, 2005
This sounds like my car exactly. An 83 300TD. I put the new ball joints and axles on this rustfree car and I love it!!!
How much did the new ball joints and axles set you back? I think my 1985 300 TD might need some rear suspension work as well... Ouch.
We purchased a 1983 300TD in 2006, 158k miles. Rustproofed when new with receipts. Previous owner had over $12k in mechanical repairs and restoration. We've done another $8k in restoration while adding 27k miles. She rides like a dream and solid as a tank. She won't win any autocrosses, but I love her!
29th Aug 2006, 13:28
I have owned my benz for the last 2 years. When I bought it, it had 220K miles on it. It now has 287,000 and the engine still runs like new. Change oil every three thousand miles. Make sure the oil is multi grade and for diesel engine. On the highway, make sure you do not over rub the engine. Drive it between 60 and 75 miles per hour. Over 80, will over rub your engine. Most of the wear on engine (80%) comes from the first and 2nd gear. In the morning, make sure the engine worms a little bit before you take off.. Great German engineering and diesel engine will keep you going with the proper maintenance. Take care of it.