28th Nov 2004, 19:15
I love my '83 240d, too. I bought it about 4 years ago on eBay. I've sunk a fair amount of money into it, replacing parts that naturally would go in a car this age. It's amazing what a new set of McPherson struts will do for the ride, and my A/C is like an ice box. I've found a good mechanic (avoid the MB dealer and find a truck mechanic!), and it's now better than when I got it.
Yes, it requires patience on hills. I've come to appreciate that it makes me slow down, and be a more responsible driver and appreciate the scenery. My wife calls the 240d our donkey.
Our only problems have been caused by cold weather situations. I learned about anti-gel additive and glow plugs the hard way. I'm thinking about getting a block heater for ski trips.
If I can steer clear of those cell phone chatting maniacs, I hope to be driving it for many more years.
19th Jan 2008, 00:24
A tip that might be helpful for those who have problems, as I with the vacuum "do everything " system. My system leaks, but I hesitate to try to take it to bits;so to make sure there's enough vacuum in the reservoir, when I get into the car I operate the driver's side door lock, which seems to help to build up enough vacuum to keep things going for a while.
1st Mar 2011, 23:34
My 1983 Mer Benz 240d has a clutch fluid leak under the dash by the clutch pedal, doesn't look like a easy fix to me?
Other than that I like the car, wish I had bought an automatic.
8th Apr 2011, 18:22
I have just purchased a 1983 240D. This car in no way deserves the antique tag I will affix to it. This is a classy ride that needs a little tender loving car. I cannot believe I got this Benz for $700.00. I am totally blown away by this price. It has a mere 148k miles on it. Do you have any idea what the original base sticker price was for this automobile?
Thanks. J.R.
4th May 2011, 06:19
I purchased a 1983 240d about a month ago. I will pick up the vehicle in two weeks.
My first drive will be a 500 mile trek from TN to Shreveport, LA. I am proud to say that I paid $700 for a car that appears to be in good shape. My mom purchased this car to resell but sold it to me with no profit because I admired it so. Way to go mom.
Thank you...
31st May 2011, 23:03
I inherited the 1983 Merc 240D from the original owner who purchased it for about $20k at the beginning of 1983. He has not had anything wrong with the vehicle and not one accident. The paint still shines!
22nd Jul 2011, 14:41
Could it be the oil gauge? Mine leaked onto the driver's floor at the foot pedals, and made a mess.
19th Sep 2011, 10:38
Yes, the car was originally just a little over $25,000. My father bought my 240 D new in 1984, got bored with it in 1991, and I have driven it ever since.
It's a 4-speed. I've never done anything to it except change the oil every 3 months and replace things that have worn out. The body is in great condition. It could use some TLC on the interior to make it as plush and quiet as it used to be.
I haven't had a car payment in 19 years, but I admit, every once in a while I get very frustrated and tired, trying to keep up with other drivers, until I hit fourth gear. Sometimes where it makes me feel like I could be in a bit of danger not being able to get out of other people's way. The car is worth its weight in gold, but I find myself wanting a beat-up old pick-up truck with a V-8 so I could bash the crap out of all the assholes on the road.
1st Feb 2004, 00:45
I love my 1982 Mercedes 240D. Have not driven my new car since I got the Mercedes. Such a comfortable ride. At over 200,000 miles the only complaints I have are it's sluggishness, the vacuum problem with the door locks and shut off. (Someone told me a vacuum leak would also contribute to the sluggishness, do not know if this is true) and the sunroof motor that needs manual help, a real pain in a sudden storm.
Though I annoy people merging at incredibly low speeds, once It gets going it really wants to move. One exception to that is mountain driving where it does very poorly.
I will drive this car till it dies, if it ever does.
Michaeljfo@yahoo.com.