Faults:

Before I was the owner, it was sitting for quite a number of years in Jersey. Over the years there has been a unbelievable amount of rust build up, and the valves have not been adjusted until I did it myself. Its transmission is going because the owner before me used to tow with it.

General Comments:

A great car if you keep up with the basic maintenance. Since I've owned Azriel (that's her name) I've done quite a bit of work. Like new valves, got the block re honed and up to a 3.3 cylinder bore, forged everything. I'm still working on the rust, but I'm throwing a 240d manual transmission in it and putting it in a W126 wagon body.

This one of the best diesel cars/engines out there. I wouldn't own another car if I didn't have to since I live the Rockies and need a four wheel drive, so I am talking to engineers to make me a custom trans to make it 4x4.

Faults:

Trans was going when I bought it... lasted 2 years (and god knows how many prior to that) before finally losing 1st gear (mostly). If I idled it, it would move 1-2 mph, & reverse still worked, so at least I could move the car.

General Comments:

When I set out to purchase summer and winter vehicles, I did extensive research, which ultimately led me to arguably the most dependable American 4x4 (XJ Jeep Cherokee) and one of the most reliable cars ever built, the Mercedes 300D.

After changing out both fuel filters, cleaning the banjo bolt, and a couple of diesel purges, this baby runs like a champ! People who say these are slow must have been running clogged fuel filters or a tired turbo. While this car is by no means fast, but if I tromp the throttle, it scoots well for a heavy car with not a lot of HP.

Cannot imagine the non-turbo 300Ds (late 70s early 80s), 125 HP isn't great, but 80 HP would be downright scary!!

Excellent build quality. Iron block + iron head = 0 gasket issues & reliability. One of the very short list of vehicles that can withstand the brutal roads in Africa (and Michigan) and not fall apart. That really speaks volumes. Diesel is slow to warm up when it's cold, but it has excellent heat when it finally does. I have a great deal of fun when people ride my ass while driving... I hit the pedal and blow some smoke at them like a James Bond smoke screen! They usually drop WAY back or pass me, but any tailgating issue is quickly resolved :)

Parts are readily available, as over 2 million of these were produced. These were made to be taken apart, fixed, and put back together. Getting familiar with replacing fuel filters and doing the valve adjustment yourself will save you some $$$. No chintzy plastic clips holding door panels on. The doors sound like a bank vault when shut. These definitely have a soul.

Faults:

Nothing, I've done all the periodic maintenance: Changed the oil every 3000 miles, valves adjusted every 12,000 miles, etc.

General Comments:

I've owned the car (Elvira is her name) since she was new, in 1984. I've not replaced her because in my estimation, Mercedes has not built a better car since then.