10th Jan 2009, 10:59

I have a 1980 300SD with 277,000 miles. It runs and looks great. I just started having a glow plug problem. The dash light flashes after the car starts and goes off after a few minutes. It starts fine but I am concerned why they flash.

Also it is missing the chrome trim around the windshield, (anyone know where I could get that?)

3rd Feb 2009, 00:24

I have always been a fast American car guy, but came across this 84 Mercedes SD and just fell in love with the way it drove and looked... and what a car it is... I agree that you must look them over well and do the standard check list of things to get it all up to speed, but once you have done all of these things, you have a amazing car...

I run bio diesel in mine all over Los Angeles, and get many questions about the car... and am looking forward to America discovering the new diesel cars that will be coming out... let's not give any more money to the people that want to do us harm... Enjoy your car.

24th Feb 2009, 17:45

To the guy with flashing "Glow Plug Light". If the light on the dash is flashing it's because there is a problem with the glow plugs. Either you have, one or more that are burned out or one or more that are shorted, usually they burn out. To check them your going to need a test light or an ohm meter, both of which are available at any auto parts store. The test light method is way cheaper and does work quite well.

First, disconnect all the wires from the the glow plugs.

Second, connect the wire from the test light to the "plus" terminal of the cars battery. Then touch the probe the the engine block to see if the light is working.

Third, touch the probe to the very end of the 1st. glow plug, if the light comes on chances are that glow plug is good if the doesn't come on that glow plug is most likely burned out. Continue this test with the other 4.

Forth, when you go to remove the glow plugs be careful not break them off. They can get a carbon build up on them and sometimes they don't want to come out very easy. Carefully work them in and out and spray carburetor cleaner around the threads so the cleaner gets in there and loosens the carbon.

You can check the glow plugs out of the engine by simply hooking them to a car battery with jump wires. Hook the "negative" side to the body of the of the glow plug such as the hex area and attach the "plus" to the end where the wire goes. You may want to thread the nut on so you don't damage the threads. Caution, the end that goes into the engine will get red hot is just a few seconds, if the glow plug is good. Don't leave it hooked to the battery for more than a few seconds because you can burn them out.

26th Feb 2009, 16:20

Does anyone know where to get parts for the turbo chargers in the 1980 300SD's?

Also, a good place for other parts like weather stripping and such is www.rockauto.com. They seem to have everything but the turbo parts I need.

3rd Mar 2009, 07:38

1980 Mercedes Turbo. There is a web site called turbosandparts.com, it looks they mostly deal with VWs, but they do show a complete turbo for a Mercedes 300D for $350. You may want to contact them, maybe they can come up with a rebuild kit or parts for you.

I have a used turbo off a 1985 300TD station wagon that has about 140,000 miles on it. I have to warn you, they are different. I put an engine out of an 85 in my 80, and when I went to put the air cleaner on, it wouldn't fit so I ended up using the turbo from the 80. Where that "U" shaped plastic tube attaches to the turbo on the intake side of the turbo, that flange sits about an inch farther forward. As a result, the plastic piece hits the alternator, the exhaust side fit just fine. My 1980 is a California car, and that might have something to do with it too. I would willing to part with it, if you think you can use it.

1st Jan 2011, 13:42

I purchased a 1979 300sd 116/120 without the benefit the very helpful information I find here. The vehicle had 234000 miles, and appeared to have aged quite gracefully. I had no Mercedes background, and can by experience tell you the restoration process has a steep learning curve as mentioned in the preceding comments. I went through everything from wheel bearings, timing chain, A/C, cruise control to new seals on the moon roof and windshields. This car has the euro headlights, which have not seen on any other 79.

My $1500 car is now a $10,000 investment. The car is an absolute wonder. Very well done, if manufacturers have learned anything in the last 40 years, it's that people will spend good money for less. That being said, I am having a hard time fixing a value on the car.

10th Feb 2011, 11:06

I currently have a '00 Jetta TDI as my daily driver, it has 211K miles on it.

I found a 1980 300SD for sale with 170K miles on it. It was kept in a garage and appears to be in very good shape from the pictures. The seller has had it for the past 15 years and says that everything works but the heat fan. From the many pictures he showed me the car is absolutely beautiful.

How difficult is it to find parts to maintain these cars and would it be reliable as a daily driver after being garage kept for so long?

I appreciate all input and advice.

Thanks.

23rd Nov 2020, 03:53

Hello. I'm looking to buy one soon. How has yours been?

1st Aug 2023, 15:07

Try pelicanparts.com. It has MB, Porsche, and other car parts…

20th Dec 2023, 17:28

In restoring a rust free 1980 300 SD turbodiesel I experienced almost the same issues that others in the thread have. Working on weekends, it took me two years to sort it all out, but was driving it all the while. It was super reliable and delivered astounding fuel economy. Once fully restored, I moved on to other projects and sold the 300 SD to a neighbor. He wanted a safe car for transporting his kids, and two child seats appeared in the back seat.

The 300 SD had several owners after me and remains in excellent shape. It's been resprayed the original color, and looks sharp. All of the plastic lenses and surrounds have been replaced.