Because TWO Is Never Enough
 

Well, having learned the pros and cons of owning a pair of 240Ds, I thought it might be nice to have a 300D with manual heat & AC, and a stickshift. Also reading about the hassles involved in converting a USA 300D, I decided that it might be better to try and find a decent grey-market example. Now that I got through the hassle of registering a grey-market car in Virgina (See my post on 'Open Discussion), I'm happy to report the aqusition of a 1984 Euro 300TD non-turbo, 60-40 split rear-bench, third-row seat, manual heat-AC and factory 5-speed manual tranny. Compared to my pair of 240Ds, it has minimal rust, the engine doesn't scream in my eardrums at highway speeds, and the AC works! It has a new exhaust system, new tires, new brakes all-round and (the PO claimed) a recent clutch. It also came with a German trailer hitch.
Unfortunately, both Euro headlamps had cracked lenses, so I had to install my spare set of Pick-N-Pull US headlamp assemblies to get through VA state-inspection. I may try to get new Euro-lenses later. Hope to make it to the N. VA April GTG next weekend. Wish me luck.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Congratulations!

You're well on the way to catching me. Purchased 16 mb diesels since April 2001 although some were parts cars.

-diesel don

Oohhhh 5 speed! Sounds like a nice car with all of the sought after options.

current pace
 

Hi diesel don.

My wife is hoping I slow down my pace. Called about an 82 300TD today but its a haul away from where I live.......and there's a 300SDL sitting abandon a LOT closer.:D Yes, the cars in my signature are since March, 2007.

Actually, I purchased 'Beirut Taxi' my second 240D, as a possible parts-car to convert 'Miss Diesel' my nicer-looking first 240D to a stick-shift, but Beirut Taxi runs and drives so well I couldn't bring myself to gut her, so I patched the rusty floors & sills and wound up driving her instead (See 'Mid Atlantic GTG Outer Banks' on this forum) In the past few years I've disposed of 4 cars, but now with the wagon added, I'm back up to where I was. At some point I should really think about selling one of the 240Ds. Meanwhile, I'd like to name my latest diesel. So far the best I've come up with is 'Das Shnitzel-Wagen'!

Happy Motoring, Mark

I favor the name "Holy Grail".

Rick

Good one. Now I feel better about what I paid for my Wonder-Wagon!

Happy Motoring, Mark

Mark, definitely bring that to the GTG, I'd love to see it. I'll be bringing Alex as usual.
And I'd agree, two is never enough.

Well, I had a job this morning and was going to get the Wonder Wagon inspected this afternoon, but decided to fix the non-opening tailgate first. It took several hours and R & R of the latch assembly at least a dozen times until I figured out the right combination of adjustments & modifications to allow the locking mechanisim to release it's death-grip on the tailgate latch. Basically, the outside button was constantly pressing on the latch release lever, causing an interlock to prevent either the inside lock button or the outside lock cylinder from unlocking the tailgate. Inspection tommorrow!

Happy Motoring, Mark

So where are the picures anyway? :mad: :D

Well, my computer is dead, and the WebTV I'm using has no picture-posting capability, but perhaps someone will take and post some photos at the April GTG this Saturday.
Meanwhile, try to imagine an ivory Euro W123 TD with red interior, Bundt rims, US front bumper, US headlights, Euro rear bumper, German trailer hitch, and some visible rust on the rear wheel arches.

Happy Motoring, Mark

here's my list
 

starting december 2005

1. Klaus 87 300SDL
2. Ilsa 87 300TD
3. Greta 82 240D
4. Elfie 87 190D 2.5Turbo
5. Ishmelda 81 Nissan Maxima Wagon Diesel
6. Berta 99 E320 4matic Wagon
7. Zelda 87 300TD
8. Buttercup 84 190D 5speed
9. Flossie 66 200D
10. Blaushozen 72 220D
11. Scab 75 300D
12. Die Tortuga 79 300TD Euro 4speed

i'm going to my support group now. :P

Mark, I'll be taking lots of pics. I'll post some up. Probably wont get to it til Monday though.
Pitansk, I'm down to 3 now, and will soon be down to 1.. I've fallen off the pace.

Well, in addition to my three diesels, I have four Benz gassers - a Ponton 180, Fintail 220S, and a w114 250 sedan and 250C coupe, though the Ponton and the 250 sedan are unlikely to ever be driven again.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Mark,

Don't forget your other OEL Burner !!!