I'll be looking at a 79 300CD this Friday with hopes of adding to my garage. Any common problems with that model I should look for and or Avoid.

Thanks

The two areas to look out for are rust (don't even consider a rusty car) and the primitive climate control system in that car. Do a search of evil climate control servo.

No turbo problems ever reported. The transmission may be a weaker model than the newer ones. I am not sure when they were upgraded. Perhaps when the turbo was introduced in 81.

Car not factory rustproofed as well as later versions of 123s either I understand. If generally in good condition and price fair for what it is I would still not pass it by.

The rear end ratio like my 77 300d may be a little fast compared to the turbo models as well. They tend to rev up on the highway in my opinion. My 77 sure does. Does not scream at you as bad as my 240ds but you know it is a high ratio rear end. The notorious earlier climate control can really cost if out of service as mentioned.

I hear there's a bracket in the rear window mechanism that's prone to breaking in a difficult to repair way.

Sixto
87 300D

If I were looking for a W123 300D300CD, I'd only consider getting a 82 and up turbo version.

Noticably more power, same mileage, smoother car. Not to mention the better body quality, newer - so less wear and tear.

It would take a remarkable condition/mileage/deal to convince me to buy an earlier non-turbo.

I've owned a number of W123s, and the 82-85 turbodiesel is my favorite.

(And yes, I know the 300TD had a turbo starting in 1981.)

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

the glow plugs are serial large body, and the relay is hard to get to under the dashboard.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I have a 1980, and problems I've had are the Servo climate control breaking, back two windows only go down half way, more expensive coupe-specific parts like window seals are common problems. Rear defroster is delaminated/non-working. I don't find non-turbos underpowered, mine can get up to highway speeds fine, and it will move when motivated. A 1979 will have the older style interior with the different grain dashboard, different wood paneling, cool pointy headrests.

My suggestion, of course, is to find a newer Turbo one, but Coupes can be more expensive than sedans most of the time. Definitely don't buy a rusty one if you plan to keep it.

The climate control isn't primitive... It's over-engineered and a neat thing when working correctly. (Just spend hundreds of dollars to have it work though)

__________________
1980 240d
1999 SL500

oh yeah, LOUD on the freeway above 65Mph

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!