1987 300td wagon....any particular issues to look for?
 

I am considering purchasing an 87 300td wagon from a neighbor. I am quite familiar with the w123 models and w124 gasses but not the w124 diesels. Any particular issues to look for?

I think it just turned 250k, automatic, cold a/c, newer tires and brakes.

Check the casting number on the driver side of the head (photos exist on this forum that'll show you where to look), see what vintage it is. The original #14 head was prone to crack if the engines cooling system was not kept in perfect working order and for some reason overheated. Open the radiator overflow tank and check for any oil (likely means a cracked head or head gasket). There is plenty of threads on this forum about what to look for on an om603. If the price is right, these are great cars! Good luck.


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One checkout test specific to a wagon:

With the engine off, open the tail gate. Sit on the tail gate. Preferably have 2 stout adults sit on the tail gate. With your feet on the ground, you should feel the car settle downward.

Have someone start the car. You should feel the car rise back up to level.

This car is identical to a late 80s 300D in front. Same engine. The only thing that is different is the dual circuit power steering pump and the hydraulic fluid tank for the leveling system.

The rear suspension is similar to the sedans. Instead of shocks you have the hydraulic cylinders for the self leveling system.

Check carefully the condition of the rubber ends of all the suspension links and the subframe to body mounts. Chances are they need to be replaced. If the links are worn and the car wallows like a 70's Cadillac they will need to be replaced. It is not a simple job nor cheap but if you have the skills and resources it will be a great riding car when you are done.

if its a #14 head don;t let that deter you from buying it. I have an '87 w/ #14 head and going on nearly 300K.
The main thing that is a deal breaker is rust, and Florida cars can have rust if near the ocean, the salt gets in and eats up the body, etc. O/W great wagon to have, I am looking for a 124 wagon on the W coast.
DDH

I am not certain what is meant by same engine, the '87 and a few '86 diesels were specific only with the OM603 engine supplied to America in those two years. Other '80s diesels used a cast iron head.
All said about the suspension is correct, if the seller has records showing what has been done in that area then you wise to check them over closely, because lots of $$ can be spent making the car ride properly and safely but worth it if you plan on keeping the car, the 124 is a great vehicle and last of the well made cars from Germany.

300D/300SD up to 1985 was the OM617 turbo
300D/300TD/300SD 1986-1987 was the OM603 turbo
300D2.5 1990-1993 was the OM602 turbo
E300D 1995 was the OM606 N/A
E300D 1996-1997 was the OM606 N/A
E300D 1998-1999 was the OM606 turbo

OM617 is Fe head, 5 cyl
OM603 is Al head, 6 cyl
OM602 is Al head, 5 cyl
OM606 is Al head, 6 cyl

In addition to checking that the SLS raises the rear, check it from below and make sure the struts aren't leaking. The struts cost $350 a side, so this isn't a trivial repair.

Diesel diehard is right, I didn't mean to imply if it has a #14 head that it should be avoided. I have a 300d with a #14 head and it runs cool and strong.

If you can, open either of the rear compartments and look at the tail light bulb holders, they tend to break easily (both of my wagons came that way). Also, both of mine were missing the electric antenna body panel cap. They are different from the sedan because they come up thru the body at a steep angle.


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There's an '87 300TD buyer's guide written by gsxr with commentary by Dr. Marshall Booth but I can't find it just now.

Are service records available?

Sixto
MB-less

It's on his website w124performance.com

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/articles/124.1x3_buying_tips.txt

I bought one a few months ago, some of the things on my list are tensioner pulley system (noticeable clacking sound at idle), SLS accumulators/reservoirs, sunroof and 1 rear window to be fixed, blower motor/CCU diagnosis and fix and some rust. Might sound daunting, but all of the how tos are here or referenced from here. FWIW, I'm not mechanic by any means, but with the many hints, tricks and pointers here I feel like I can save some $$ DIYing most of it.

Treetops

I think I am going to buy the w124 wagon :). Having been driving it the past couple of days and quite like the ride, the power and the a/c compared to my numerous w123 vehicles. It's going to make a nice daily driver.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/06/vavypu2y.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/06/ta3yneba.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/06/tehabeda.jpg

Very nice. Welcome to the club.

I pulled the trigger :). I have been driving this wagon now for about a week and it is a real pleasure. The power is great. Even though my 85 300td isn't a slug the difference is noticeable. All things considered the w124 is definitely a more refined ride overall, but there is a driver to car disconnect and less visceral experience compared to a w123. That's not a negative, just an observation. At times I can barely hear the engine and it almost feels like a gasser :)

The w124 seats are going to take a little while to get used to. One of the previous owners may have did an upgrade or fix to the driver seat. I say that because the bottom is very firm!

I do need to find a cargo cover and a few other bits to round out this wagon. I having it tinted out this week :). The Florida sun is brutal already and with all the windows on the wagon the greenhouse effect kicks in fast. It made a noticeable difference on my 85 wagon. I also want to find an armrest with the compartment and a solution for a cup holder.

Another thing, why is the passenger door mirror shorter. It looks funny and I wish it had more length from a safety stand point.

What have others used to rejuvenate the plastic/rubber trim pieces that have faded to grey?