1980 300td vs 81-85 300td
 

I recently found a 1980 300td. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet will look at it tommorow. Am I mistaken is this model a n/a diesel? What are the pro's and cons of early td's versus later td's?

Thanks
Charlie

80's are usually (always?) n/a. Other than that there are no differences at all with later years. '85 had some slight engine modifications, but I think they are limited to placement of a few parts in the compartment, nothing major, and 99.9% of the parts are interchangable.

peace,
sam

The 1980 model won't have a turbo. MB put the turbo diesel engine in the 1981 300 TD (wagon) Then in 1982 they put it in the sedan. The TD does not stand for Turbo Diesel as most people think. It stands for touring diesel.

There are a few changes made in the later years. The window switches inbetween the seats are different. Early versions did not have the power passenger mirror option. The climate control on N/A versions is controlled via a vaccuum "junction box" near the passenger headlight. Turbos have a system less prone to failure. The turbo's have a larger oil cooler and different tranny. The N/A has a better air filter cover- it can be polished and will keep the shine. Of course the IP is different. N/A usually had a single second seat- no split seat- most turbo's had a 60/40 split fold down back seat. N/A's have clear fog lights- turbo's have yellow fogs. N/A's have a idle adjustment insdie the car, turbo's dont. '85's had a different rear diff ratio. I have both a '80 and a '82 wagon and prefer neither over the other- they are both great