Teach me about my Stuttgart Taxicab!
May 3, 2010 12:32 PM Subscribe
Just bought a 77 Mercedes 240d - my first Diesel... What should I know?
Just bought a 77 Mercedes 240d - my first Diesel... What should I know? Where can I find parts? Can anyone recommend a good affordable mechanic who knows these cars inside and out in West Seattle, or the greater Seattle area? Fill me in on all the arcana the owner of a 30+ year old diesel monstrosity should know...
Just bought a 77 Mercedes 240d - my first Diesel... What should I know? Where can I find parts? Can anyone recommend a good affordable mechanic who knows these cars inside and out in West Seattle, or the greater Seattle area? Fill me in on all the arcana the owner of a 30+ year old diesel monstrosity should know...
The Mercedes Benz forums are pretty useful, imo, as compared to most other car forums. They tend to have a good quality of enthusiasts that can answer questions.
Here is MBWorld and here is Benzworld. Asking questions on these forums should get you some good info on your specific car, and your specific locale.
posted by jabberjaw at 4:48 PM on May 3, 2010
Here is MBWorld and here is Benzworld. Asking questions on these forums should get you some good info on your specific car, and your specific locale.
posted by jabberjaw at 4:48 PM on May 3, 2010
OK. I have a real gem of a recommend for W. Sea. My mechanic has a small garage, is very old fashion in his approach to customers, explains things lucidly, never ever does unneeded work or overcharges. A gem of a guy. I think his shop has had some changes lately (e.g., lost his one dedicated young apprentice), and thus I hope he's still in business. I think he is, and I hope so, because I look forward to relying on him for years. So here goes:
It is Maestro Motors, on Fauntleroy just before the entrance to the approach to the bridge, next door to Diva Coffee Shop. His shop is very hard to actually turn into because of his unusual last-slice-of-commercial-space position, but it's worth figuring it out. Call Richard Reed, at 933-9351. Tell him Howie, with the white Subaru wagon recommended. If he does NOT know enough about this make and its unusual characteristics, he will NOT lead you on. If he thinks he ought not to work on it, he will guide you to a next step to take.
posted by yazi at 7:41 PM on May 3, 2010
It is Maestro Motors, on Fauntleroy just before the entrance to the approach to the bridge, next door to Diva Coffee Shop. His shop is very hard to actually turn into because of his unusual last-slice-of-commercial-space position, but it's worth figuring it out. Call Richard Reed, at 933-9351. Tell him Howie, with the white Subaru wagon recommended. If he does NOT know enough about this make and its unusual characteristics, he will NOT lead you on. If he thinks he ought not to work on it, he will guide you to a next step to take.
posted by yazi at 7:41 PM on May 3, 2010
Hi! 300D driver here.
This website is great: DieselGiant
You'll notice that the glowplug light is on the same amount of time no matter what temp the engine is; in the heat of summer you don't have to go the full warm-up period. If you just drove it, you can just start it again.
Change the oil and filters (fuel, too) often.
Beware trying to drive in the winter with summer grade diesel. It basically turns into candlewax in the depths of winter. Until I figured that out I had serious problems getting started.
Enjoy your Panzer!
posted by codswallop at 7:56 PM on May 3, 2010
This website is great: DieselGiant
You'll notice that the glowplug light is on the same amount of time no matter what temp the engine is; in the heat of summer you don't have to go the full warm-up period. If you just drove it, you can just start it again.
Change the oil and filters (fuel, too) often.
Beware trying to drive in the winter with summer grade diesel. It basically turns into candlewax in the depths of winter. Until I figured that out I had serious problems getting started.
Enjoy your Panzer!
posted by codswallop at 7:56 PM on May 3, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by No New Diamonds Please at 1:43 PM on May 3, 2010