My thoughts on the 1984 Mercedes 300D Turbo with the 3.0L Inline 5 cylinder engine, and 4 speed automatic transmission:
I’ve always wanted to drive or own an old Mercedes diesel. I love the way they look: the large yellow fog lights, the uninterrupted body line that stretches from the headlights to the tail lights, and the overall boxy shape that captures the 80s so well. Paired up with a 5 cylinder turbo charged diesel motor, the 300d seemed too unique to pass up.
Most people hear the word “Turbo” and think “wow that must mean the car is really fast!”. Well, no. The 300D is slow. Very slow. It might be the slowest car I’ve ever driven. I can grow a beard faster than this car can hit 100mph, and I can’t grow a beard. But if you buy this car for straight in performance, you’re either missing the point or can interpret numbers properly. The 300D is not meant for speed. It’s built to get you to your destination, while making other traffic goers ask “Did a dictator just pass me?”.
The 300D has presence. Parked or moving, it turns heads. It’s like a mink coat. Not everyone’s taste, but if you see someone wearing one you know they aren’t hurting for money or power. That’s an amazing feeling considered they can be found for around $2000. But the 300D can backup it’s presence. It can talk the talk while walking the walk. The 300D I reviewed had 195,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. That’s quite the number on factory stock parts. If the numbers don’t impress you, the build quality will. Again, never messed with, the doors still retain their solid “Thud” upon closing. Nothing rattles on the inside, and the seats don’t look like pulled pork sandwiches.
I loved the 300D. It’s a great looking car that gives the driver a good feeling, and that’s what it’s all about.
