How can I modify my 1980 Mercedes 240d to get a little more power. Great car but a little slow.?

Question

I recently bought a 1980 240d. I had a 1981 turbo 300sd, which was in my opinion great as far as power was concerned. This 240d is going to take some getting used to. It is just for in city use and short trips. Great condition just slow.

Answer 1

Not much you can do realistically. You might try using synthetic oil and putting in a K&N filter, and this might give you the illlusion of a little more throttle response. As my dad used to say "Son, you cannot polish a turd".

Answer 2

It's not impossible that you could fit a 300 Turbodiesel's turbo charger - but keep the pressure low, we're talking a smaller displacement here. I used to have a 200D when I lived in France - talk about slow, the 240 is a rocket ship by comparison, with its 72 HP (the 200D has 60 and claims to be a full-grown car!).
Funny thing is, if you get into driving it, you'll be learning the way of the 240, and you'll be able to swim along in traffic perfectly fine. It may be a heavy car for the small engine, but it has torque, and being a Merc, it will rev willingly, even if it feels reluctant (it isn't, that's just the accelerator spring).
Have fun with the car! Wish I still had mine.

Answer 3

Have a diesel mechanic check the injector timing, and ask him to adjust it for more performance. The injection is not only the fuel system, but the ignition system as well. So adjustments here can make very noticeable gains. At that point, a K&N filter, and free flowing exhuast and synthetic oil make sense. You may be surprised just how much performance is actually in that normally aspirated diesel. Of course this is assuming all the basics are correct to begin with, such as a good ring and valve seal, etc.

Answer 4

There's nothing you can do with that one, honestly. It's got a smaller engine than the SD does, and doesn't have a turbo like the SD does. It was built for economy and durability (with proper care, a million miles is totally possible on that motor) not for speed and acceleration.

Answer 5

You might want to change the transmission filter, and upgrade the fluid to Mobil 1 Synthetic...GREAT stuff...and about every two to three months, a half-quart of regular tranny fluid in the gas to clean up the injectors.

Answer 6

The 240 will always be a slug. But to make it perform at it's best, change the fuel filters. And if it has more than 200,000 miles, change the fuel injectors. Otherwise, it is what it is.

Answer 7

K&N Drop-in filter should help. Check tire pressure, make sure it's where it should be (look on the door frame). These were not speedy cars, but very nice and will last forever.