Thread: Looking at buying a disco tdi

A) anything with a VIN that is higher than SALL...MA081991 is a 300tdi.
Whilst the M code means model year 95, the actual day it was built can be as early as March 94, and import date on the compliance plate a couple of months after that.

as to

1. - the usual fix is to replace the ATF ( yes, the stuff auto's use - it's spec for that type of gearbox) with MTF or Syntrans ( do a search on those oils and R380 and you'll be able to read the bigger explanation). Said gearbox hates anything heavier than 80w. The early R380's do wear their 2nd syncro, but with better oil and some practice, you won't notice it, and the gearbox should last.

2. - find some documents to confirm when the belt was changed - again do a search on 'timing belt' and there is plenty of info as to what and how. The short story is when in doubt, give it a new one.


ps Shift point is usually 3000 rpm - 4000 is pushing it a bit hard. Max rpm is 4500. If you are changing at 3500 rpm, then the power is a bit down - which means some work required (If only maintenance - but at least you know it may need some time spent on it)

There is plenty of info on the 300tdi here if you read back through the posts, and a good buy is the workshop manuals on CD in the shop section .

Thanks for that.

It definitely had an MA in it, not sure of the numbers afterwards. I think build date was 7/94.

1. Ok, thanks for the tip. I will search the forums.

2. Yep that is my usual approach when in doubt too. The high km "first change" just struck me as very odd.

Re the shift point, I was only shifting high to test the engine and gear changes through the revs, and because the seller specifically mentioned the change noise.

Eli