85 300D Euro vs. US diffs?

The number one thing you should worry about with a Euro model is rust and it can be hidden and bad! I have never seen a Euro model without rust unless it was shipped out of the country when new. Recommend you read my Diesel Buyers Guide before purchasing a used Mercedes.

For one thing the Euro 300D lacked a turbocharger. Also, many came without A/C and had it retrofitted when imported to the states. The aftermarket A/C on my '83 Euro works better than most OE units. Also, my car lacks all of the emissions control devices found on US spec cars. European cars also have a taller final drive ratio as the US rear ends were geared for a 55 MPH national speed limit. I cruise happily at 85MPH whereas my buddy's 82 US spec 300SD sounds like it's redlined by 75 or 80. I do have minor rust under my rear window seal above the trunk (doesn't leak yet). I also have a hole behind my driver's side hood hinge that was caused by years of leaves and dirt blocking the drain under the hinge, this condition can cause water to leak into the driver's footwell above the dead-pedal.

check and see if it's a US spec model. Maybe he meant he picked it up in Germany as a US pec model