I agree- the book value (no matter which one) is basically irrelevant when it comes to deciding what an old diesel is worth. I have seen quite a bit of regional variation, too, along with the desirability factor of these cars, depending on condition, records, colors even.

Basically, it comes down to what you are willing to pay for what you want. After you have it checked out, of course.

For example, the 84 300TD that I bought almost 2 years ago with 150k on it (with third seat, leather interior, rare-ish colors, etc) was not cheap-

Cheaper was the 82 300D sedan I bought with only 119,000 on it, in hard to find black, because the sedans simply are not as rare and desirable as the wagons, even with less mileage etc.

Again, it comes down to what you will pay for what you want. I imagine a beater off a sketchy used car lot would be the only time you could use the book values accurately. For a late model car, M-B included, the books don't lie, but for cars this old, with such a following and reputation for longevity, the book values don't make much sense.

my $.02

JAS

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94 E320
71 350SL