Stevo

They are great cars. I have owned three over the years and with my track record will probably be tempted again if the perfect 240D comes along. (It is a sickness!) That said, It would have to be a 90-100 show car in order to justify $8500+.
The 123 coupes (300CD/280CE) have always brought much higher values than the 240D. Actually low milage clean documented 123 coupes can bring 9 -18K. Lastly, European 240Ds came with model badges but in europe it is common practice to remove them. I have heard it may be connected to the cost of tags. European car taxes/tags are based on the engine displacement (the larger the engine the more tax one has to pay).

Cheers
GP Gunhouse

1983 300D
1992 300D 2.5
1993 300D 2.5
1993 300CE
1995 E320W
1995 E300D