87 300D Worth it, or is it just waitng for $ to be dumped into it?
 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=134775598&dealer_id=49015165&car_year=1987&make=MB&distance=0&lang=en&max_price=5000& model=300SDL&end_year=2006&min_price=&certified=&address=80301&search_type=both&advanced=&isp=y&star t_year=1981&cardist=1478

Pics here

Answers to my questions (it's not as long as it looks):

Owners:
Three owners, me , my father and a gentleman that works across the street.

How long owned:
5 years

How long ago trap oxidizer replaced:
2.5 years ago

Why so recently and not awhile ago:
Notice lack of acceleration, took to dealer, they replaced.

Does everything work, like power windows, lock, cruise, etc?
Yes, all controls work

Rust?
No rust

Original miles?
Showing 72k but the car has somewhere between 100 and 120k

Service records?
All service was done in house by the owners

Is that green anitfreeze I see?
Antifreeze that is in the car is labeled by the dealer as a usable replacement.

Why did you convert to R134?
New government regulation said you have to use the R134 now. I had it serviced, cleaned and the dryers replaced, it works quite nice.

What "big" items have been fixed or replaced?
Nothing of any "big'ness" has ever been replaced, the car runs like a top, so there is not reason.

How often do you change the oil, does it burn much/any between changes?
I change 3k and 5k, no it doesn't burn any oil between.

How does it drive?
Like it is on rails. Could use an alignment, it pulls slightly to the right, but nothing serious.

Why are you selling it?
It is a second car for me that I don't use. Well it was a second car for everyone who has owned it. Now I got married and my wife has a car so I just don't need this one.



Since "nothing" has really been replaced, would that mean I'd be doing it all? I think $5k may be a little too much. Torn seat, stained carpets, crack in dash, no records, but supposed low miles.

B

I'd pass just because of the torn seats and cracked dash. There are nicer examples to be found for only a bit more money. All old MB's are potential money pits, but they are cheaper than driving a new car and are very reliable if you keep on them. Routine maintenance is simple, inexpensive, but M U S T be performed lock clockwork. Early cylinder heads on the W124 have known weaknesses. Do a forum search to find the details. Bottom line is that a W124 can be an excellent value and reliable (and FUN - stellar driving cars) daily driver, but take the time to start with a really nice example first.

I emailed about this one over 1 year ago. After talking with the seller I wanted to run away... fast! Many things he told me didn't sound right and the huge dash cracks looked horrible. I agree.. there are better examples to be found!

Offer them $3K. If you get it for cheap it may be worth your time. RT

Service records?
All service was done in house by the owners
They did nothing, just drove it

Is that green anitfreeze I see?
Antifreeze that is in the car is labeled by the dealer as a usable replacement.
I don't know what to say, this answer should cover me.

What "big" items have been fixed or replaced?
Nothing of any "big'ness" has ever been replaced, the car runs like a top, so there is not reason.
Everything is 17 year old original MB, I don't want to fix anything.

Since "nothing" has really been replaced, would that mean I'd be doing it all? I think $5k may be a little too much. Torn seat, stained carpets, crack in dash, no records, but supposed low miles.

Yes this is what a "money pit" looks like. The odo is off, if their were service records you could figure out the mileage. Car could have 120k, 220k, 420k no body knows and I wouldn't trust the seller to tell you. The seller has used this car up and now wants to get rid of it and get something else. I would pass unless you could get it for $1k.

Wow, he's been trying to sell it for a year huh? Something is definetly wrong with it.

Thanks for the sanity check everyone, I need it from time to time. I get weary looking and my guard drops from time to time. :sleeping:

On to the next one that's probably a pile. But there is always hope!

Finding a nice MB is hard, but taking the time and money to find a good example is worth it.

Here is a 87 300D for 3500
 

Good points: no dash cracks, perfect interior, new timing chain, new radiator, new AC recharged with R134, I rebuilt the front end with new ball joints, brake calipers, struts and most of all Control Arm bushings and eccentric bolts, new tires, new battery, water pump, aux water pump and blower fan, new serpentine belt, new battery

Bad points: odometer frozen at 178K, rust on the front jacking points only, someone must have peeled the paint in that area once by jacking it using those points and surface rust started there

No interest, sometimes I think this is fate's way of my getting to keep the car
[IMG]http://mywebpages.comcast.net/snow7ice/300D87a.bmp[/IMG]

pls dont get me wrong, I'm not being a used car salesman...
 

This car is in very good shape. I took a lot of pride in my workmanship on the car. The reason I am selling it is I just never got used to driving it and lately I feel a bit goofy driving such a big nice car for my solo commutes to work.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

If I remember, Rick (I beleive it was Rick) and I were both interesed. We were just scared of the rust. And before I knew it, the thread about selling your car dissappeared. :eek:

Please see you private messages
 

Please see you private messages, I would like to drive down and see this car this weekend.

so is it for sale it isn't it?
 

My PM from you says, that you were going to weld the crack in the metal by the jack point and that you wereI believe Rick Miley wanted this thing. I'd contact him and see if he's still intrested. I'd like to see how the weld and rust removal job went.

I'd like to know if it is really for sale this time. :D

If makemelaugh doesn't pick it up, let us know.

B