Good eye, BHD.

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

I'm not going to dispute the existence of shill bidding on eBay, as I'm sure it exists in some cases.

However, looking over the bid history, wouldn't this seem to be sort of unusual for a shill bid? Unless I'm reading it wrong (and somebody please correct me if I am), it was placed ~23 hours after the next highest bidder took the high bid spot, and only 25 seconds before the close. It was also quite a lot higher than what would have been visible as the high bid at the time. To me, that doesn't seem like a strategy for encouraging others to "bid it up".

In appearance, it's more like the sort of bid I might place if I were to wish to win an auction - bid once, bid one's true max, and bid as late in the auction as one feels comfortable.

Exactly.

I've been printing Ebay auctions of fine 240D's for a while, just in case I ever need documentation that *my* car is worth more than whatever measly crumbs the insurance company would offer, if it ever comes to that.

You never know...

- Patrick

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1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6

Take a look at the sedans interior. The vinyl covering on the inside of the doorframes isn't wrinkled up. That's impossible!!
BTW my car looks just like it, 'cept it's got palomino interior w/ wrinkled vinyl doorframe coverings. You know if I had money, and I had a lot of it, knowing what I know and feeling how I feel about these cars I'd buy it for 20k. Some people can spend that and not even feel it. And a lot of you have cars that would bring 7500-8000 on eBay no problem. One has to remember these cars are considered the best ever made and they don't make 'em anymore. So I don't think it's too crazy for someone to buy the cars at prices like that if they know what they want.
Still way cheaper than a new Tupperware car.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

I agree with a lot of what you say there. I've been involved in more than one discussion on the forum that involve the notion of "value", usually in the context of responding to someone who is holding forth about how some particular item is selling for "much more than it's worth". To quote myself from an old thread:

Shill bidding does exist. "Flake" bidders (of various flavors) do exist. Items are sometimes misrepresented, intentionally or otherwise. It's a tough job to comprehensively represent the condition of any used car, let alone one that's ~20 years old. The list goes on.

It's also the case, as you so aptly point out, that there are individuals out there who know what they want, and who have the financial resources to indulge those wants freely.

Watching from the outside, spectators such as us rarely know the "real stories" behind these cars and these auctions.

If these really are museum quality cars they are probably worth it. Look what you can buy in a modern car for the same amount of money. There is no comparison.

The insurance issue is very real. It is unfortunate that we are not free to drive the cars we want to drive and expect equal protection under the law. Someone should start a country where one set of laws applies equally to everyone. If you know of one, let me know.

I agree that the final bidder with ony one bid could not be a shill bid. What's the purpose except to auction the car again for the expected $20k.
I did however find it very amuseing that the prior 4 purchases on ebay were those Corgy pillows and a car cover.
The 85 wagon is next in 5 hours ...I still say $20k!!
It sure is a fine car....except for that lousy CA one year only trap oxidizer.

Just for the record...I asked the seller these questions during the last auction that closed at $16 on oscar night.
Question #1...Is it original paint on every single panel and is there anything at all that needs attention and could i drive and inspect the car?

Answer:Hi Larry,
Original paint in great shape. The picture on the right side shows a very minute paint chip at the rear wheel well. The car can be seen and driven on Sunday. Thanks for your interest and Good Luck.
Calimbz

Question #2...Has the trap oxidizer been changed by a dealer in the recall and are there any service records available to denote service history?

Answer:Hi,
The trap oxidizer was not updated and is covered as per the dealer. *All the books are there but no independed records. Several dealer services and the last service as per sticker on the door jam by an independed Mercades shop at 62K in 1995. Let me know when you want to see the car.
calimbz


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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4533456113&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

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1983 300TD White/Black
1986 560SL White/Palomino

I agree, it's addictive...

I've noticed a couple of local ads for wagons and they seem higher than sedans. Is there a greater demand for wagons?

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1984 300SD 148K Gold
1979 300SD 142K Cream
2001 Audi TT Roadster 60K
2005 Chevrolet 3500 13K

Another 1.5 year old thread resurected!

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

Yes.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine