Craig's list - 1987 Mercedes 300SDL - $750
 

1987 Mercedes 300SDL - $750

If I had the time I might think about it...

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/car/122125043.html

Damn why can't a cheap SDL ever show up near me!:(

i know!!! i wonder what is wrong.... some one diagnose so we can ramble on about cheap sdl's not being by us

I don't know I probably wouldn't try an fix it unless it was something cheap. I want parts I'd strip it for my SDL!:D


From his limited description I'd start by changing the fuel filters, and hooking up a remote fuel supply to it. Id guess a possible bad lift pump.

Still for $750 if it has an updated head that alone would be worth more.

damn grr err I could get that car running in a few days including shipping for any parts needed at my home shop. Too far away to drive there and try to fix in a parking lot. It would be mine now (5 minutes after clicking the link) if it was within a 2 hour drive. to fix and drive back.

"Nothing's more expensive than a cheap Mercedes..."
— unknown

FWIW Sybill, my SDL cost me $650. Started and ran, but had no power and the a/c didn't work. I snapped part of the throttle linkage back into place and that fixed the no power issue. Cost $0. It was missing the LR door panel...replacement $65 + shipping. LF window lift was OOC...replacement $45. She needed a new front tire...$90. Still missing the matching 15" alloy wheel for a spare. One of the rear axles was shot so I bought a pair of used ones on eBay...$120. I had to destroy the diffy vibraton isolator just to remove the diffy cover...replacement $35. The front end had terminal 'klunkies' so I purchased UCAs, LCA bushings, ball joints, guide rod bushings (front and back)....approximately $550. Had to saw off the top of one of the front shocks in order to remove it....one pair of KYB cheapos $90. Needed special tool to separate lower ball joint from LCA...$114. Also needed a short sledge, pickle fork and some assorted big-a** open ends to remove the nuts from the LCAs and ball joints....approx $75.

Cost so far? About $1800 and I still am not into the a/c or cleaning the interior and getting some sheepskins on the totally trashed front seats and sorting out the other three windows that don't work.

I predict that by the time this car is on the road as a my backup ride, I'll have invested at least $3K and it will still look like someone used to live in it.

Go figure.

True R Leo you can get them road worthy for little money. But thats all they really are, road worthy drivers. Now how much would it cost to bring that SDL back to 1987 condition with OE parts?

That $750 SDL is a beater at best or a parts car at worst.

I believe that it's effectively impossible to purchase and keep an SDL in excellent condition for anywhere near $3K. If you buy one for $3K or less, you certainly face $6K in parts and/or paint to get it to an "excellent condition".

If you buy one for $7K, with low mileage, you still face $3K in parts to get it to "excellent condition".

My new one, at $2K, offers the best hope for getting it to "excellent condition" for less than $6K. Mechanically it is excellent. However, the paint is old and the bumpers and wheels need replacement/recon.

They are expensive vehicles to own, unless you drive them as beaters. Personally, I can't think of owning an SDL as a beater..........but, that's just me.:o

Certainly.

I don't regret buying that SDL; I've learned a lot.

LOL - join the club. I have to say mine was inexpensive though. I think it was $50 more than this one listed.



If that one on CL was anywhere near, I'd go scoop it up. Sounds like the fuel system needs to be bled off to start off or the IP is bad (doubtful). Time will tell, I am sure one will pop up this year around here that isn't beat down like the Johnnie Walker Gold Label one. :)

To use Brians point, the seller of that SDL states that the paint is shot. So lets assume that whatever is wrong with it can be corrected for $250 for arguments sake.

Now you have a $1k car, I have only come accross a handfull of these things in which I couldn't pick out $2k worth of needed mechanical stuff. Usually a quick walk around is all that is needed.

So we are up to $3k. The seller states the paint is shot. Well for me I want my primary drivers to look presentable. So that statement right their means $3k-$5k will be needed to get the body into shape.

Now we have a $6k-$8k SDL.:D Granted it is a damn good car for $6k, more fun to drive then a 6 year old Camry.

got mine for $1250
 

and i have put thousands of miles on it so far, only changing the oil and fixing a cracked oil pan with jb weld.

cross your fingers.

87 300SDL, Klaus, 187k, $1250
a/c works, smokes alot, goes 100, gets 26mpg on B20.

Here's a RUNNING SDL for $1200 on CL in case someone wants to check it out (I would but Santa Rosa is pretty far from my home and I have no spare time):
http://www.craigslist.org/nby/car/122936154.html

Well there's another one. :)

Why are all the good cheap SDL's in another state!:D The only local SDL I know of for sale is a tired example that a used car lot wants $4,500 for.:rolleyes: Its worth maybe $1,500, although it isn't very rusty.

I tried to talk myself into the $2000 example in Dallas, but besides the fact I already have 16 vehicles and absolutley, positively, without a doubt, it goes without saying I dont NEED another vehicle :D I figured I rather put the $2000 into my 300SDL than have two of them.

I found a nice 350SDL that needs a motor up in MA, it was a GA car still titled there too.

No thanks two W126's is enough for now. That same lot has a needy 1995 S500 that I was looking at. I am a sucker for needy MB's.:rolleyes: I don't think I'd buy it though it needs a lot of work and he is asking to much. If he came dow to like $3k it would probably be worth it. The rear suspension is settling down so I figure $1k to correct that.

Where is it?? I'm a sucker for these things if the price is right.

Lemme find it again, it's NICE. White exterior with grey inside. :)

You sir, have a PM. As for me, I've got enough cash stashed away to snipe this '92 400E I found locally.

Thanks........a 400E........that ought to be a blast for you.:cool:

Looks poor! :( Clear coat is fading, needs one window, fog lamp covers, and that's about it. 181K on the ticker, body is still very straight, interior looks GREAT.

Hopefully it doesn't need that dreaded wiring harness. Well at least if it does I will not have to worry about it once I replace it. :) I've always liked the 400E.

Wow Brian your fleet is growing!!:D

Nah.......three is enough.......I'm not a fan of white M/B.

Besides, the new one is sitting in the cold, begging for attention.:o

Three is enough, sure!:D

You really should fix the SDL though before you get a fourth.

Well, it doesn't need much. Some odds and ends under the hood, the reserve light is always on, needs an ALDA tweak and a hood pad.

The main thing it needs is new bumpers, new paint and reconditioned wheels. A fair amount of change to spend there.

No, the silver one that is burning oil. That should be a fun problem to track down.


Well this summer we will see if we can't get a 2 for 1 deal getting our cars painted.:D

Ohh......yes.......do remind me........I've got to rebuild the turbo on that one.


Definitely.;)

You should try to rebuild the turbo yoruself, everyone says they are not that hard to do. Especially for you considering your work on jet engines.:cool:

At $345.00 for a rebuild by the professionals, you bet that I'm going to do it. Just need to find the KKK parts.

I have rebuilt 2 KKK turbo's one from an Audi 5000 and one from a Porche 930. Both were very easy but I cant remeber where we got the parts from.