This 1987 300D is relisted, after the reserve was lowered to $2862 and not sold! It was a 3-day listing. It was stated to have 151460 miles and looks nice. I think it is a good buy for $3K. I'm not associated with the seller in any way.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4596641129&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4602074259&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BID_IT

I'm a bit spooked by the brush-on paint job on the engine intake manifold and crossover pipe. First, you have to hope they used the right kind of paint, otherwise it might catch on fire. Secondly, what are they trying to cover up here?

If I were interested, I would send the seller a question - Is there any repaint work on the car? With just about any answer, you would then have the ability to inspect the car to verify the accuracy of their response. If not accurate, you can walk away.

The only other thing I can catch is the rust on the front lip of the body-colored section of the engine bay. This is not consistent with the rest of the car, particularly the front of the car under the headlights, that is always peppered with rocks.

So, my concern is mostly, "wreck and repair" or at least "repaint".

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

For $3K, it seems okay. The interior is pretty clean but the weird thing about the engine is how there's silver paint overspray on the valve cover gasket.

I wonder they painted the engine like that? Anyway if all they did was spray the valve cover then that isn't a big deal.

It looks pretty clean, the OE fuel filter is a good sign.

For $3k it looks like a good buy.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Dang, when is the last time you saw the netting on the seat backs in such good condition? While I'm not as fond of Tex over the look, feel and smell of leather, this interior including the wood is nearly flawless. So with the interior and exterior look looking so good and hopefully not needing much, if any, attention, you can put some aside for an eventual "head" etc. If original and free of rust its would seem a good deal for $3,000. If you get a couple of years without any major mechanical repairs, you'll have a sweat car. I must say that that is one of the largest reductions of a reserve I have seen, hopefully its not a ploy so some "shill bidding" can be done.

Also...under the hood may have suffered the UGLY condition of oxidation on the aluminum parts that my 300SDL did after sitting for a while. And rather than painting to "cover-up" anything they just wanted it to look better. I ultimately had it all sand blasted and powder coated.

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Mercedes Fleet:
2004 CL600 Designo Espresso SPORT
2004 S600 Designo Espresso SPORT/Lorinser Pkg.
1999 S320
1988 300TE
1972 280SEL 4.5
Diesel Fleet:
2014 GL350 Blutec
1987 300SDL Blk/Blk 4 place seating #18 head
1987 300SDL Smk Slv/Burgangy #17 head
1986 300SDL Blk Pearl/Palomino #14 head w/ 280K
1984 Lincoln Mark VII Fact BMW Turbo Diesel