where does this guy find these cars?

[yellowbenz]

Unbelievable if true. What do you guys think?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&item=320005851918&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT&rd=1

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual

[dieseldiehard]

Wow! that thing would bring best in its class at an Autoshow!
Pictures make me so sad! I've never see an interior that clean! Nad the engine was detailed to a TEE!
Depressing isn't it?

[yellowbenz]

Are these 300sd's from this era problematic beyond the servo control for HVAC? Is this ebay price inflation here or is this legitimate pricing for a car in this condition? Would an 80 model have the steel/rust issues from the often mentioned german steel strike that occurred in the late 70's?

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual latest issue-vacuum leak

[mikemover]

Originally Posted by yellowbenz

Are these 300sd's from this era problematic beyond the servo control for HVAC? Is this ebay price inflation here or is this legitimate pricing for a car in this condition? Would an 80 model have the steel/rust issues from the often mentioned german steel strike that occurred in the late 70's?

Kevin

Yes, it does have the notorious servo-controlled climate controls... but so did almost every other MB from the same era... it's really not that bad if you learn the system and DIY.

116-chassis cars are notorious for rusting, but this one is a CA car, and obviously well cared-for, so I am inclined to believe the seller's claim that there is no rust.

Otherwise, they have pretty much the same strengths and weaknesses as any 123-chassis diesel Mercedes from the same era... Same 617 engine, same transmission, many of the same brake and suspension parts....

The car is so low-mileage, and in such an obviously excellent condition, that I think the price is reasonable.

Also, being a 116-chassis car, it is far less common than the 123-chassis 300D cars. I'm glad I own a 116.... ...Although it's hardly as spotless as this one! As you can see in my signature, I also own two 123s... and I REALLY love my 123 wagon... but I find the 116 more enjoyable to drive than the other two.

Mike

If I didn't know better, I'd say those pictures were from 1980!

[dunl]

There is one hell of a wattage for lighting for those pictures....look for shadows and you will see what I mean.


Immaculate, though....immaculate.

[Boardmonger]

That guy has sold some of the nicest w123's I've seen on ebay. He sold a chocolate brown wagon, a nice 300d turbo in the same color, a beige 300d and now this one. All have been amazing looking and all have sold for very high prices. Pictures could make them look a little better but these are nice cars. He is in Newport Beach and there is a lot of money around there, so rich people with many cars such as these is a reality. With all that light in the pictures it really makes that interior look nice. I wish mine were that nice.

[MBeige]

He uses a fisheye lens, and grabs some nice shots. You would think his photography also cost a bit

[riethoven]

Originally Posted by MBeige

He uses a fisheye lens, and grabs some nice shots. You would think his photography also cost a bit

These photos look like they could have come out of the sales brochure! What a beautiful car. Look at the door jambs and fender wells. It looks like this car never saw rain!

[POS]

That shot right there makes me think the photo is not real, but on the hand it fits in with the other photos. Excellent presentation, excellent finds. Beautiful car.

[jshadows]

I agree on the photos. When I looked at them I thought definitely a professional photographer. There's a lot of sunlight around yet no reflections or glare in any of them.

Photos alone are worth a few bucks.

[MTUpower]

An obvious MB-tex repaint and use of a professional photoman. If you have three minimum wage earners working three days on this car alone you increase it's value far beyond the cost of labor. A good sales presentation as if the car was bought, treated, and looked like this it's whole life will sucker you into a higher bid. Not to mention ebay is notorious for shill bidding. I gotta laugh at those that buy these cars for hugh sums. check this thread:
Not sure any of those high-priced eBay MB's are actually sold...

[mikemover]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

An obvious MB-tex repaint and use of a professional photoman. If you have three minimum wage earners working three days on this car alone you increase it's value far beyond the cost of labor. A good sales presentation as if the car was bought, treated, and looked like this it's whole life will sucker you into a higher bid. Not to mention ebay is notorious for shill bidding. I gotta laugh at those that buy these cars for hugh sums. check this thread:
Not sure any of those high-priced eBay MB's are actually sold...

Have you stopped to consider that there might actually BE such nice, low-mileage vehicles available for sale from time to time?

I personally have seen a couple of very-low-mileage Mercedes diesels that looked this nice, IN PERSON.....

Not everyone is out to rip you off.

Mike

Of course, I would need to see it in person. The only thing that would concern me is the little rust spot that you can see near the door hinge in one photo. If I was trying to sell a car that clean, I would spend a few $100 to have it detailed, and have some good photos done. Everyone is always complaining about the crappy eBay photos where you can't see the actual car's condition.

What it is really worth is another question.

[Dana B.]

The photo was taken along the Back Bay in Newport Beach. Nothin' fake abou it.