Nice 1992 300SD on ebay - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

yellowbenz · #1 12-07-2006, 02:57 PM

Nice looking w140. New engine. Would this be the 3.5 liter? Would this be one to consider? Starting bid is a bit surprising.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-300-Series-Diesel-1992-Low-Miles-CLEAN_W0QQitemZ150068032184QQihZ005QQcategoryZ6330QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Kevin
1979 240D
1984 190D

BodhiBenz1987 · #2 12-07-2006, 03:05 PM

Yes, all W140 diesels are the 3.5 liter engine. This one does say that it was replaced with a factory rebuild at 136,396 miles ... but due to a cracked ("defective") head, not the dreaded bent rod. Description says the engine has 30k on it. I'm always wary, but if that's the truth, it's a pretty fresh animal. I'd still be worried about investing a lot of money into a 3.5er, but I'll admit it's based only on what I've been told, as I've never had experience with one. It's a nice-looking car, though. I adore the W140.

Eskimo · #3 12-07-2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowbenz

Starting bid is a bit surprising.

What do you find surprising about the starting bid?

yellowbenz · #4 12-07-2006, 07:04 PM

I think it's high given the history of this car and the 3.5l cars in general.

Kevin
1979 240D
1984 190D

Brian Carlton · #5 12-07-2006, 07:10 PM

If it has a replacement engine and all accessories are just about brand new, the vehicle would be a steal at $7500.

Apparently, he's selling it with a $7500. reserve and doesn't want to pay the fee for a reserve price auction.

It's not the smartest move in the world, as folks such as yourself, won't place the first bid due to the thought that it's "too high".

But, if the vehicle checks out........it's a veritable steal.........if you want a properly running W140.

The engine is always prone to bending a connecting rod.........although this engine should have the reinforced rods from the factory.

yellowbenz · #6 12-07-2006, 10:53 PM

I would agree it is a steal at 7500 but not if the new engine still risks catastrophic failure despite the upgraded rods. Then you have to budget 10,000? into the price of the car for this potential failure. Just doesn't make sense unless the upgrade makes this highly improbable. It's going to go for alot more than 7500, I'm sure. It is definitely a beautiful car.
Kevin
1979 240D
1984 190D

Brian Carlton · #7 12-07-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowbenz

I would agree it is a steal at 7500 but not if the new engine still risks catastrophic failure despite the upgraded rods.

This is one conclusion where there is currently no data, to my knowledge.

Mr. G · #8 12-07-2006, 11:17 PM

If the engine was replaced at 136K who's to say it is not the updated version with the stronger rods.

Considering the car is a 92 and the engine replacement milage occured at 4/5ths of the current mileage, the engine may not have been replaced until after 2000. When were the new engines with the updated rods made available? $15k certainly sounds like enough to purchase and install a factory engine.

The sellers are local to me. I will email them for more info. I may go look at it if the reserve is something I can afford. The way it is described, they make it sound like a $15k car (too rich for me).

Mr. G · #9 12-07-2006, 11:24 PM

Okay, I'm the first bidder. Of course my $7800 didn't make the reserve. We'll see how this plays out.

Eskimo · #10 12-07-2006, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Apparently, he's selling it with a $7500. reserve and doesn't want to pay the fee for a reserve price auction.

The auction does have a reserve.

BodhiBenz1987 · #11 12-07-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. G

If the engine was replaced at 136K who's to say it is not the updated version with the stronger rods.

Considering the car is a 92 and the engine replacement milage occured at 4/5ths of the current mileage, the engine may not have been replaced until after 2000. When were the new engines with the updated rods made available? $15k certainly sounds like enough to purchase and install a factory engine.

The sellers are local to me. I will email them for more info. I may go look at it if the reserve is something I can afford. The way it is described, they make it sound like a $15k car (too rich for me).

Is there fairly reliable data regarding the dependability of the newer engines? Or are there not enough on the road to really say whether their prone to rod-bending or not? If the 3.5 engine were less of a crapshoot I'd be willing to splurge on one of those cars sometime down the road. If the rebuilt ones are more robust, that's something to consider. But I don't know that many people who have one.

Mr. G · #12 12-07-2006, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

Is there fairly reliable data regarding the dependability of the newer engines? Or are there not enough on the road to really say whether their prone to rod-bending or not? If the 3.5 engine were less of a crapshoot I'd be willing to splurge on one of those cars sometime down the road. If the rebuilt ones are more robust, that's something to consider. But I don't know that many people who have one.

In my reading I have read that there have been at least two redesigns of the connecting rods. If I seriously consider this car, I will research it more and try to find out the date of the rebuild. The date stamp on the block will either be 91-92 indicating that it is the original block or a later date indicating that it was a replacement engine. If it was done at a dealer, records may be available.