I have the opportunity to buy a 1985 300CD for around $3,500. Mileage is around 250K, car looks almost new. Is the '85 the model year MB installed a different rear end ratio?

Other issues include AC recharge, but cruise works-as does all guages, windows, sunroof. Don't know about the transmission, tho.

Any advice on this model is appreciated.

Expect to send some $$$ to 'recharge' the AC. Price seems high to me but CD's command higher prices.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

If it is mint, has good records, and drives perfectly with most everything working, then the price is decent. Any flaws begin hacking away at the price though.

250k on the trans is pretty high if it is original. Mine died at 281k....they all go between 250k and 350k....depending on the type of driving.

The A/C issue would drop at least $500-1000 off the price IMHO.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

What rear-end ratio does this year model have? 2:88?

I believe so and the torque converter has a better or more appropiate stall speed for this car. The 84 and older turbo 123s had a 3.07 rear end I believe. Plus a different transmission valving if not other changes inside.

Given a 1984 and a 1985 123 type in identical condition. Okay, I know that senario in reality is not possible. I still would be willing to pay a small premium for the 1985.

2.88 is correct... I say try to get at or below 2500. A very important issue is NO rust. BTW, this may help you too:

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My Mercedes-Benz Homepage and W123 Owners Photo Gallery and W111/W112 Coupes & Convs Gallery
2005 Northeast GTG and 2005 Mid-Atlantic GTG and Summer '09 Central FL GTG on YouTube

Thanks guys for the info, especially the specifications, etc. Will see what happens during negitiations.

Ok which book did these photos come out of and where can I buy a copy?

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

Out of print since late 90's... try Amazon or Ebay. It's a very good reference book - covers euro & US versions.

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My Mercedes-Benz Homepage and W123 Owners Photo Gallery and W111/W112 Coupes & Convs Gallery
2005 Northeast GTG and 2005 Mid-Atlantic GTG and Summer '09 Central FL GTG on YouTube