1980 300TD possibility - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MikeTangas · #1 06-18-2011, 02:55 PM

I have been talking with the father-in-law of one of the guys at my station. He has a 1980 300 TD, non-turbo that is just taking up space and I am looking to get rid of my commuter Honda with almost 300K.

The current owner (2nd owner since 1985) and I just spent the better part of an hour talking on the phone. He will be emailing me pictures in the next day or so so I can get eyes on it before I get to see it. He lives about 1/2 to where I work so it will just be a matter of trying to coordinate my night shift with his life. Good thing he isn't in a hurry to sell and, according to the son-in-law, doesn't want it to go to just anyone.

What should I be looking for as a possible major issue with this car? Not expecting rust to be an issue as it is a California car from day one and the SLS, if so equipped should be similar to the system on my old 560SEL.

Can't wait for the pictures as I am starting to get the itch. At least this shouldn't be anything like my trying to rescue that 240D from the side of a barn a few years back

. Whunter knows that story.

leathermang · #2 06-18-2011, 03:03 PM

Hey Mike.... you know I have a soft spot in my heart for that style...and I have a spare engine here for the record....
but you need to look behind the battery compartment on the firewall no matter where it lived... as sometimes battery corrosion can eat plumb through there..
However... those things are fixable... you did not say what they were asking... not many left.... with non turbo... if trans goes... IN GOES the FIVE SPEED !! LOL

OH.. and that ' God's Country ' thing your family fell for visiting lately... ... it is going to be at least 105 here and the whole state is in severe drought...

MikeTangas · #3 06-18-2011, 03:28 PM

Thanks Greg, I will be sure to check behind & under the battery tray when I get to see it in person.

Shhhh...when talking about God's Country don't let my wife hear it gets hot

, she might change her mind. Actually, I've already told her it can range from hot to really stinking hot with humidity. But she is a fifth generation Californian who is ready to bail from the state and willing to come home with me. I just need to make sure it isn't right on the Rio or deep in the Valley. Most of the stations I am looking at are in the lower Hill Country, within an hour or so from San Antonio.

babyjames · #4 06-18-2011, 04:00 PM

Worst year for the 123 TD's, in my opinion. Chrysler-inspired climate controls, and the all vacuum transmission/throttle interface. Still a W123 wagon, mind, but I have owned at least two 1980's, and don't miss 'em. Sounds like this one has been taken care of, though - mine hadn't!

Jay.

leathermang · #5 06-18-2011, 04:08 PM

Being really hot is better than falling into the Pacific Ocean when it splits off....
How come you won't tell us what he is asking ?
LOL
Babyjames is probably on the money .. but with a non turbo the manual trans option is viable... and you can turn that other one into a simple type one AC... If you are here locally I will try to help...

MikeTangas · #6 06-18-2011, 05:21 PM

Well Greg, when I first heard about the TD the price was $2200. After pictures and putting eyes on it we'll see where negotiations go. Considering 123's have gotten outrageous in CA (where 300,000 mile plus examples bring $3,000+) I think it'll be just fine.

On the plus side, in my favor, this one isn't being advertised so I have little to no competition.

leathermang · #7 06-18-2011, 06:19 PM

Having a car you can work on can save you that in one year....

MikeTangas · #8 06-18-2011, 08:35 PM

Well, I just received a couple pictures from the owner. Car looks to be in pretty decent shape. I'll get eyes on it when we can coordinate to meet up.

Looks good, don't you think?

leathermang · #9 06-18-2011, 09:05 PM

I just accessed the California vehicle records division and got his name from the license plate registration.... I will see him before you get to him..
LOLOL

layback40 · #10 06-18-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

I just accessed the California vehicle records division and got his name from the license plate registration.... I will see him before you get to him..
LOLOL

Be nice Greg !!

It looks good. Cant see if it has dash cracks.

leathermang · #11 06-18-2011, 10:40 PM

Well, of course I would reject it if the dash has cracks....

babyjames · #12 06-19-2011, 01:12 AM

I think the dash is sporting a combover. Looks like the Plain Jane option package my 1st '80 had: no sunroof and no split rear seat. Appears to be a real nice car, though. I often wish I hadn't sold my '79 wagon. That was such a great car! Serving a good friend's family, now, so I still get to work on it every now-and-then.

The '87 is a great car, too, but the plastic, on the interior in particular, just isn't as good. Every time I haul a carload of kids around I have to worry about something getting broken. The W123 interiors are bomber!

Jay

turbozeke418 · #13 06-19-2011, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Being really hot is better than falling into the Pacific Ocean when it splits off....
How come you won't tell us what he is asking ?
LOL
Babyjames is probably on the money .. but with a non turbo the manual trans option is viable... and you can turn that other one into a simple type one AC... If you are here locally I will try to help...

If you could send me a link or PM me about the AC I'd appreciate it. None of my AC heat etc works unless I put on the defroster and thats hot air. I'd love to find a way to have the AC work again.

I have a 1980 and I love it. Of course it was my grandfathers and they gave it to me when he passed away 2 years ago so I have a soft spot for it. The non turbo is rather slow but in about 40 seconds you could be cruising easily at around 85 on the interstate. I live in NJ and there is a lot of rust on the bottom. The entire rear spare tire well is GONE. Just the cover and under you see the pavement.

leathermang · #14 06-19-2011, 06:54 AM

BabyJames... NO SUNROOF means on less places to have water leaks !!!
Check the archives for all the problems MB sunroofs CAN have... make life simpler by not having sunroofs !!! LOL
Split rear seat is a super deal... but can be bolted in from another one most probably.... JimmyL got the one out of my parts car for his... I do not think they were the same year...

leathermang · #15 06-19-2011, 07:02 AM

TurboZ.. sent PM about AC...
but you need to address that hole in the floor... you do not want to be sucking up CO in any amount whatsoever... and their is the potential for that...