Originally Posted by shertex

Have all the pics up at http://photobucket.com/mercedes300d. For some reason I can't get my four pics up on Craigslist....even though I made lower-res versions.

EDIT: Wouldn't work with IE 9, but got them up using Firefox.

Originally Posted by whunter

Where is the craigslist link to your sale ?

Originally Posted by sixto

I realize a seller is entitled to an opinion but statements like this -

"What I love about these cars is that they represent the perfect balance between the reliability of the old and the refinement of the new. Later models had numerous quality control problems; old models lacked the technological refinement and the comfort. These early 90's diesels are, in the estimation of many, something of a sweet spot in the Mercedes product line. Very, very desirable automobiles. "

- can alienate prospective buyers. And generally, the same can be said about any generation 300D.

Sixto
87 300D

Originally Posted by sixto

Oops, I edit the post after you responded.

Sixto
87 300D

Originally Posted by sixto

Any nibbles?

Sixto
87 300D

Originally Posted by shertex

1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D - $4750 (Barrington)
Date: 2011-10-20, 6:48PM EDT
Reply to: sale-umpbp-2660441090@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
FOR SALE
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D 2.5T
Almandinrot Metallic (MB Paint #512) with Black MB Tex Interior
Engine 602.962; Chassis 124.128; Transmission 722.418
VIN WDBEB28D7MB417028
Approximately 208,500 miles
A Wonderful Opportunity for the Mercedes Diesel Enthusiast!
A Classic E-Class Sedan with Character and Soul!
Well Maintained and in Great Condition!

Location: Near Providence, RI
Price: $4750
Contact David at 972.523.1743 or david at trinitypresri dot org for more information (NOTE: I'm not sure how fast and reliable the anonymized reply-to link is....best bet is to email me directly....thanks)


Photographs:

In addition to the photos below, go to Photobucket.com/Mercedes300D to view numerous high-resolution photos.

History, Condition, and Performance:

I have three cars exactly like this: this one, another 1991 300D, and a 1992 300D. They are all fabulous vehicles that are a joy to own and drive. I share the belief of many that the 602 is one of the best engines ever made. This car is a recent acquisition from an individual who loved the car but couldn't afford to fix a broken right spring perch. So I purchased the car, promptly fixed the perch, got the car back on the road, and am offering it for sale. (In case you're wondering, the left front spring perch is fine).

The interior and exterior are in excellent condition (there are the various minor imperfections, of course, that one would expect in a twenty year old car). The paint is particularly impressive, especially considering the age of the car. (The two exceptions are some minor damage below the right tail light assembly and a small area of paint bubbling by the left front wheel well. . .see photos). Even the hood pad is in perfect condition!

Some initial impressions: suspension is tight, boost is excellent, shifting is smooth, and braking is perfect. The car responds exactly as it is supposed to. (It helps to have the other two cars to compare it to.) Oil pressure is solid and stable, engine temperature stays right at 82C.

In addition to the many features that came standard, this vehicle has the following options: driver's orthopedic adjustable seatback, adjustable steering column, and anti-theft alarm system. Also, the block heater cord is installed; not that you would need it to start the car, but some people like to use it achieve cabin heat faster.

The air conditioning (R12) and the cruise control do not work.

Passed Massachusetts state inspection in November 2010.

Maintenance:

Based upon extensive conversation with the previous owner, visual inspection, and a number of receipts, I am confident that the vehicle has been very well maintained.

I note the following by way of particulars:

Oil changes every 3,000 miles using 15w40 diesel-rated oil
Coolant change Spring 2011
Transmission fluid and filter change at 202,000 miles
New flex discs (front and rear)
New fan clutch
New fan belt
New injectors (all five)
New glow plugs (all five)
New sway bar bushings
New shut-off valve
New upper radiator hose
New rear brakes
New front crankshaft seal
New lock tumbler (trust me, it's nice to have this repair behind you!)
Pioneer DEH-P4800MP stereo
Tires with significant tread life remaining

Comes with all original manuals and accessories and one set of keys (or two, if I find the set I misplaced).

All the available evidence certainly suggests that the previous owner was very conscientious and meticulous in his maintenance program. And the fact that a number of once-in-a-great-while maintenance items have been performed (fan clutch, flex discs, injectors, glow plugs, lock tumbler, front crankshaft seal) adds to the value of this vehicle, especially for the long-term owner.


Pricing

In my pricing I have attempted to take account of the fact that the car is in all-around excellent condition, has had quite a number of components replaced, but that a prospective buyer may want/need to address the air conditioning and, to a lesser extent, the cruise control. Neither the previous owner nor I know what the problem with the air conditioning is; he didn't seem to care about AC and never had it diagnosed. To state the obvious, the new owner can either get it up and running as an R12 system, convert to R134a, or live happily without AC. As to the cruise control, in all probability it's a bad amp that simply needs to be rebuilt or replaced; that's by far the most common cause. I can help the prospective buyer pursue cost-effective cruise control solutions if so desired as I have had a fair amount of experience with Mercedes cruise systems.

Why Am I Selling This Car?

This is a great car. . . but I already have two great 300D 2.5T's; I don't need three (or so says my wife. . .if I were a single guy who could accumulate Mercedes diesels at will, I would add it to the fleet without hesitation!). To be perfectly candid, I'm torn. . .I could make a good case for keeping this one and selling the 92 300D, which has comparable mileage. But, all things considered, this is the one I will be selling. So, while I am in no rush to sell, this car does need a new home.

What I love about these cars is that they represent the perfect balance between the reliability of the old and the refinement of the new. These early 90's diesels are, in the estimation of many, something of a sweet spot in the Mercedes product line. Very, very desirable automobiles.

Now is your chance to own one! So please email or call to ask questions or to schedule an appointment to see the vehicle in person.




Location: Barrington

Originally Posted by Junkman

A friend of mine put himself through school by scheduling several viewings at the same time. He'd let the 1st person look, keeping the others away. That would get a little competition going. He never went more that 2 or 3 showings.

Originally Posted by bigblockchev

I didn't see the photobucket pics in your ad , I am running firefox, did I miss something Cheers Dan

Originally Posted by vstech

that's a LOT of detail... I gotta agree with the wife... I'd shorten to the bullets, and remove all the conversation about the a/c