How do you value 300SDL with #22 head?
 

I am selling my Daily Driver. It is a good running car with #22 head. A/C work, converted to R134a. Keyless remote entry. Cruise control does not work. Crack passenger side windshield on the far right so it does not affect visibility so to speak.

The car spent most of its life in Malibu, CA. There is no structural rust but a little surface rust. It needs some TLC but can be done slowly. What is fair value?

More important than us knowing it has the #22 head (even though that is a nice plus) whats the mileage? Mileage is everything.
if it has 130K, its gonna be worth substantialy more than if it has 310K:rolleyes:
cant really start thowing out numbers that would be relivant until we know the whole picture. Also, you mentioned minor surface rust, Where???
How is the paint? How is the leather? does the sunroof work? do you have past maintenance records? this all will affect the price when selling a classic MB.
Help us fill in the blanks and we would all be glad to try and help you

It has 290K miles. The front driver seat cushion is shot. Passenger seat is OK. There are a few minor rust spots but all have been treated and repainted with matching color. There is no record to speak of and please assume it is in fair condition but decent. I have high standard for DD so it can be driven anywhere.

Best day of the week with the wind blowing south and the perfect buyer, all the older 80s diesel sedans, unless they're sub 10K miles, don't seem to command any more than 5K any more, typically less with a base value of 2.5K for anything that's not all ratted out. Those years have fallen into the abyss of just another old benz that isn't collectable yet.

You've got the CA thing working for you, but the market range is really limited, IMHO.

I agree. I'm having trouble selling my 84 300SD with 201K miles and in very good mechanical and cosmetic shape (it's listed in the classifieds, on eBay and on Craigslist for $7,500). I just can't bear to let it go for $5K.

For your SDL, I just purchased an 86 with 98K miles, original owner, binder full of service records, garaged since new, etc., for $10K. My opinion on your car would be to try for $5K and unfortunately be prepared to accept offers for less. SoCal does not seem to have a very high demand for old MB diesels right now.

the head is worth a grand, not a bump in value above the price, but a grand.
everything else is important too, to determine the value.
I'd guess it all depends on where you are selling it.
CA does seem to rate the MB diesels pretty high. around here, that would be a 2.5K vehicle. IF the "minor" rust is indeed minor.
I got my 87 SDL for around 1500 (there was trading involved... not sure of the total price) and it had under 250K.

3k is what I had in mind

It sounds like ~$3500 to me, if I was looking for one thats about the price id expect to see it advertised for.