How much would this be worth? 83 300SD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

83w126 · #1 09-06-2013, 01:28 AM

I have been driving this car for about 2.5 years, but I recently realized that I am overwhelmed by the amount of work it needs that I am lacking the space, time and ability to do (and money in some cases), so I think I'm going to have to give up and find a different vehicle.

It is white with palomino interior, the interior is mostly in good shape, but has a few problems which I will list below. The exterior has no rust and no dents other than door dings, but the clear coat is peeling. I bought it with the odometer stopped at 376k, so I don't know the current mileage. It has 16x8 lorinser wheels, lorinser springs, euro bumpers, warning triangle, and I have both depo and bosch euro lights and a lorinser momo steering wheel too (not currently installed), mostly all just found by being observant at pick and pull. I have the stock springs, wheels and bumpers too.

The work it would need to be considered finished (for a daily driver) would be:

-Paint
-A new turbo, I have a used Garrett turbo I got from pick and pull, but the KKK turbo on the car is seized.
-Valve adjustment and timing chain stretch checked and the appropriate things adjusted or replaced as necessary.
-Front brake pads and rotors, maybe more? It pulls hard to one side or the other under braking sometimes. I have 2 sets of pads and a set of rotors for the stock brakes, and a set of gen2 calipers and pads
-I rebuilt the front suspension about 2 years ago, but something has failed in the drivers side so it is loose and noisy.
-The shocks are ok but getting tired, and it will need an alignment after replacing the failed suspension components.

Interior:

-Drivers seat switch is broken and one of the motors in the passenger seat doesnt work, but I have extras for both
-a/c doesnt work
-PO had a shop rewire the heater blower to a toggle switch under the dash, and that doesn't work
-none of the climate control works except to turn the heater on, but if you turn it off it still turns on and off by itself while driving.
-both the radio and power antenna dont work
-the drivers seat has broken springs on the left side.

I have pics of it, but for some reason I cant upload pics from my new phone to the board.

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JimFreeh · #2 09-06-2013, 06:45 AM

Without pictures, it's impossible to guess at the value accurately.

Sorry if I'm bursting a bubble, but given the description, this is a parts car.

Jim

83w126 · #3 09-06-2013, 10:04 AM

I know its not worth that much in the condition its in, although that does suggest I overpaid by a lot because other than the suspension, brakes and turbo, it is in either the same or better condition than when I paid $2300 for it a couple years ago. I will try to figure out a way to post pics this afternoon or tomorrow.

ROLLGUY · #4 09-06-2013, 11:55 AM

In my opinion, a photo or two will not help. Those of us that have had a few 126's (or 123's for that matter), know what the common problems are, and your car is not unlike most of them that are still around today. I have seen many of these cars in the condition you described, and most can be had around here (So. Cal.) for around $1,000.

sleepstar · #5 09-06-2013, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

In my opinion, a photo or two will not help. Those of us that have had a few 126's (or 123's for that matter), know what the common problems are, and your car is not unlike most of them that are still around today. I have seen many of these cars in the condition you described, and most can be had around here (So. Cal.) for around $1,000.

was gonna say, $1000

eatont9999 · #6 09-06-2013, 06:18 PM

I would say parts car value. I paid $700 for my second 300SD and it could be a daily driver once I slap a new radiator in it. After that, the shocks need attention. I would say it is mechanically in better condition than your car.

I'm still working on my first 300SD and the list of things I have done is quite long. These cars are not for the faint of heart.

Brian Carlton · #7 09-07-2013, 10:05 AM

I agree with the consensus as a parts car.

The cost to bring it back into proper condition is well over $2000. in parts alone. Add your time and effort and you're looking at $5000.

A very clean example of this vehicle with mileage that is below 200K can be had for $5000.

The vehicle doesn't make any economic sense to restore and very few people would be able to drive it in the current condition.

My guess is that it will sell for between $500 and $700.

t walgamuth · #8 09-07-2013, 10:43 AM

I agree on value....doesn't mean you over paid if the turbo was working then though.

Mölyapina · #9 09-07-2013, 10:46 AM

Where do you live/where is the car? It sounds like a good parts machine for me...

eatont9999 · #10 09-07-2013, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I agree with the consensus as a parts car.

The cost to bring it back into proper condition is well over $2000. in parts alone. Add your time and effort and you're looking at $5000.

A very clean example of this vehicle with mileage that is below 200K can be had for $5000.

The vehicle doesn't make any economic sense to restore and very few people would be able to drive it in the current condition.

My guess is that it will sell for between $500 and $700.

I'm not very economical, I guess. LOL