When I bought my grey 300SD, someone had swapped in a gasser odometer into the cluster. It didn't even read the right speed and the mileage was obviously not accurate. I have always wondered how much mileage the car really has on it - or at least some reasonable estimate. I estimate around 400K just going off the multitude of cars I have seen in the junkyard or still on the road and their condition. My car was obvioulsy not cared for, for quite some time because just about everything needed repair or replacement. The dash had about 20 cracks in it and the seats were completely shot. The car was in some sort of major accident as I can tell that the RR quarter was replaced at some point. I found this out when I was replacing the rear seats and weather stripping. It also accounts for the large hole behind the RR tire that I still can't figure out. Possibly a crap bondo job.

The top half and part of the left side of the steering wheel are worn completely smooth except for the inner part of the wheel. Engine compression is 320-350 PSI #3 and #4 being the lower.

My second 300SD was purchased in much better condition with a legit 250K on the ODO. The steering wheel still feels new and the engine is at 430-450 PSI compression.

I would like to hear some educated guesses or estimates from those with more experience: how many miles correspond with the condition of the grey 300SD?

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

Car fax might have registration mileage information available depending on the state where it has been registered?

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1999 Mercedes E300TD daily driver sold at 238K miles 106K miles were mine, rust worm got it :-(
2006 Mercedes CDI new daily driver! 56,000 miles May 2016 now 85,625 Apr 2018 and Apr 2019 101,000 miles Apr 2020 109,875. March 2024 135,250

My 84SD that with the working odometer calculates ~ 22 MPG. I log fill ups and guestimate ~ 250,000 mi for the 85 based on my logs and the odometer reading. The 85 has been in the family since new.

Another way to estimate your mileage is 30 years X 15,000 mi/yr = 450,000. It likely wasn't driven that much when in bad condition and I'd guestimate 10 to 12k / yr so perhaps 350,000 mi total. Not driving for a few years really knocks the total mileage down.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Some commuters in TX, like one of my coworkers, live almost 100 miles away from the office. That's 200 miles per day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year = 52,000 miles a year. The car has spent most of its life in Dallas since the paperwork that was in the car indicated it was purchased here.

I will look into the carfax report. I think I can buy their service and lookup multiple vehicles. It might be interesting to see some of the car's history.

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

$55 to lookup unlimited VINs for 60 days. I might buy this service. Anyone want a VIN looked up and a report?

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

There is often someone on the board who can help with a vin lookup

__________________
1999 Mercedes E300TD daily driver sold at 238K miles 106K miles were mine, rust worm got it :-(
2006 Mercedes CDI new daily driver! 56,000 miles May 2016 now 85,625 Apr 2018 and Apr 2019 101,000 miles Apr 2020 109,875. March 2024 135,250