w124 diesel value these days? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tjts1 · #16 05-29-2017, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake12tech

Typical condition is usually pretty ratty. Mines a lot better than that. 5k? I'd take it and run. 5 speed or not, it's hard to get that money for a w124 diesel.

And replace it with what? Manual turbo diesel MBs aren't exactly easy to find at the moment. I have no intention of selling it unless the offer covers the replacement cost.

jake12tech · #17 05-29-2017, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

And replace it with what? Manual turbo diesel MBs aren't exactly easy to find at the moment. I have no intention of selling it unless the offer covers the replacement cost.

What's your setup that your able to get 35mpg with a 5 speed? I had an 87 300d and best i ever got was 29mpg and I keep my cars in great mechanical condition and don't have a heavy foot whatsoever. I can't imagine a 5 speed yielding anything more than a 2-3mpg difference than an automatic box. My om606s will get 35mpg all day on the highway. They're also newer and more efficient.

tjts1 · #18 05-29-2017, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake12tech

What's your setup that your able to get 35mpg with a 5 speed? I had an 87 300d and best i ever got was 29mpg and I keep my cars in great mechanical condition and don't have a heavy foot whatsoever. I can't imagine a 5 speed yielding anything more than a 2-3mpg difference than an automatic box. My om606s will get 35mpg all day on the highway. They're also newer and more efficient.

The high was 41.8mpg all highway (see the fuel log). 35.8mpg is the combined average over 37k miles and 47 fill ups since the 5 speed swap. The automatic transmission in these cars lacks a lockup torque converter and overdrive. From my experience the manual is about 25% more efficient than the automatic, all other thing being equal. Here's the fuel log before the swap.
http://www.fuelly.com/car/mercedes-benz/300d/1987/dieselbenz/208163

jake12tech · #19 05-29-2017, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

The high was 41.8mpg all highway (see the fuel log). 35.8mpg is the combined average over 37k miles and 47 fill ups since the 5 speed swap. The automatic transmission in these cars lacks a lockup torque converter and overdrive. From my experience the manual is about 25% more efficient than the automatic, all other thing being equal. Here's the fuel log before the swap.
Automatic (Mercedes-Benz 300D) | Fuelly

you must have a 90L tank in there to be getting the mileage on a tank you get cause I know the 95 e300s have a larger tank. is your rear the same? that fuel economy is amazing btw.. i wouldn't sell the car either. i think i'll convert my w124 to a 5-speed.

Mighty190 · #20 05-29-2017, 07:44 PM

In my experience as someone who makes a living selling used cars having 300,00 miles on the clock is bad news. I also never have much luck with older Mercedes. I like them for my self but I think the general public, and even worse the slightly informed public, take the maintenance these cars require and the fact that stupid little stuff will break as a sign that any older Mercedes is going to be a money pit. I think most people view 124 era mercedes as cars to be bought for the badge and that we're the "idiots" for buying such an old car for the "status symbol" they believe it is.

So if you can get $2000 out of a forum member who understands the car does have life left in it I think you're doing pretty well. I'm into these cars and if I saw an ad for one on CL with that kind of mileage I'd even have to pass because the resale value just isn't there to most people. A car like that can sit on craigslist for a long time at less than you want. For example I don't see this car going anywhere soon but maybe you can keep an eye on it and see if it sells https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/6149544543.html

jake12tech · #21 05-29-2017, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty190

In my experience as someone who makes a living selling used cars having 300,00 miles on the clock is bad news. I also never have much luck with older Mercedes. I like them for my self but I think the general public, and even worse the slightly informed public, take the maintenance these cars require and the fact that stupid little stuff will break as a sign that any older Mercedes is going to be a money pit. I think most people view 124 era mercedes as cars to be bought for the badge and that we're the "idiots" for buying such an old car for the "status symbol" they believe it is.

So if you can get $2000 out of a forum member who understands the car does have life left in it I think you're doing pretty well. I'm into these cars and if I saw an ad for one on CL with that kind of mileage I'd even have to pass because the resale value just isn't there to most people. A car like that can sit on craigslist for a long time at less than you want. For example I don't see this car going anywhere soon but maybe you can keep an eye on it and see if it sells https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/6149544543.html

I would take $2500. I will probably list it for $3k because I've welded the wheel wells, reinforced and cut away the metal at the rear control arm mounts and am going to replace what needs to be done in the front suspension. A set of wheel bearings, tie rod ends & ball joints. I will keep an eye on that car. The car in question looks exactly like that!

torsionbar · #22 05-29-2017, 08:24 PM

IMO any car that runs and drives, is freeway worthy, non-bald tires, and has working A/C, is worth 2000 at bare minimum.

tjts1 · #23 05-29-2017, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake12tech

you must have a 90L tank in there to be getting the mileage on a tank you get cause I know the 95 e300s have a larger tank. is your rear the same? that fuel economy is amazing btw.. i wouldn't sell the car either. i think i'll convert my w124 to a 5-speed.

Yes, I swapped the larger tank in a year ago.

The 5spd runs much lower revs on the freeway than the auto because of the overdrive. It's a great combination with the om603.

Mighty190 · #24 05-29-2017, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torsionbar

IMO any car that runs and drives, is freeway worthy, non-bald tires, and has working A/C, is worth 2000 at bare minimum.

The market around here would say otherwise. I currently have a handful of 150,000 mile corollas, neons, and other real bottom of the barrel stuff that's going to move at like $1500. I think OP's issue is going to be the millage. Even if the car will keep running for a decade the chassis is going to have a lot of miles on it. Its a W124 and as long as it looks decent I don't see it being worthless or anything.

I wish OP the best of luck in selling this car. I've been there before and it can be tough.

jake12tech · #25 05-30-2017, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

Yes, I swapped the larger tank in a year ago.

The 5spd runs much lower revs on the freeway than the auto because of the overdrive. It's a great combination with the om603.

I think I'll look for the 5 speed. You got me curious now. It's just a matter of finding the driveshaft and a compatible flywheel & pedals and trans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty190

The market around here would say otherwise. I currently have a handful of 150,000 mile corollas, neons, and other real bottom of the barrel stuff that's going to move at like $1500. I think OP's issue is going to be the millage. Even if the car will keep running for a decade the chassis is going to have a lot of miles on it. Its a W124 and as long as it looks decent I don't see it being worthless or anything.

I wish OP the best of luck in selling this car. I've been there before and it can be tough.

It's a decent looking car. I don't think it matters if the chassis has a lot of miles on it, that should be enticing to someone who knows cars... More mileage, more stuff has been replaced. I picked up a 99 e300 with 431k. It needed tie-rod ends, ball joints & wheel bearings.. Everything on the car is replaced besides the motor. It even was repainted last year. I'll have to see what I can do when the time comes. Hoping it goes to a forum member.

Mighty190 · #26 05-30-2017, 09:48 AM

Right if you sell it to a forum member who wants it and trusts that the engine has been replaced you'll be in good shape.

ah-kay · #27 05-30-2017, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty190

In my experience as someone who makes a living selling used cars having 300,00 miles on the clock is bad news. I also never have much luck with older Mercedes. I like them for my self but I think the general public, and even worse the slightly informed public, take the maintenance these cars require and the fact that stupid little stuff will break as a sign that any older Mercedes is going to be a money pit. I think most people view 124 era mercedes as cars to be bought for the badge and that we're the "idiots" for buying such an old car for the "status symbol" they believe it is.

X2.

The 'newest' W124 is 22years old. General public would not venture into a car with 2 or 300k miles and 22+ years old. Only crazy guys like us would. Cars sold upwards of 2.5k or more are exception than the rules.