84 300d sold for $20,000

[t walgamuth]

Auburn fall. Lovely clean car with 65,000 miles. I saw it prior to sale in the tent and thought it would be a nice car to have. I expected it to sell for under 10.

[tangofox007]

My insurance company says my '82 300D with 190k miles is worth $17,150.

[ROLLGUY]

There have been, and are several high dollar 123's sold/listed on Bring a Trailer. Low mileage examples are going for around 20K.

[Screwdriva]

It was bound to happen. Just take a look at what JG is charging for his pristine W123 cars...makes $20K seem like a bargain.

I purchased my 84 300D Automatic saloon with Sunroof, SLS and Aircon in 2015 for a fraction of what it is worth today (cash offers received for £20K here in the UK). That said, it has been fully mechanically restored by the foremost W123 specialist and magazine featured.

[t walgamuth]

The 123s have been valued highly in the UK for a decade or so....particularly the wagons.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

It was bound to happen. Just take a look at what JG is charging for his pristine W123 cars...makes $20K seem like a bargain.

........................

Yes, and he had seven of his cars at the Legends of the Autobahn. Not one of them got an award. That is unfortunate, as a couple of them were probably the nicest cars there (in my opinion).

[123boy]

I'd say "worth every penny"! Compared to the crap that qualifies for a new car, these days, an older Mercedes in excellent shape with low miles is STILL a bargain at 20K.
Looks like the "market" caught up with these great old Benz's. Too bad for us but still well worth the dough. What's out there new for 20K.....a freakin KIA? Show me another car that will cruise to 200K on the odometer and not even break a sweat. Not even be CLOSE to being worn out. As for "JG's" cars.....simply incredible. Unbelievably beautiful. Works of art, I dare say. Even in the 40K range, an absolute bargain...imho. I'd take one of his cars over just about anything brand new at twice the price! These magnificent Mercedes just ooze style, personality, character and grace not seen in the automotive industry since. Most likely never to be seen again. And let's not get started on the engineering aspect.......

[pawoSD]

I figured eventually they'd start to rise in value like that especially if in excellent condition. However, owning such a nice W123 would be for summer/weekend driving, as any wear will drop that price as it would with any car...

Plus around here they dissolve pretty quickly in the winter conditions....which new MB's do not. All of the post 2004's in my family have virtually no rust at all, after many years in Michigan winters. Can't say the same for my W210 or any of the prior ones I owned. If only they had been galvanized from the factory, then they'd truly be invincible vehicles!

[Screwdriva]

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I figured eventually they'd start to rise in value like that especially if in excellent condition. However, owning such a nice W123 would be for summer/weekend driving, as any wear will drop that price as it would with any car...

Respectfully, I disagree. Anything under 200K miles will command a significant premium IF it has been restored or impeccably well maintained. The beauty of these cars is that replacing rusted or worn components instantly transforms the car back to factory fresh condition, assuming periodic maintenance has been adhered to. In other words, as immortal as a car can be.

[koooop]

And people laughed when I paid $5,000 for an immaculate, unrestored 240D a few years back.

Now I’m laughing at the idea of a 240D having a 5 figure value.

LOL

[Screwdriva]

Originally Posted by koooop

Now I’m laughing at the idea of a 240D having a 5 figure value.

Can you go "Muwuahahahaaa"?

76 240D. Paid £6500 in the Spring. An additional £3500 in parts. Buwhahaahaar!

[wallbenz]

looking for help...

looking to buy 85 300sd... but my OLD mechanic- said I should be warned about unavailable parts-- like NO Thrust arm/bushings around??? Is he right? I tried trying to research... and can't even find that part... is it also called something else?

I used to own 1984 300sd- 280k-- and this mechanic used to service it 25 years ago

please let me know on this thrust arm... i found a car I like... but fear buying-- due to clunk when came to near stop from front suspension... otherwise car/motor looked sound

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by wallbenz

looking for help...

looking to buy 85 300sd... but my OLD mechanic- said I should be warned about unavailable parts-- like NO Thrust arm/bushings around??? Is he right? I tried trying to research... and can't even find that part... is it also called something else?

I used to own 1984 300sd- 280k-- and this mechanic used to service it 25 years ago

please let me know on this thrust arm... i found a car I like... but fear buying-- due to clunk when came to near stop from front suspension... otherwise car/motor looked sound

As far as I know, EVERY suspension part that could wear out on a W126 is available, and probably from several manufacturers.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/3339/3339-Suspension-Steering.htm



No need to worry, these cars are still repairable, and actually at less cost than many newer cars......Rich

[wallbenz]

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

As far as I know, EVERY suspension part that could wear out on a W126 is available, and probably from several manufacturers.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/3339/3339-Suspension-Steering.htm



No need to worry, these cars are still repairable, and actually at less cost than many newer cars......Rich

Thanks- But my concern is when I research "Thrust arm/and bushing"-- nothing comes up... so is this part- commonly called something else??? and My OLD mechanic- out of touch-- cuz he never sees these OLD SD's anymore?

[wallbenz]

another question-- 85 300sd

How many hours - will a good suspension shop bill me to-- do a Rubber/bushing/mount /ball joint restore- on front suspension and motor mounts for this 85 300sd

also- mechanic mentioned issues with 85 300sd ABS braking- what issues should I look for there?