Possible new (again) W123 diesel owner
 

I need (want) a new (old) car. I have had (2) W123's and a W126 diesel, but it has been a few years. I am going to look at this car tomorrow, but sometimes you guys can see things that I don't, so I thought I would ask this kind forum what you thought of this 1983 300D.

Talk me into or out of this one. My thinking process is nice interior and AC works, BUT it is a salvaged title and mileage unknown. Also, trans flaring. I haven't been looking really, but this one caught my eye.

What do you think?

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/tustin-clean-1983-mercedes-benz-300d/7114094359.html

My big question would be, what is the reason for the salvage title. As a long time 300D owner, we all know why the odometer reads about 225,000. And there is no connection between the odometer and the tack. The tack is electrical and is quite trouble free. However wiring, and connectors and grounds and other bits and pieces can cause it to not operate. In some pictures the paint looks good from across the lot. Even so, the color is very inconsistent, sometimes it looks blue other photos it looks gray. However paint, though messy and expensive, depending on who puts it on, does not change the cars operation. A compression check is not difficult and should be done, but it is difficult to do until you own the car. Well he wants close to $5000.00 in money. I think he is going to find it difficult to move at that price with a salvage title. I would say try him on a $3000.00 offer!

Thanks for the reply.

I agree about the paint. It looks like a respray judging from the engine bay colors and door jam color, but hard to tell from pictures.

His list of $1700 repairs are just basic maintenance to me:

Valve adjustment
valve cover gasket
oil filter housing gasket
steering box adjustment
diesel purge
fuel filter
transmission fluid and filter

shake plate ???? adjustment with new shake plate bolt ??? - this one is new for me

replace number 3 glowplug and a glowplug diagnosis


Regarding salvage----he doesn't know----only owned since January. Owner states you can see repairs done if you look closely to the left side of the vehicle, but no frame damage according to him, and no rust. He insists AC is working as intended.

I agree about the price. We'll see. Thanks again

He says in the title that the car is CLEAN yet:


1. salvage title
2. tranny flares
3. dog in the background


not worth $5k

I've been keeping an eye on the Socal W123 market for a long time now, and saw this car popup as well. My thoughts:

-Like others have said, price too high. But, it's OBO.
-He seems pretty detailed, which is nice.

There are better cars on the market, did you see this one just posted?
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/los-angeles-1980-mercedes-benz-300d-low/7116490966.html

It's naturally aspirated, but looks great!

That's looks like a really nice w123 for a good price. Will sell fast.


As always test and drive before you buy.

The Culver City car looks pretty nice. The only drawback is non turbo, but if you can live with a slower car, it sure looks better than the blue car. Check the following for rust: jack points, floors (pull up the carpets), battery tray, hood hinge pockets, area below the rear window, spare tire well in trunk, left and right storage areas in trunk (requires pulling away the plastic inner fender shields).

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. Yes, the culver city car looks nice, but I bet the AC doesn't work. cracked dash and wood also.

The blue one----He's gone down to 4500 on the phone. Says he's in close to 7K, and wants to sell due to losing his job.

Getting a PPI on it tomorrow in Anaheim. I'm thinking 3K also if everything checks out, but I do not think he will go that low.


Get the euro stuff off of this one next? https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/pts/d/long-beach-parting-out-euro-w123-diesel/7116090047.html

I'm going down the rabbit hole again. Uh Oh!

You are correct the 1981 model has the evil HVAC servo that leaks and is expensive to repair. Check with your insurance company to be sure they will insure a car with a salvage title. Some will not.

Thanks. I didn't even think about that. A quick search says Geico will, bit I will need to call them.

w123 from 81 (except 240D or euros) have the newer style monovalve system.


Culver city car is a 1980 so it's still the old servo system although a lot have either upgraded servos or a w201 heater valve conversion.

Ohhh. I may be interested in that Euro car too.. Why would you do that!

Maximum $3000!!!!! For the turbo diesel

The na one has no resell value

Looking at the AC controls it appears the Culver City car has the older style HVAC servo ? I mis read the year of the Culver City car - it is a 1980 not 1981.

You might want to expand your options by expanding your choice to the SD as well.