Need to sell :( Need help with pricing - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ck42 · #1 04-26-2021, 06:00 PM

Been a LONG time since I've been around here, but I regretfully need to say goodbye to this project. The wife has been MORE than patient with me on this, but I've finally admitted to myself that it's just not going to be finished by me.
Problem is, I have no idea these days what sort of price I should be looking for and what these diesel's value are anymore.
It's been sitting in the garage for quite a while now, with the original intention of me going all through the car and basically restoring everything...but it just hasn't happened and isn't going to. I thought I would be keeping it for life. But, my DIY time is very limited anymore.

So this is where I need some help. I'd honestly, seriously appreciate any feedback you can give regarding asking price...or even other suggestions, for this car.
Below is as much detail as I can come up with.

1985 White 300SD

Major options:
- Driver's side airbag, heated seats, ABS

I'm the second "driver" (3rd technical 'owner'. Second owner was MB shop guy who bought it from the original owner. Second owner (shop guy) didn't put miles on it - just ended up reselling it.
Just shy of 200K mi. Bought it at about 102K mi.

Interior condition:
- I'd give it an honest 7-8/10. No rips in the leather, carpet is in good shape. Interior is that red/burgundy color.
- Wood is pretty decent. Glossy. (none missing).
- Very Good quality burgundy sheepskin seat covers on both front seats and in excellent shape!
- Put in new Mercedes floor mats couple years ago.
- Nice wood shift knob, I put in.
- The stitching in the back seat, in the middle (where your head would rest) is just now starting to come loose.
- The vinyl 'skin' material that covers that pillar between the front and back seats is looking pretty sad though. Needs to be replaced or glued down or something.

Exterior condition: This is harder to give a rating. It really depends on how you define things. So instead - Here's some wording that should hopefully give a good feel.
- Paint - Once I have it cleaned up and freshly waxed, looks really nice! - There are the scattered small chips (front, door edges) and minor scratches, but there isn't any rust (at least that I can see anywhere!)
- Football sized smooth indention (no creases) in front right corner panel behind the chrome strip.
- After spending about $700 at an excellent ding removal place when I first got this car, a couple years later, it managed to find a single new ding in the driver's door. It's an ugly one but can be fixed. Otherwise, no other big (or minor) dings since then.
- Engine bay area is really nice and clean. One thing I hate is getting dirty just from sticking your hand/arm into the engine area...so I've always tried to keep it wiped down and clean. No oil leaks in there either.

Problem areas:
- For the most part, just about everything works.
- Right front window regulator is pretty iffy. In the process of trying to fix right now.
- A/C needs a recharge. Seems to get to this point every couple of years. Probably needs to be diagnosed to locate a leak somewhere, but once it's charged up, it's COLD for years.
- Trunk lid won't stay open due to a repair on the rear end and they used a STEEL trunk lid (new). These '85 300SD's use aluminum hoods and trunk lids to save weight. The trunk lid has springs that are designed to hold up the weight of the lighter aluminum trunk lid. Now, with the heavier steel one, it doesn't stay up on its own.
- Front tires prematurely wear out inner edge tread. Next project to address this was going to be the UCA's. Easy DIY job.
- Nice rear speakers that I originally put in have finally gone bad. Needs new rear speakers.
- Dash has one crack on the driver's side that's about an inch long (very narrow split - not a gapping crack). Otherwise, it's in great shape!
- Rear window needs tinting (other windows are already tinted)
- Driver's seat belt sometimes gets locked up. It's weird. I have to open the panel up and play with it to get it to retract. Then it's fine again for a couple months.

Major/important/'worth mentioning' repairs/upkeeps/upgrades/additions:
Keep in mind that pretty much all the things listed here were not replaced/installed because something was broken - I just wanted to completely go through and refresh the car, so things were simply replaced with new OEM parts. (No aftermarket junk used)

- Fully Rebuilt turbo (Would have to go look it up, but this was a high quality full kit!)
- Rebuilt vacuum pump
- New Bosch alternator
- New alternator bracket(?) assembly
- New oil cooler lines
- All new parts and tube for the air cleaner oil separator drain tube assembly
- Brand new auxiliary heater pump - very low mileage since then.
- New air bracket assembly
- New radiator about 20K ago
- Been using Mobile 1 oil since I got the car with ~102Kmi. Regular oil changes with OEM filters.
- Valves adjusted by MB Indy ~20-25Kmi.
- Primary water pump replaced couple years ago (developed small leak)
- Tranny serviced at MB Indy shop ~25Kmi.
- New differential mounts (haven't done tranny mounts yet)
- New rear subframe mounts
- Euro-lights (Bosch) installed! (huge lighting improvement)
- New Bosch starter not many miles ago
- New coolant overflow tank and cap
- I even have one of those rebuilt cruise control amps ($$) that I haven't yet installed. Otherwise, the CC engages and works great about 30% time. Once it engages, it's fine...it's just a matter of it deciding WHEN it's going to actually engage. Just never got around to installing the amp because I didn't do much travelling that needed cruise AFTER buying it. D'oh.
- Replaced all the fuses with copper ones
- Many new vacuum lines and various fuel lines in the engine bay replaced
- Almost everything in the front suspension has been replaced. As far as I can recall, the only things I have NOT replaced are the UCA's, LCA bushings, ....hmm, that might be it. - Tons of fix-up work on the front suspension over the years.
- New guide-rod mounts (no more clunkity clunk clunk)
- New motor mounts
- Off road EGR kit (*ALL* tubing, wiring, EVERYTHING associated with the EGR is gone and removed 100%)
- Shift linkage bushings replaced (no more wobbly shifter)
- Had the power steering unit assembly rebuilt by my local old-school diesel MB Indy mechanic. There is minimal free-play in the steering now. Unit was pulled out of the car and calibrated.
- Sunroof opens/closes nicely. Never have had a problem with it since I bought it. Lubed the slides a couple years ago, but other than that, it has just worked.
- Have replaced the door check straps on probably all four doors by now.
- New power window motor on driver's front door.
- Hood pad is currently removed. I have a new one that I just haven't had a chance to install yet.
- When I got the car, the chain stretch was measured to be about 2-3 degrees. Been using Mobile 1 since so I imagine it's not much worse now.
- Brand new front grey plastic grill insert. New chrome strips too.
- Dash clock works
- New front ATE rotors
- New front wheel bearings
- No Rust!! (maybe somewhere there's some normal minor surface fuzz like you'd expect to see on pretty much ANY car, but otherwise, this is a rust-free car)
- Power antenna works

Running condition:
- Starts great (WHEN I have a battery and things are all put back together). The car hasn't been started for about 5 years, but last time I did start it, it was the coldest day of the year so far (about 20F). Glowed it twice and it cranked right up and ran beautifully!
- 100% oil pressure as soon as you start to rev engine. At idle, sits at ~2 bars
- Idles excellent
- Accelerates smoothly - Power is about what you expect with these cars.
- Measured ~9PSI being generated from the turbo.
- Shifts smoothly - NEVER have had a problem with violent shifts on this car like I've read with others. No issues here.
- Brakes work nicely. Been using PBR deluxe last couple years. Been Very happy with them....and that's what's on the car right now. They're pretty fresh too.
- New front Bilstein HD shocks couple years ago. Have not replaced rears yet since they don't 'seem' to need replacing.
- Rear springs have been replaced to help with the 'saggy butt' W126 syndrome.
- Burns minimal oil. I pretty much go a whole oil change cycle w/o adding any oil. Have always run synthetic oil.

I've got all the records and receipts. Receipts are both mine AND from the original owner. TONS of them.
I'm sure there's more. This is just what I can recall off the top of my head right now. As I remember anything worth mentioning, I'll make an update.

If someone is looking to adopt one of these beauties as a 'lifer', this would be a really nice candidate. My investment loss would be your gain. I'm scared to even start adding up what I've got invested in this car. Between the original car price, Indy mechanic repair bills, parts I've replaced, etc., it's....a LOT. Didn't care though because I thought I'd have it forever.

If you've gotten this far, thank you for reading. And if you are interested, let me know.

Junkman · #2 04-26-2021, 06:44 PM

I'm in similar position on an 84SD. People look at what doesn't work. You may have $5k into the car but would be lucky to get $2500.

Were I buying and you said "the AC just needs recharging" I would call bull and price as if the whole thing needs to be redone. Besides, it's R12 which is expensive to "try" to see if it will hold a charge. Don't give the good parts you have with the car if you're worried about price. You'll get more selling separately.

You could say that they "are for sale and you are in discussion" which would be true of you were to list them here or elsewhere.

Do get it washed, buffed and running as well as possible before listing. You know more about that car than most buyers but you don't need to put a fine point on all of the nigglin little things that you were planning to fix.

ck42 · #3 04-27-2021, 11:32 AM

Appreciate the feedback.
Problem now is that if I want to get it back to a driveable condition (needs several minor things, biggest one I'm not looking forward to is SOMEHOW draining and purging diesel from the tank that's been in there for about 10 years!) and cleaned up, I actually need to speed some time and $ on it...which if I were to do all that, I might end up being tempted to then just keep it (Wife seriously wants it gone) or still sell it but for pennies on the dollars that I have into it.
Guess I was hoping that maybe after all these years they'd started to appreciate in value. If my personal history continues to repeat itself though, their value will sky rocket 6 months after I finally sell it for next to nothing.

back-seat-driver · #4 04-27-2021, 03:39 PM

Hey OP.
Did I miss it or did you mention, somewhere, what year make and model the car in question is.
I figure it's a Benz, diesel W126, but that's as much as I can glean from your post.

I didn't see what color it is either.

Shern · #5 04-27-2021, 05:14 PM

Wondering that myself...

You might consider refocusing on the visual elements (at least a photo, the make and model, color, etc).

ck42 · #6 04-27-2021, 05:29 PM

Woops!
Not sure how I forgot those minor details!

It's an '85 white 300SD (red/burgundy interior)

For a photo, I might just have to grab an old photo I have around (hopefully). Getting it in photo-ready condition right now would be an all weekend project.

imgolden · #7 04-27-2021, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ck42

Woops!
Not sure how I forgot those minor details!

It's an '85 white 300SD (red/burgundy interior)

For a photo, I might just have to grab an old photo I have around (hopefully). Getting it in photo-ready condition right now would be an all weekend project.

The red interior could be a big selling point for some folks that like those more unique colors. We have a family member with an R107 that's been sitting for 25 years and needs a ton of work. However, it has a perfect bright red interior, so we have some very interested buyers that would probably pay too much for it, frankly. Not a W126, but you get the idea.

I bet you will find someone that appreciates all the work you've done. If you lived closer to me, I'd be very tempted.

WDBCB20 · #8 04-27-2021, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ck42

(Wife seriously wants it gone)

Tragic how the omnipresent terror of the American wife runs like a red thread through so many posts on this site. This country must definitely harbour the world's most P-whipped population of men on the planet...

From the TLC that it's evident you lavished on this car it's clear that you recognized it for the keeper that it is, should have been or can still be. Maybe this could be the catalyst for that watershed moment where you decide the wife won't get to deprive you of this one last source of pleasure and satisfaction - you have already rid yourself of all other project cars.

Don't have DIY time right now or near future? Fine, prep the car for long term storage. You will have time in the long term.

The '85 was the culmination of the build - they introduced the refinements on the transmission vacuum management, hence the smooooooooth shifts and replaced the diff with the 2:88 for lower revs at highway speeds.

How many times have you encountered "gone but missed"; "wish I hadn't sold it"; "best car I ever had" etc when reading through guys' fleet list in their signatures just like yours?

Is that what you want us to read next to your "1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)"?

Junkman · #9 04-27-2021, 10:13 PM

Try turning the engine by hand. It may be locked up. If not, dump some Startron into the tank, check the oil and find out whether it will start. Or get some clean fuel in a can like doing a diesel purge then start it. You might be surprised.

It's worth $500 not running because there is no way to test things like trans etc. The list goes on.

Why the limited DIY time? and you could just keep it since it won't bring much in its current condition. I've used that excuse before. It works well.

OM617YOTA · #10 04-28-2021, 01:10 AM

Get good photos, whatever that takes to make happen.

Sell it on an enthusiast type site(which you're doing here), where you might find people who appreciate all you've done.

Your description and repair history is great, but if I was looking at a car, the instant I hear that it hasn't moved in ten years, I'd immediately discount all of it. Condition of the car now must be evaluated, starting at zero. Definitely get it unburied, cleaned, running and driving, to get any kind of value at all out of it.

Best of luck.

BillGrissom · #11 04-28-2021, 10:51 AM

You won't sell it unless you can demonstrate it running, so install a battery. You can buy a used one cheap at junk yards. Some people might buy it just for the engine to swap into a 4WD. That is how I got a 1983 300D which the owner just needed removed after taking the engine. Running, in presentable condition, I see 1980's 300D and 300SD around me asking $2500 on craigslist and has been that way for 2 decades. I doubt they will ever gain classic value like a 1960's muscle car.

ck42 · #12 04-28-2021, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom

You won't sell it unless you can demonstrate it running, so install a battery. You can buy a used one cheap at junk yards. Some people might buy it just for the engine to swap into a 4WD. That is how I got a 1983 300D which the owner just needed removed after taking the engine. Running, in presentable condition, I see 1980's 300D and 300SD around me asking $2500 on craigslist and has been that way for 2 decades. I doubt they will ever gain classic value like a 1960's muscle car.

$2500.....ouch. Just ouch.
That is painful to hear. REALLY painful...given how much I've sunk into it.

It would be a whole other discussion but wondering what sort of demand there would be for parts, if I chose to just part it out. But even then, that would mean having the car sitting in the garage in an even worse 'looking' condition to the wife...for some completely undetermined period of time....which would drive her INSANE.

Junkman · #13 04-28-2021, 02:38 PM

Selling parts takes effort - removing, taking pics, answering questions, figuring out packaging, doing the packaging etc. Fleabay used to take ~13% of the total including shipping.

Unless you think that is fun, want to learn it well enough to figure out a system or need the money and don't have another source of income, just take the loss and go on -

or fix it as intended. Order parts for 1 task per week, install parts from last week is one method to move along. Of course, install the parts you have 1st.

Figure out how far it is from being a fair weather daily driver. It needs to be minimum useable to sell for the $2500. You may find an enthusiast but they're cheap which is why many yards don't fool with old cars.

my83300cd · #14 04-28-2021, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ck42

$2500.....ouch. Just ouch.
That is painful to hear. REALLY painful...given how much I've sunk into it.

But even then, that would mean having the car sitting in the garage in an even worse 'looking' condition to the wife...for some completely undetermined period of time....which would drive her INSANE.

So tell her the garage is off limits, get it running and driving, and tinker with it. Best article I ever read in wooden boat magazine was about the project boat, on the hard that took 15 years to restore, ended being sold to settle the divorce, never sailed by the owner...vs the tatty boat that sails and gets tweaked in the off season.

Usaguy · #15 04-29-2021, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom

I see 1980's 300D and 300SD around me asking $2500 on craigslist and has been that way for 2 decades. I doubt they will ever gain classic value like a 1960's muscle car.

The good thing about that is you can drive it year round in all kinds of weather, road salt etc.. take it to crowded walmart parking lots wherever...

I would never do that in a Porsche of the same vintage... (Unless it was a ratty 944 or 924)