I've got a huge itch for an 85 (or around there) "300" class diesel Mercedes. Ironically, I'd love a wagon so the dog can go in the way-back and the kid go in the rear.

I can work with a sedan too.

I'll be honest, I'm use to the quirky nature of my VW Passat, and I love the car. I've been after this idea for a while, but after seeing them all on eBay, I'm pretty confused. I read a post on here similar to this one, but that made me even more confused. It seems to still with 85 or newer. But I'm not sure about that.

Naturally I'd like one in the best possible condition. I'm well aware that mileage means little if under 300k and that's fine by me.

The leaks (tranny, etc.) kind of scare me...

What I'd really love is to see a few of these cars first hand (are there any get-togethers? Or ideas on places were I can steal-a-peek in the NJ area.

Any other insight would be totally awesome.

I also want to take some time to thank everyone that helps here. This place is a huge resource!

Thanks,

WannaDiesel

Welcome to the zoo.

We're all Benz (diesel) crazies around here so its the norm. Sometimes, it is hard to tell who is and who isn't nuts in the insane asylum.

On the other hand, if you went to the Carrera or Z1 Forum, they would certainly consider you crazy. But, what the heck do they know?

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Thanks, at least I know I'm not crazy -- I kind of guess that much seeing all of you.

Anything else you can share? (From my previous post)? -- also, one more -- why do you figure there are soooo many of them for sale on eBay?

Thanks again,

WannaDiesel

He did not actually say YOU were NOT crazy... he welcomed you to the group where we ALL are.....
I suggest the 81-84 wagons due to some engine differences on the 85 which makes fewer parts available...
Most people just don't want to do all their own fixing... and as they get older you have a longer list of things not perfect....

I think some are planning a GTG for the northeast... most likely in Mass. somewhere it looks like. Just keep an eye on the forum for who's planning a get together and where it is, there will be one fairly close to you I bet.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

keep checking here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/events-gatherings/

Greg, How do you figure that?

Aaaaa, don't listen to Greg; he only has an old decrepit 240 whose only claim to fame is that it looks just like the one that was blown-up in that movie about terrorists in Beruit...

Seriously, there's plenty of parts available for all year model 123 chassis.

I just rehabed an '85 wagon and sent it on it's merry way to the east coast. Other than some differences in the controls for the emissions equipment, some "improvements" to the vacuum controls on the transmission and relocation of the SLS reservoir there is virtually NO difference between the '85 that is klattering down Long Island and my '83 that I drive every day.

Now, to answer your questions:
The perfect 123 would ...
...have all service records.
...be purchased from the original owner.
...have been in garage its entire life.
...have valve adjustments performed religiously at the factory prescribed 15,000 mile interval.
...have never been driven in any salt.
...have had regular and frequent oil changes.
...not have any rust at the jack points.
...not have any rust in the floor pans.
...not have any rust anywhere, especially in the trunk wells.
...not leak around the windshields.
...not burn any oil.
...not have any residual pressure in the cooling system after sitting overnight.
...shift smoothly with no flared or stacked shifts.
...have a dry trunk in the heaviest rainstorm.
...would unlock ALL of its doors from the driver's side key after sitting overnight.
...have a fully functional ACC that worked on both heat and cool without defaulting to blowing full-tilt only out of the defroster vents.
...not have had its air conditoner converted to 'new freon' R134a.
...be a California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada or Florida car.
...idle smoothly without any rocking.
...never nail. EVER.
...not smoke.
...still have its original first aid kit, safety triangle and toolkit
...not have aftermarket, custom wheels, clear 'corners' or a coffee-can sized exhaust tip.
...not have any of those stupid chrome fender covers.
...have already had the Behr radiator replaced with a better afermarket model.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.