What's she worth? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MineMapper · #1 11-06-2003, 11:53 AM

No, not my spouse. Do I look suicidal?

Got a line on an '87 300td. 145k. Florida car. Green w/tan leather (didn't they all have MB tex?). New tranny and AC. No rust that I can see in pics.

Any ideas on this might be worth? Asking is $7500, which is a little high for my liking, but giving the rarity, quite possible.

Rick Miley · #2 11-06-2003, 11:55 AM

That's right in the ballpark for one in good condition. Make sure the air conditioner works.

MineMapper · #3 11-06-2003, 11:59 AM

AC is apparently 'new'. I'm trying to get more details on how much of the system is new.

rickjordan · #4 11-06-2003, 01:13 PM

What do you currently drive? Do you have, have driven a W123 diesel? If so, you will be blown away by the acceleration of these rare TDs. I both a W123 and a W124 TD. When my wife and I went to test drive the '87, my wife drove out '83. We jumped in the '87 and my wife drove. The first 3 words out of her mouth were "Oh my God!". She had her mind made up about the car in less than a 1/4 of a mile. These cars are rare, and even more so to find one for sale. MB only made a little over 2000 of them for 1987. 1987 was the only year they brought this wagon to the U.S., and I don't know how many of those 2000 were brought here. Be sure that the trap oxydizer has been replaced by a dealer. Also ask about the headgasket. These engines don't handle overheating very well. Benz was trying to shave some weight off the engine and decided to use an aluminum head. As for the price, You might be able to get him/her down a little. I won't tell you what I paid for my '87 TD, because I got an absolute steal from what I have been told by fellow MBCA members. The previous owners did not know what they had. On E-bay, if you can find one of these are going in the 5-6K range.

MineMapper · #5 11-06-2003, 01:31 PM

Currently have a 96 Passat TDI and a 95 850 Turbo. We would sell the 850 for this. My wife wouldn't notice the difference, as I don't think she's ever used the turbo in the Volvo.

Thanks for reminding me to ask about the trap oxidiser. Forgot that one. Waiting for a response on the head gasket too.

Thanks.

rickjordan · #6 11-06-2003, 01:47 PM

You see when my wife went to accelerate in the '87 TD, still step on the pedal like she would in the '83. The difference is night and day. You are right about "not using the turbo". Under light acceleration the turbo doesn't spool up and it sounds like you are driving a gasolin car. However, if you get the rpms to about 2500, the turbo kicks in.

jcyuhn · #7 11-06-2003, 03:18 PM

Price is right on the money for a car in good (but not exquisite) condition with those miles. Find out what's been done on the a/c system - mega-bonus points are available for a new evaporator. The radiator should have been replaced by now as well. Check for signs of head gasket failure - oil in coolant, coolant in the oil, pressure in the radiator hoses on a cold start. At the asking price it should have halfway decent books and records - ask to see them. The sooner it had the trapox replaced, the better - there seems to be an association between the trapox and head failure.

Some minor areas to check for bargaining power: If the rear suspension rides very hard, the accumulators are shot. They need to be replaced about every 10 years, as the nitrogen diffuses out. Make sure the tailgate will stay all the way up - the tailgate shocks should have been replaced by now. Be certain all the seats fold up and down as intended - they sometimes get locked in the upright position.

Other than that, it's pretty much the same as any 124 sedan. Make sure all the power items work, and especially the climate control. With 145K the suspension won't be completely fresh, but neither should it feel all that tired - the car should drive well, but perhaps not quite as 'tight' as a newer, lower milage 124.

Leather was a common option in 124 wagons - mine has it. MB-tex was standard, and is preferrable in my opinion - it is much more durable, and I can't tell any comfort difference.

Enjoy!

- JimY

MineMapper · #8 11-06-2003, 03:23 PM

Had a reply from the seller on some questions.

Quote:

No I have not had head gasket or other engine problems.The engine runs very smooth,has no blowby and uses no oil between changes it also has much more power than my passat tdi had.This was one of the best engines mercedes ever built.The transmission and torque converter were rebuilt after two well known transmission shops said must be done to cure a shifting problem even though the fluid looked perfect and did not slip.It turned out that a vacuun leak was causing the problem and was repaired by the a/c mechanic that installed the new compressor and accumalator.The car is having the trap oxidizer removed at mercedes of orlando after a club member mentioned the recall,as a added bonus they are also installing a brand new turbo free!

Full tranny rebuild and the AC guy fixes the vacuum leak? Ouch!

Why would MB be giving him a new turbo? 145k of the trap ox causes problems downstream?

Rick Miley · #9 11-06-2003, 03:30 PM

Geez, why didn't you say Orlando in the first place? My uncle is President of that chapter of MBCA! I've sent him an email asking if he knows anything about the car.

MineMapper · #10 11-06-2003, 03:32 PM

I've been sniped once too often. Sorry.

Rick Miley · #11 11-06-2003, 03:34 PM

I just bought the car.

Kidding! :p

MineMapper · #12 11-06-2003, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick Miley
Kidding! :p

Good. 'Cos otherwise I may have had send the boys over.

jcyuhn · #13 11-06-2003, 05:11 PM

The trapox can damage the turbo. It's before the turbo in the exhaust stream. The trapox is made of a ceramic material, and bits and pieces of it can break off and head downstream. These kibbles and bits can do quite a job on the impeller blades of the turbine when they hit it while it's spinning at 100K RPM. It's part of the MOP to inspect the turbo during trapox replacement and replace it if there are signs of damage. Good news is the replacement oxidation catalyst goes in downstream of the turbo, so it is safe from damage.

I was going to mention the transmission. Replacement at 145K miles is *waaaay* too soon for a properly maintained car. Sounds like it got a rebuild because incompetent mechanics couldn't diagnose the problem to a vacuum leak causing a hard shift. I'll let you decide whether this rebuild is a good thing or a bad thing...

I'd but it, but I already have one with only 135K on it!

- JimY

SHARK1007 · #14 11-07-2003, 04:21 PM

Minemapper:

I'm in Orlando and would look for you if you like. I've got a 2 car garage and 4 cars. Don't need any more.

jcyuhn · #15 11-07-2003, 04:55 PM

Yeah, think I'd pass on it too. We can assume the dash needs to come out to replace all the vacuum elements. I'm guessing they disconnected the little doors from the vacuum elements and just left them in the "dash" position. Not OK in my book.

I'm also a big fan of books & records.

- JimY