Comments about a 1991 300D 2.5

[bix]

Hello!

I am fielding comments about a car I am considering buying.

It is a 1991 300D, with the 2.5 litre turbo engine.

190,000 miles on the car

Can anyone offer comments or opinions about this car, its engine, long life, reliability, etc?

Also what the price range such a car should go for?

Detailed specs below...

Thanks!

Richard

---------------------------------------

# HEATED SEATS
# heated windshield washer reservoir
# headlight wipers
# new Silverstar bulbs - nice white light
# NEW JVC am/fm/cd/mp3 deck (original radio and amp included, stock wiring intact)
# smoke-silver (rauch-silber) color
# parchment interior - no tears or damage
# fold up cup holder passenger side
# very clean
# all glass in excellent condition
# driver's side airbag
# ABS
# load leveling suspension
# 5 cylinder 2.5L Turbo Diesel
# Engine in excellent condition
# sunroof, flip up, or slide back
# central locking system
# cruise control
# power seats (heated)
# flip down rear headrests
# ASD - automatic traction control/locking differential
# Excellent overall mechanical condition
# Rust free - NO RUST
# BFG Traction T/A tires
# lowest mileage 26mpg - best so far over 39 mpg, typically around 30mpg in and around town, 35 mpg+ freeway
# AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil
# clean
# excellent paint
# runs and drives great!
# no smoke
# starts right up even on the coldest day
# passed emissions tests in Seattle w/ no troubles
# third or fourth owner - car well cared for - includes original service book and owner's manuals - many receipts

Excellent mechanical condition.

ASD control needs checking/repair - warning light came on and doesn't lock up - suspect an inline fuse/fusible link or sensor- jump started someone and it quit working - everything else works on the car. (Why they put a locking rear differential on a Diesel seems kind of strange) - worst case scenario about $370 for the ASD relay

small "dent" right rear quarter - the ONLY body damage

Headlight on pass side has small rock chip - sealed ok

grille has small crack in one row, plan on putting the Mileage Award badge there.

normal crazing of wood on dash, but in overall excellent condition - dash not cracked.

[bix]

Also -- if anyone can comment as to how this engine compares to other (earlier) MB diesels -- it will be greatly appreciated!

[TN-W124 Diesel]

New Toy!!


I love mine, gets 33MPG, and alot faster than the 83 300D I had

[bix]

What would you consider a fair asking price?

Considering the car has 190k miles and is in near-perfect physical condition.

[slowmoe]

I had I 92 300D for a few years and put 100K on it. I drove it from 110K to 205K I think. Overall I thought the car was fantastic. It was much more pleasurable to drive on the long hauls than my 123 was. The engine was more reponsive, the seats were more comfortable and I appreciated the added safety features available on the 124 (ABS, airbags, traction control etc...) To me, the 124 is a far supperior car to the 123.

It was very reliable as well. As I recall, the following is the work that I did to it:

- shocks/struts on all four
- tie rods, sway bar bushings, and ball joints
- brakes and rotors on all four
- tires on all four
- New radiator, hoses and t-stat
- shut off valve

Much of the above would not have been considered "neccessary" by many. I just wanted the car to be as nice as possible. I speak to the person who bought the car from me and see the car often. It now has 215K on it (it's his 3rd car) and has had to have nothing but routine maitainence over the past 10K. I have complete confidence that this car will go onto 300K with minimal problems. The key is to buy a car that you know has been very well mantained. You will pay more for it, but it will be worth it. Good luck.

[TN-W124 Diesel]

NADA is $5600 to $7000. I would offer $5000 to $6000 if it was a very nice car, I gave $6700 for mine with 159K miles on it (a 8.5 car, no rust at all)......but consider some repairs will be needed