This is a privately owned 1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD. I've had it serviced primarily at Hatch and Sons. I purchased the car from the original owner in March 2001 with 250,000 miles on it and have driven it as my main car and daily driver since. It now has 389,000 miles! It's very clean, well maintained and reliable. As a professional and part time musician, I have used it for long hours of travel to meetings and shows in all seasons; it's never failed me. The reason I’m selling it is because of some unfortunate rust damage, primarily beneath the rear window which allows some leakage into the trunk. As I carry expensive amps and equipment to performances, it’s just not a good mix anymore.

Overall, the car is in great condition and still runs smoothly and quietly, especially on the highway. Because of it’s age and mileage, it does have some quirks which I will honestly describe-as well as it’s great attributes, below. You all know what to expect with these cars, I'm sure. As for the service history, the original owner maintained it to a very high level- mostly at Benz dealers, and I’ve continued the service since then. Here is a list of what I’ve done for the car while in my care:

Front and Rear Shocks (Bilstein), Lower Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Center Support Bearing, Alternator, Caster Assembly, Radiator and Thermostat, Brakes and sensors (many times), Seat bottom cushion and frame (driver’s), Glow plugs, Wiper motor, Windshield heater element, Battery, Blower motor, Injector return lines, Rear sway bar end links, Window regulator, Upper ball joints, Upper control arms, Sway bar bushings, Turbo wastegate hose, Air cleaner mounts, Fuel lines (patch), Wheel bearings, Windshield, Rear muffler, and all routine major and minor services. It has the original engine, and the transmission was replaced by the first owner at about 175,000 miles. There are some oil leaks around the engine but I only lose about 1.5 quarts between oil changes. The transmission fluid is clean and the car shifts well. There is a very slight shift flaring between 3rd and 4th when the car is cold, but it smoothes out after warm up. It starts right up and stops properly (I just replaced 3 glow plugs and the shut off diaphragm. It has a block heater which I normally use when temps are below 25.

It's Orient Red and the paint is still pretty shiny with some minor fading on the roof. It’s always been waxed and polished, and I still get many compliments on the car. The original “Bundt” wheels are pretty dull from the years, but perfectly functional and not beat up. The drivers door lock is seized and I have to unlock the car from the passengers’ side, hopefully when people aren’t looking! The palamino interior is almost like new (MB Tex) and extremely clean with no smells or funkyness. The drivers seat has some minor wear on the bolster and the rear seat back is separated somewhat from the frame- mostly visible through the back window. The wood is in really remarkable condition, still shiny with very limited hairline cracks- not at all trashed and peeling. The driver’s seat is firm and fresh and all power adjustments work. The dash has two 3/4” cracks starting from each speaker corner only. The heater works perfectly, the air conditioner has been out since before I bought the car. Most of the gadgets work fine including the sunroof (slow to close in cool weather- fine in summer), windows (except driver’s window-inop.), and cruise control. Radio only- CD changer in trunk got leaked on and fried.

Which brings me back to the rust. Again, the worst area is around the top of the trunk; it only leaks in a hard, steady rain and mostly while parked. I’ve carefully applied aluminum tape over the wounds which help a lot, but again- this is an issue for my use of the car. There are some rust bubbles around the lower trim/cladding as well with only the front left fender being perforated. The cladding is still attached and intact, but I’ve done a little aluminum tape there too for good measure (not visible or cheesy-looking). There is no obvious structural corrosion and the car is still solid and rattle and draft free. Again, beyond the few rust spots, the car looks really nice.

I’ve shown it at “Mercedes Day” at the Museum of Transportation in recent years, and it has won first and second place in the “Daily Driver” class.

I can always count on at least 27 miles per gallon and often a bit more on long trips. It’s usually about 460 miles between fill-ups. I just drove the car to Maine on a 500 mile trip with usual confidence and comfort and hope someone here might keep her going. While it does show some age and use, this is not a car that’s been abused, trashed or driven “into the ground”. As you know, it’s most at home on the highway racking up the miles. I’ve now purchased a 300SDL so come and rescue it! $1500.00 The car is located in Worcester, MA.

Every dog has his day!

Hello,
I am very much interested. I live in Jaffrey NH. Please give me an email at ljdlkabat@yahoo.com. I will also give you a private message. This sounds like a very nice car that I would be very interested in.

DK

O sorry, my number is 603-532-7289 if you want to talk to me.
Douglas Kabat

I'm in the local area also... is your 300 still available?

Thanks,

Jeff

I do still have the car; I'll be away from Nov. 1 to Nov. 9, but will keep an eye on the forum and will be happy to show the car right after I get back.