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  #1  
Old 01-20-2008, 02:55 PM
ck42's Avatar
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Holly Springs, GA
Posts: 874
'85 300SD [white w/burgandy] 198Kmi. (What's it worth?) [Officially Now for Sale]

Thinking of selling old faithful... But, before I do, I need to see if I can get something for her that won't make me cry

I've got more work/parts/blood/sweat/tears than I can count in this car (as is the case with most of us with these old diesels, right? )

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.

Interior condition:
- I'd give it an honest 7-8/10. No rips in the leather, carpet is in good shape. - Wood is pretty decent. Glossy. (none missing).
- Nice quality burgundy sheepskin seat covers on both front seats.
- 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 chips (front, door edges) and minor scratches, but there isn't any rust (at least that I can see!)
- Dent in front left corner panel behind chrome strip.
- Trunk is no longer leaking water I hunted that down years ago and sealed every possible nook and crevice I could find, including the tail light assemblies and a new trunk gasket
- After spending about $700 at an excellent ding removal place when I first got this car, a couple years later, it managed to grow a nice new ding in the driver's door. It's an ugly one but can be fixed. Otherwise, no other big dings since then.
- Engine bay area is 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 nice and chilly for several years.
- Trunk lid won't stay open. This is because when the rear end was repaired (after being hit in the rear) 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 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.
- 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)
- I 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.
- 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.
- Just recently started having what appears to be a vacuum leak. Symptoms are a loss off power breaks. It comes/goes. Haven't had a chance to track this one down yet, but it should be pretty straightforward to diagnose.
- That little 2" cooling hose attached to the thermostat housing needs to be replaced. It's leaking a small amount of coolant. Have to top off the coolant tank about twice a month due to the amount it's leaking. Easy/cheap fix.

Major/important/'worth mentioning' repairs/upkeeps/upgrades/additions:
- 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
- New auxiliary water pump water replaced in last year. Brand new one.
- Tranny serviced at MB Indy shop ~25Kmi.
- New differential mounts (haven't done tranny mounts yet)
- New rear subframe mounts
- Euro-lights (Bosch)
- New starter couple years ago
- New air bracket assembly couple weeks ago
- New radiator about 20K ago
- Replaced all the fuses with copper ones
- 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 work on the front suspension.
- 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%) Therefore, this car is for off-road use only. *
- Shift linkage (no more wobbly shifter)
- Had the power steering unit assembly rebuilt. There is minimal free-play in the steering now. Unit was pulled out of the car and calibrated by MB Indy. I hate steering slop!
- 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.
- New front plastic grill insert. New chrome strips too
- Dash clock works
- New front ATE rotors
- New front wheel bearings

Running condition:
- Starts great. In fact, the car hasn't been started for about 6 months and it's the coldest day of the year so far (about 20F). Glowed it twice and it cranked right up. Actually surprise even me!
- 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. Move along.
- 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.

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.
When I get a chance, I'll post some pix too.

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Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)

Last edited by ck42; 04-13-2008 at 02:13 PM.
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  #2  
Old 01-20-2008, 04:40 PM
Hogweed's Avatar
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my guess is 3-4 grand easy and possibly up to 6 if it is super nice and someone wants that color combination.
good luck selling it!
gregg
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  #3  
Old 01-23-2008, 09:13 AM
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Blue Point, NY
Posts: 25,396
Don't do it Chris.

You've got similar work, effort, and time into that vehicle as I do in the SD. Same issues.......same efforts.

The total invested is over $12K if you add it all up. But, someone will give you $5K.......max.........for it now. Diesel fuel is expensive and these vehicles are not in high demand.

Keep it. It's a beautiful vehicle and you'll be sorry if it departs.
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  #4  
Old 01-23-2008, 07:53 PM
ck42's Avatar
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Location: Holly Springs, GA
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You just HAD to go and toss in that moment of doubt for me, didn't you Brian

I just don't know. I've got probably $10-12K in this car....but at the same time, I just don't seem to have the time (or $) like I used to, to keep it up.

Lately, the projects just seem to keep growing and I haven't made much headway in knocking them out. But I do have concerns that I'd have sellers regret. I just don't know. If someone gave me a $5-6K offer right now, I'd be SO seriously tempted to take it. But I know I'd never be able to find another in its condition for that much (unless there was some poor sod like me that was departing with theirs).

Chris
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  #5  
Old 01-23-2008, 08:35 PM
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Location: Blue Point, NY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ck42 View Post
Lately, the projects just seem to keep growing and I haven't made much headway in knocking them out.
Boy, do I know the feeling. The SD needs the front suspension redone and I've been procrastinator in chief with regard to the job.

But, I look back at all the work that was done and then I don't feel so bad. I'll get to it.........and it will get redone 15 hole wheels and new tires at the same time.

Then, I'll feel better..........

Nope, it's not worth selling it for $5K unless it needs an engine overhaul.
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  #6  
Old 01-24-2008, 07:23 AM
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Location: Sunrise, FL
Posts: 2,053
It is priceless, Store it if you need to, but you will realize
what a horrible mistake you made the moment it leaves the driveway.



This is like your child now, you can't do it.
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81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project
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  #7  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ck42 View Post
But I do have concerns that I'd have sellers regret.
Chris
Big time!!!

- Peter.
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Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
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1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S
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  #8  
Old 04-13-2008, 02:12 PM
ck42's Avatar
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Location: Holly Springs, GA
Posts: 874
OK. I think I've made a decision on this.

I really need both the money AND the room in the garage.
So it's official....I'm having another 'my huge loss is your gain' sale. The last time I did this was on a '76 Porsche 914 that I had dumped huge amounts of money into....then needed to sell....and did, for a equally huge loss.

Not even sure what to be asking for the car. Best guess for a price that will move the car in a reasonable amount of time is $5500. I'd love to see it go to someone here that can appreciate the time, work, sweat, and effort I've put into it....and continue getting it back into great shape.

........I swear, next time I buy an old car, **I'm** going to be the one who gets to pick up someone else big loss.
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Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)
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  #9  
Old 04-13-2008, 06:42 PM
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Chris, don't do it. That's gonna leave you with the Ford Contour as your only wheels according to your sig.. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Someone will jump on that Benz fairly quick. Good luck to you. Jim
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1985 300SD my daily driver
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  #10  
Old 04-13-2008, 06:51 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sunrise, FL
Posts: 2,053
Chris, think about it for just a moment. You will not suffer any loss
by NOT selling. That loss can only be created by selling.

It's a sweet car, put in in storage for 6months-1 yr.
then re evaluate.

If ya got a roof over your head and food on the table,
you don't need the money that bad.
__________________
81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project
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  #11  
Old 04-13-2008, 07:38 PM
ck42's Avatar
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Holly Springs, GA
Posts: 874
Big Jim,
Actually, there's another car that I didn't yet add to my signature ('96 LS400). That's the car that temporarily has taken the place (at least, that was the plan) of the 300SD while the it was being worked on. The LS400 is also going to go. In place of these two cars will be a new family for the wife. So, once the 300SD is gone, I'll be down to the two cars...then I'll likely trade in the LS400 for new one.

Jack, the loss I'm having right now by not selling is the monthly insurance I've been paying all this time and the inconvenience of not having the spot available in the garage for the wife to park. You guys know the drill I'm sure....if the woman isn't happy, you can't be happy

With that said, I'm actually touched, shocked, and proud to have a car whereby others actually discourage me from selling like this. It's a weird feeling....but I've made my peace. I LOVE the car. It's been the first car in a LONG time where I am able to do so much of my own work on - which I love!. The openness of the work areas and the lack of computers is like a breath of fresh air. It's a backyard mechanic's dream car as far as I'm concerned.

If you guys are in the market for a nice 300SD with nearly all the hard and $$ stuff already taken care of, let me know
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Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)
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  #12  
Old 04-17-2008, 10:07 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 467
collector car insurance-which this car qualifies for should not be over $200 a year perhaps less.

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