FS: 1987 300TD (not mine) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bamba · #1 02-24-2011, 09:07 PM

I already posted this on the Craigslist alert thread in Diesel Discussion, but as these are relatively rare, I wanted to post it here as well.

204k miles, seller is asking $4500.

http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/2225777407.html

I believe this is the cars.com ad of the same vehicle.

Apologies for starting a new thread about it. I just really want to see the remaining w124 diesel wagons come under the ownership of forum members.

robbio · #2 03-15-2011, 04:08 PM

I was able to take a look at/test drive this on Sun/Mon. Although I've been looking for about 9 mo., this is only the second one I've been able to drive, so I am no kind of expert, but I thought I would report in case it will benefit someone else.

Pro
+ odo works. There is what looks to be a typo in the autocheck report, ~14k in '00 instead of probably ~114k, recorded in between 79k in '97 and 121k in '01.
+ pretty good records from ~60k, trans rebuilt, AC compressor/dryer/manifold hose, tensioner/shock/belt(2x), fan clutch/temp switch, injectors/lines/delivery valve seals all by current owner since '05.
+ 5 tires less than 1yo, brakes @ 50%, bilstein coilovers in front
+ the few other things stated in the CL and cars.com ads, except tex not leather
+ car drove really well, the mechanic said he was surprised how well actually. Can't speak to the mileage claim, but it did not smoke much if at all.

Con
- a few dings, right front fender near headlight, sunroof, and one a little larger on the hatch. Some stain marks on the hood and some rough clearcoat spots
- very small chip in front windshield
- 4 screw holes in each front door panel from removed cupholders
- cracks in the dash
- hatch trim broken in several places and lock missing from mechanism
- AC 'works, but needs a charge every summer'
- many leaking spots on the engine, including oil from the head gasket. The whole front of the motor was pretty much wet, and there was some wetness at the IP (work was done on the IP, but it might have been limited to the delivery valves)
- didn't want to shift out of 1st without driving sedately or backing off the accelerator
- rust beginning to show, mostly on passenger side. 'No rust at all' over the phone turned out to be 'not as rusty as most' upon arrival. Blistering starting around jackpoints, 2-3" spot on right rear wheel well near fender, some de-lamination at right front wheel well forward of the jackpoint. I had gotten some add'l pictures from the owner, but none of the right side of the car

The rest of the car, undercarriage, spring perches, etc. were pretty much rust-free.

I really wanted to buy the car, cash was in hand, etc. but in the end I passed due to the rust. If this wouldn't bother you, then IMO (disclaimer: newb) the car seemed pretty good otherwise. Anyway, HTH someone...

diesel friend · #3 03-15-2011, 08:53 PM

Thanks for the report - would also have walked away.

babymog · #4 03-15-2011, 09:28 PM

Sounds like a solid $2500-$3000 buy if the rust isn't serious.

jh_5000 · #5 03-15-2011, 10:16 PM

I saw the same ad and I've been trying to get into contact with the seller. He called my home while I was at work, and I haven't heard anything back yet.

Disappointing...but you probably saved me a trip from Baltimore to Lexington.

I really...really...just want to find a M-B diesel wagon to love.

USAROVER · #6 03-15-2011, 11:28 PM

Robbio,
Are you in central Kentucky? I have an 85 I'm putting on the market soon (although I see you want an 87+). My Indie might know of one. PM me and I'll pass along his info.

robbio · #7 03-16-2011, 03:52 PM

No, it took a hellacious trip on the bus to get to LEX from ATL. Like jh_5000, I am really...really... looking for an 87 wagon to love.

Since I had gotten that far I did offer $3k, which kind of felt like a lowball so I appreciate the confirmation that I wasn't too far wrong.

So, the search continues...

ashedd · #8 03-16-2011, 04:12 PM

Try the Tampa craigslist... might not be there but it's somewhere in Fl, there is a '87 TD listed. Was on ebay too but now I cant find it, so it may have sold.

wolf_walker · #9 03-16-2011, 06:11 PM

http://www.searchtempest.com is a good tool for when you are really, seriously looking for a specific model, it let's you hunt across multiple craigslist cities or a given distance away.

ashedd · #10 03-16-2011, 06:40 PM

This one is $1000 out of my price range.. he said it was firm.

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/2231098510.html

jh_5000 · #11 03-17-2011, 08:35 AM

Maybe I am missing something...but that is a lot of miles for that price, isn't it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashedd

This one is $1000 out of my price range.. he said it was firm.

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/2231098510.html

wolf_walker · #12 03-17-2011, 06:06 PM

All depends on your point of view I reckon. You can get one with 100K less for one or two $K less, but it could, and probly will, be more worn out that that one. It's really all a gamble with old cars. Myself I've settled into buy dirt cheap with good bodys and plan on replacing everything else.

robbio · #13 03-23-2011, 01:10 AM

What kind of premium would one with an improved head command? I think I have an idea of the value of the job, but how much of that will carry over to the sale price?

ashedd · #14 03-23-2011, 09:09 AM

I duuno the answer, but I am guessing you are seeing the same ones on CL that I am.

The prices for '87 TD's is outrages. Seems to me that you could find an '87 300d for $1000, then an '89 300TE for $1200, and combine the two. There is nothing special about the '87TD besides the fact that so little were imported. It's still a gen 1 w124 with an engine that can easily be found in other w124's or w126's. Might be hard to find all the related SLS stuff, but at the same time, it's easy to convert to regular springs and shocks.

Anyway, unless I can find a running '87 300TD for $2k I am just going to stick with gas w124 wagons.

An updated head might be worth a lot to some, but not me. If by chance the 14 head is cracked... just find another 14 head that is not. But jacking the price up 2k because of the head casting number... that's greedy.

And if were "making" diesel wagons.. om602 would work just fine too. Then you have the om606

babymog · #15 03-23-2011, 11:41 AM

The '87 300TD is special, to those of us who seek or own them. Very hard to find a truly nice survivor.

True that you could make one from a gasser, I had amassed the parts to do so from a '94/'95, but felt that the work necessary and the resuslting bastard-car would have limited value and be difficult to register/insure/sell if I would have decided to do so.

As far as the value of a car with a #22 head? The price to do so exceeds $3000 to DIY. This doesn't translate to added value, and like any other maintenance or upgrade expenditure could be construed as simply maintenance that brings the car back up the value of a non-modified car that didn't have head problems in the first place.

The car's value is determined by the usual: condition, miles, colors & options, its past use, and where it lived (rust belt etc.). Would I add for a #22? Certainly, but probably closer to $1000. Possibly a little more if it included the proper nozzles, glow-plugs, and injection lines. If an original #14 head were to fail it can usually be replaced with a good used head for that, and might never fail.