1984 300SD Gray/Gray 101k* Wichita, KS $1875 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TylerH860 · #1 09-26-2011, 10:44 PM

Peachparts paid listing 262408

Got a phone call last week from a dealer that took an old Mercedes diesel on trade. Turned out to be a pretty interesting car, so I made a bid and snagged it away from the wholesalers.

The dealers claim it was the second owner who purchased it (and lived in) California, and the mileage (101,000) was original. There is no documentation to verify the mileage, and the only service records are for new Michelin harmony tires a little less than a year ago at 97,000 miles. The odometer does work and the needles are all the same pigment, but I'm skeptical given the amount of work that looks to be done to this car. Though I guess about the same has been done to my 85 500SL with 129k.

The big issue with this car is the salvage title and previous damage. At some point it was rear-ended hard, repaired well enough, and later had a smaller rear impact. The bumper is damaged and under the right tailight the sheet metal is pushed in some. A touch up and new bumper would minimize this, but she'll never be a show winner.

Aside from this, and as you'll see in the photos, the car is striking despite of it. Other than the damage area there is no rust on the body. The car has been repainted at some point very well, and all the exterior rubber is in great shape. The interior is equally nice, with the leather still soft and supple, wood cracked but still glossy, and clean all around.

Mechanically the car is pretty impressive as well. Though I don't have any service records, its pretty obvious the suspension has been freshened up as well as a new radiator. The engine is super clean and leak free in all the common areas like the injector seals and turbo drain. The rear axle boots look original but are very dry. The fresh suspension and Michelins give the car excellent handling. The engine spools up just as it should and the transmission shifts are crisp and well timed. Looks to have a new compressor and the AC blows ice cold.

Mechanical issues I've noted is a thumpy driver's window regulator that needs help at the very top to close. The power steering pump is noisy when in use until it is warmed up. Vacuum locks do not work, and I cannot access the trunk. The ignition key is different from the door keys, and the only door key I have is a valet key (does not allow access to the trunk). The dealer can provide a proper door and trunk key with the VIN. The old aftermarket radio does not power on. The battery is wrong for the car and is weak, needs a proper replacement.

This is not a long list obviously, and most if not all these items I can have available from a local used source very easily, including the rear bumper. I realize that most of you don't mind a little sweat equity for a bargain so I'm leaving it as is for now. If time permits I might start tearing into it.

$1875 for a car that looks and drives this nicely sounds fair to me despite the damage and checkered history. I'm happy to assist with shipping or pick up from the local airport should someone want to drive it home.

TylerH860 · #2 09-26-2011, 10:54 PM

Also, if its not obvious in the photos, it needs a new breather tube, but the tape job does not leak. I have not touched the engine bay cleaning wise.

greenacres2 · #3 09-27-2011, 10:37 AM

The driver's seat sure makes 101,000 believable. I wish this was the right time, because that looks like a great deal for somebody. As always, very well written description and excellent photos.
earl

gatorblue92 · #4 09-27-2011, 03:06 PM

Too bad you didn't list this three weeks ago

compu_85 · #5 09-27-2011, 03:14 PM

Whunter should buy this and get rid of his parts car

-J

Stretch · #6 09-27-2011, 03:16 PM

Wow nice car for a nice price.

Beastie · #7 09-27-2011, 03:16 PM

Wow !, The older twin of my 85 except my 85 has Euro headlights. I will send you a P.M. about this I am interested.
Alan

t walgamuth · #8 09-27-2011, 10:12 PM

I like it too.

QS23 · #9 09-29-2011, 08:10 AM

All i want to know from whomever buys it... is WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK?!?

greenacres2 · #10 09-29-2011, 09:33 AM

Tyler--any chance you'd consider a few guitars as a partial trade?? Martin D12-1, 12 string, early Kramer Ferrington in near-mint condition, etc??

Just kidding--kind of. I love the W126, especially in anthracite. I think the 300SD or 420SEL will be my next 126 car. Don't think i want to do another 560, but it was a great car!!

earl

TylerH860 · #11 10-02-2011, 02:48 PM

Update: Appropriate battery installed in the car. It was starting with the small battery but didn't have near the cranking power. She now starts right up on the first crank.

Also, had a duh moment with the trunk. The valet key does open it, it just needs a little bit extra of a turn to the left than normal. Unfortunately no bags of money or Hoffa's remains inside.

I believe johng99 is going for the car but I have not heard from him in a few days. I've put about 40 miles on this car and it is very smooth riding on the highway.