FOR SALE: 1991 300D 2.5T Providence, RI $3975 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 10-09-2011, 06:15 PM

FOR SALE
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D 2.5T
Almandinrot Metallic (MB Paint #512) with Black MB Tex Interior
Engine 602.962; Chassis 124.128; Transmission 722.418
VIN WDBEB28D7MB417028
Approximately 209,000 miles
A Wonderful Opportunity for the Mercedes Diesel Enthusiast!
A Classic E-Class Sedan with Character and Soul!
Well Maintained and in Great Condition!
Location: Near Providence, RI
Price: $3975
Contact David at 972.523.1743 or david at trinitypresri dot org for more information

Photographs:

In addition to photos here, go to http://photobucket.com/mercedes300d to view numerous high-resolution photos.

History, Condition, and Performance:

I have three cars exactly like this: this one, another 1991 300D, and a 1992 300D. They are all fabulous vehicles that are a joy to own and drive. I share the belief of many that the 602 is one of the best engines ever made. This car is a recent acquisition from an individual who loved the car but couldn’t afford to fix a broken right spring perch. So I purchased the car, promptly fixed the perch, got the car back on the road, and am offering it for sale. (In case you're wondering, the left front spring perch is fine).

The interior and exterior are in excellent condition (there are the various minor imperfections, of course, that one would expect in a twenty year old car). The paint is particularly impressive, especially considering the age of the car. Even the hood pad is in perfect condition!

Some initial impressions: suspension is tight, boost is excellent, shifting is smooth, and braking is perfect. The car responds exactly as it is supposed to. (It helps to have the other two cars to compare it to.) Oil pressure is solid and stable, engine temperature stays right at 82C.

In addition to the many features that came standard, this vehicle has the following options: driver’s orthopedic adjustable seatback, adjustable steering column, and anti-theft alarm system. Also, the block heater cord is installed; not that you would need it to start the car, but some people like to use it achieve cabin heat faster.

The air conditioning (R134a) does note work. I just had the system evaluated. The problem is that the condenser has a significant leak and therefore needs to be replaced. Also, the two schrader valves at the high and low side ports have minor leaks and need to be replaced. Compressor engages and NO EVAPORATOR LEAK.

Passed Massachusetts state inspection in November 2010.

Maintenance:

Based upon extensive conversation with the previous owner, visual inspection, and a number of receipts, I am confident that the vehicle has been very well maintained.

I note the following by way of particulars:

Oil changes every 3,000 miles using 15w40 diesel-rated oil
Coolant change Spring 2011
Transmission fluid and filter change at 202,000 miles
New cruise control amplifer.
New flex discs (front and rear)
New fan clutch
New fan belt
New injectors (all five)
New glow plugs (all five)
New sway bar bushings
New shut-off valve
New upper radiator hose
New rear brakes
New front crankshaft seal
New lock tumbler (trust me, it’s nice to have this repair behind you!)
New driver's door window regulator
Pioneer DEH-P4800MP stereo
Tires with significant tread life remaining

Comes with all original manuals and accessories and one set of keys (or two, if I find the set I misplaced).

All the available evidence certainly suggests that the previous owner was very conscientious and meticulous in his maintenance program. And the fact that a number of once-in-a-great-while maintenance items have been performed (fan clutch, flex discs, injectors, glow plugs, lock tumbler, front crankshaft seal) adds to the value of this vehicle, especially for the long-term owner.

Pricing

In my pricing I have attempted to take account of the fact that the car is in all-around excellent condition, has had quite a number of components replaced, but that a prospective buyer may want/need to address the air conditioning.

Why Am I Selling This Car?

This is a great car… but I already have two great 300D 2.5T’s; I don’t need three (or so says my wife…if I were a single guy who could accumulate Mercedes diesels at will, I would add it to the fleet without hesitation!). To be perfectly candid, I’m torn…I could make a good case for keeping this one and selling the 92 300D, which has comparable mileage. But, all things considered, this is the one I will be selling. So, while I am in no rush to sell, this car does need a new home.

What I love about these cars is that they represent the perfect balance between the reliability of the old and the refinement of the new. These early 90’s diesels are, in the estimation of many, something of a sweet spot in the Mercedes product line. Very, very desirable automobiles.

I am advertising on Craigslist (where I successfully sold my 1986 300SDL two years ago), but I thought I would also advertise on this forum. My thinking is that this is where I am most likely to find intelligent and knowledgeable prospective buyers, people who will be able to appreciate the car. In the description and photos, I have tried to provide all relevant information. But I am certainly glad to answer, to the extent that I am able, any questions forum members may have. Certainly feel free to send private messages or ask questions on this thread, but the best way to get a quick response is via email or phone.

shertex · #2 10-20-2011, 02:04 PM

BUMP

greenacres2 · #3 10-20-2011, 03:31 PM

Can't buy it now...but as i read your description it struck me that i don't recall seeing MB Tex in black very often. See a lot of black leather, but not Tex. Maybe i just don't get out much!!

Good looking vehicle, best wishes.

shertex · #4 10-22-2011, 12:42 PM

A correction: the AC system is R134a, not R12. A forum member is kindly helping me to address the issue. What I have learned so far is that the system is empty and that the compressor DOES ENGAGE when the low-pressure cutoff switch is jumpered. I hope to have more clarity next week.

johng99 · #5 10-23-2011, 09:16 AM

I hope it is not the evaporator core, which as you know is quite pricey to repair.Not sure when the problem started with the w124's but my '93 and first '95 had the issue. Good luck.

shertex · #6 10-23-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johng99

I hope it is not the evaporator core, which as you know is quite pricey to repair.Not sure when the problem started with the w124's but my '93 and first '95 had the issue. Good luck.

Yeah, I had that on my 92. I used Cryoseal and it worked great. I would NEVER spend the money to replace an evaporator.

johng99 · #7 10-25-2011, 09:46 AM

The Cryoseal option looks to be a good one, I don't see any negatives from it, but there doesn't seem to be enough experience out there with these evaporators to have an idea of success rate. Certainly worth a try, given that the repair is somewhere around $2k.

shertex · #8 10-25-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johng99

The Cryoseal option looks to be a good one, I don't see any negatives from it, but there doesn't seem to be enough experience out there with these evaporators to have an idea of success rate. Certainly worth a try, given that the repair is somewhere around $2k.

Over five years with my 92 and still no leaks. Although now my compressor is leaking, but Cryoseal won't help with that.

shertex · #9 10-27-2011, 02:14 PM

Just had the AC system evaluated. The problem is a leaking condenser (as well as minor leaks at the schrader valves at the high and low side ports. Compressor engages and the EVAPORATOR IS NOT LEAKING.

I have reduced my price to $4250.

Fidens · #10 10-27-2011, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

Over five years with my 92 and still no leaks. Although now my compressor is leaking, but Cryoseal won't help with that.

Do you mean you've had Cryoseal in the system for five years and it still isn't leaking? If so,that's amazing! Why would anyone ever pay 2k to fix an evaporator?

shertex · #11 10-27-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidens

Do you mean you've had Cryoseal in the system for five years and it still isn't leaking? If so,that's amazing! Why would anyone ever pay 2k to fix an evaporator?

Correct. The COMPRESSOR is leaking, but not the evaporator.

I think I may try es-refrigerant to stop the leak in the compressor.

TheDon · #12 10-27-2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

Correct. The COMPRESSOR is leaking, but not the evaporator.

I think I may try es-refrigerant to stop the leak in the compressor.

It's only a temporary solution. It would be best to just replace it.

Wish this car was for sale when I bought my 300D.

sixto · #13 10-28-2011, 01:03 AM

Do you have an indication of whether lack of AC is keeping buyers away? If so, replace the condenser with a good used unit (easy to pressure test), replace the Schrader valves (cheap and easy) and fit a new receiver/drier for good measure. The question becomes whether you spring for R12 or save some $$ with ES12. I don't know what it takes to flush ES12 to return to R12.

It might not be Diesel season in your neck of the woods. There might be more interest in the spring.

Sixto
87 300D

shertex · #14 10-28-2011, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Do you have an indication of whether lack of AC is keeping buyers away? If so, replace the condenser with a good used unit (easy to pressure test), replace the Schrader valves (cheap and easy) and fit a new receiver/drier for good measure. The question becomes whether you spring for R12 or save some $$ with ES12. I don't know what it takes to flush ES12 to return to R12.

It might not be Diesel season in your neck of the woods. There might be more interest in the spring.

Sixto
87 300D

I've been wondering how the AC issue affects the marketability of the car. When I got the diagnosis, I thought that was good news, both for me and prospective buyers....less than $200 in parts to effect repair. So, for now, I thought I would just make full disclosure and drop the price and see what happens.

Once the holidays are upon us, if it hasn't sold I may take it off the market and make a fresh attempt in the early spring. It's a great car for someone.

vstech · #15 10-28-2011, 04:25 PM

adjusting...