1986 MB 200TD 5-speed manual diesel wagon - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jimtt · #1 07-19-2015, 09:04 PM

My very rare, gray-market import Mercedes 200TD (touring diesel) is for sale. Please read the whole ad and feel free to contact me with any questions. If you leave your number I'll call or send you mine!

This unique wagon has the OMB601 4-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox in a w124 touring (station wagon) chassis; a configuration never officially imported to the US. I’ve never seen another one in the states.The beautiful thing about this car is the amazing fuel economy. I’ve seen 44mpg on a three tank average while driving conservatively. The wagon body-style offers plenty of space and the rear seats fold down flat to provide a nice, flat spacious cargo hold (or camping space for the frugal road-tripper). With only 145k miles this car has plenty of life left. These little MB diesels are known for their reliability and longevity, with owners reporting several hundred thousands of miles before major overhaul.
I also like that it was built to be very simple: manual windows, manual door locks, manual mirrors, and manual transmission. This is a big plus for those of us who have had to pony up the dinero for MB window and door lock motors! A cool detail can be found in the marvelously engineered mono-wiper. Just don’t marvel at it while driving in the rain!

This car is quite rare, but all parts are easily obtainable through Pelican Parts, Mercedes Source, and the local MB dealer. The following for the w124 benz is strong and a good enthusiast base is available for support. Maintenance and service tutorials abound on the ‘net and most MB mechanics know how to wrench on these old girls, making service affordable and relatively pain-free.

This is a really cool car, but it’s over 30 years old and is best for someone who enjoys tinkering, has experience working on older german cars, and/or wants a project that is practical for driving. I think someone who wants to run SVO, WVO, or biodiesel would love this little wagon. It is so practical, economical, and fun!

Condition:
The car is in good mechanical condition. As mentioned, the miles are quite low and the running condition of the engine reflects its relative youth. Like all diesels, some black smoke is belched at startup that clears after a short period. No blue smoke or white smoke, excessive oil consumption, or other signs of pending trouble have been observed.
I recently had the rear suspension serviced and the shocks were replaced with OEM units. Many folks delete the factory self-adjusting system, but not this one; it is as original and properly setup. I also recently replaced the heater blower motor with a factory replacement and upgraded the fuses to copper/ceramic units (this solved ALL of the little electrical gremlins).
The sunroof opens and closes as intended (electric). The lights all work properly, the stereo is the original Becker and it works (cassette deck and all). The doors all open and close, but one fails to lock (the rear driver’s side door). Not sure what the issue is as I never looked into it. It can’t be too complex since it is a manual lock.
The exhaust was recently repaired and inspected and is solid. The brakes were inspected at the same time and were found within spec. They work as intended. The tires are almost new and have only seen about 5k miles. They are winter tires and the rears are studded.
The paint is good for a 30yr old car, but has some scratches and little dents here and there. The color is really quite a beautiful shade of blue and I tried to capture that in the pictures. It’s a nice looking car.

The interior is in surprisingly good condition. The carpet is not bad, the dash has no cracks or fading, and the seats show very little wear and no rips. The seat are the manually adjustable sport seats and are the envy of everyone old diesel benz enthusiast I know! They were never put into a US-bound car and therefore extremely rare.

Full disclosure of known issues:
The heater is either on or off, with no adjustment for fan speed. This is intentional because the original speed-sensing fan regulator burnt out and I opted to bypass it. I’ve found this to work just fine.
The rear suspension feels a bit too firm, as if the accumulators may need to be replaced. They can be had for just over $100 each (two needed). I am happy to have this serviced for the new owner at your request.
The body shows some rust, but nothing structural or irreparable. The majority of the rust can be found on and around the jack-points (located on the rocker panels).
The shifter feels a bit sloppy. I ordered all new bushings and mounts for the shifter and linkage but have not yet installed them. I can perform this service at the new owner’s request or send along the parts if you’d rather do it yourself.
The antenna broke many years ago and was replaced by an aftermarket unit that has also broken. I’m happy to put in another replacement, but I suggest the new owner opt for an OEM unit.
The driver side headlight lens has a small hole in it (see pictures). This has not affected the functionality of the light at all.

Spares and such:
I’m including a Bentley Enthusiast Manual, a Haynes Service Manual, the original owners manuals and other factory literature.
I have spare bulbs, spare fuses, spare fluids, some specialty tools, and other spares that are good to carry.

Currently listed for $4000/obo, please send me a PM with your phone number if you'd like to chat and I'll back ASAP!

pawoSD · #2 07-21-2015, 10:28 AM

Pretty sweet car, I can only imagine how slow it is.

I have a W201 chassis with the OM601

You might get your asking price on ebay, but not likely around here. I paid significantly less than that for a mint condition V8 W126...

94Wagenmeister · #3 07-21-2015, 02:17 PM

Cool car. And when the kid passes you on his bicycle, he'll probably say "hope to get one of those when I turn 16..."

Seriously, though, I have some experience driving these during an assignment in the Motherland. It's all about "driving", knowing when to wind them up to go with traffic. And if I remember, absolutely no problem with autobahn speeds once you hit 5th. And the downshift to 4th gives plenty of zoom zoom (relatively speaking) for passing on two-laners.

I like it!

pawoSD · #4 07-21-2015, 02:48 PM

I find driving my 190d more fun at times than my 420SEL due to the "game" you play with traffic to predict it and manage the throttle....with only 72HP you have to be very alert to whats going on....merging onto 55-60mph roadways can be scary.

jimtt · #5 07-21-2015, 08:15 PM

It won't win any races, but I agree with the comments about it being a joy to apply the limited power efficiently as possible. Plus it handles like the other w124 cars, which I find just about right for what it is.

It actually is currently listed on ebay too.

gatorblue92 · #6 07-22-2015, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimtt

It won't win any races, but I agree with the comments about it being a joy to apply the limited power efficiently as possible. Plus it handles like the other w124 cars, which I find just about right for what it is.

It actually is currently listed on ebay too.

Here is the link for those interested.

Mercedes Benz 200 Series 200TD | eBay

Pretty cool car.

Dr. Sternschnuppe · #7 07-22-2015, 07:45 AM

The 200 TD with MB-Tex, A.C. & ABS is a very rare bird, especially in the US. Also note the dealer code.

WDB1241801F007246
200 TD
Mnf. date: March 1986
Engine Nr.: 601912 10 035803
Transmission Nr.: 717411 00 377200
Paint: 900 - surf blue
Interior: 178 - gray MB-Tex
Dealer: 579 - Czechoslovakia
Lights: Hella
SA codes:
254 - Becker Europa Cassette electronic, Kurier
412 - electric sliding roof with tilting device
466 - central locking system
470 - ABS
580 - air conditioner
593 - green heat-insulating glass, rear single-sheet, windshield with tinted strip

pwogaman · #8 07-22-2015, 10:34 PM

no third brake light

jimtt · #9 07-28-2015, 05:49 PM

Hi all- some confusion over asking price: $4000/obo.
Lots of interest but no buyer yet. I'll hold it for a 30% deposit and store for up to 3 months for free.
Just trying to make this easy for someone!

jimtt · #10 07-31-2015, 11:46 AM

I wasn't happy with the eBay experience... surprise, surprise.

I'm willing to listen to offers over the next few weeks. I'm heading out of town, returning second week of September. So please have patience if I am slow to respond. I'll update this posting if the car sells!

NCfriend · #11 10-22-2015, 12:31 PM

Hey, is this wagon still on the market?
Can we see pics of the interior and undercarriage? Rust areas, Jack points and floor boards are key.
Does the AC work?
Rear wiper?

Do you have another set of tires besides winter studded?

How much estimated to have the trans parts all install?

Would it be road worthy for a drive back home cross-country?

Thanks, neat find

joegolden · #12 10-26-2015, 03:11 PM

JT told me it sold...went to the Windy City. He sold it cheeeeep too!

Desert Panther · #13 11-19-2015, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joegolden

JT told me it sold...went to the Windy City. He sold it cheeeeep too!

Like how cheap? Cheap in his opinion, or yours? Or sort of cheap? Or so darn cheap it makes you want to slam your nuts in a car door?

pawoSD · #14 11-20-2015, 11:36 AM

Commuting in Chicago traffic with a manual trans and 72HP will make for some exciting adventures!

cooljjay · #15 11-20-2015, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Commuting in Chicago traffic with a manual trans and 72HP will make for some exciting adventures!

I did it for years in the Bay Area(Cali), its doable but your leg gets really tired after awhile...Though it was better then the 2bbl Dart, sitting in traffic and the gas would dissipate from the carb...hit the peddle...then die...and try to restart and not hold up traffic...now that is an adventure...or have to reeve the engine to keep the car from over heating....Oh those were the days...I will never miss, the 2+ hours it would take to get 30 miles...Plus the toll