1973 300SEL - worth?

[cvgbenzlover]

I will be looking at a 1973 300SEL this evening. Is dark green with tan leather, 175K miles, a stack of repair/maintenance docs etc. Here is what the owner says about the car... What do you think is a fair price?

The paint is original, so it looks good from 20 but could use a refresh.
The car recently went through a complete cosmetic interior restoration. All new door/window/trunk seals replaced including seat leather/arm rests/center console pad/floor mats, hat shelf in original German leather and carpeted.

The previous owner had replaced with new OE parts: distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, wires, points, fuel filter, fuel hoses, belts, antifreeze, brakes pads, master cylinder, calipers rebuilt, brake hoses, all brake rotors, transmission mounts, all the seals windshield, and doors, lights. K&N air filter. Motor mount changed. Timing chain, chain guides, valve guides. The hood has brand new OE German made hood insulator.

The paint is original DB291"dark olive/green". There is no known rust chassis or body. . .except for a small quarter size bubble by the rear right brake lights along the chrome. There are no dings/dents on the car body.

Less than 10 years ago when the car underwent restoration all air hoses were replaced and a rebuilt set of air valves installed with 4 new air bellows. Front and rear suspension bushings where also changed. The previous owner has also changed the shocks, tie rods, bushing etc.

Approx $4000 spent to install completed new leather seats from leather supplier for classic MB leather in California. The leather is German Cognac and interior carpets are Saffron. The car has new floor mats in the original saffron. Steering and dash has a small crack. All door panels are good except for the front driver side door panel which has a small crack in the top. Rear hat shelf redone with original Saffron with new Pioneer speakers. All interior/exterior chrome are beautiful with a great shine to it.

4 NEW white wall tires - Good Year Integrity. . .

AC and Heat works as well as the blower. The heater levers also work.

All electrical systems work on the car including vacuum locks, power windows switches, wipers, horn, interior/exterior lights including the trunk light. Original Hirschman electric antenna works.

The car comes with a fair amount of maintenance and parts receipts, manuals, $300 dollar shop manual, Becker Europa factory manual, etc.

[HoustonM3]

Sounds really nice. I passed up an original unrestored 300SEL 6.3 with a mint and I mean mint interior for $5,000. Id say this car is worth at least $20,000. There is a nice one on ebay that has me tempted for $25,000

[cvgbenzlover]

Thanks for the reply, but I suspect the 4.5 is worth much less than that...sorry I forgot a key data point

[cvgbenzlover]

The guy just sent me a note saying the following:

I am not an expert on the hydraulics, but it does drop evenly after a couple of days, but raises right up after a few minutes at idle. My 280S is a standard suspension, so I don’t have anything to compare it to.

· Wood on the dash—some peeling on the veneer, which can be replaced fairly easily I think. I found some on eBay.
· The only tear on the interior that I can recall is on the driver side door around the lock—leather guy could repair easily.
· The needle does not move when you put it in drive.

[marko55]

What is his asking Price?

[cvgbenzlover]

I guess multi tasking is not a good idea Can't believe I forgot that fact

[marko55]

The car sounds great...How ever at some point the fuel delivery system including injectors@$170.00 each willhave to be adressed,I just spent $9000 on my engine overhaul...I love my car and don't intend on selling it so be prepared for the long haul.Air suspension issues aside ...these cars are still a bargain for the pleasur they deliver..hope you get it!Get a mechanic's opinion and good luck

[bzover]

Originally Posted by cvgbenzlover

The guy just sent me a note saying the following:

I am not an expert on the hydraulics, but it does drop evenly after a couple of days, but raises right up after a few minutes at idle. My 280S is a standard suspension, so I don’t have anything to compare it to.

· Wood on the dash—some peeling on the veneer, which can be replaced fairly easily I think. I found some on eBay.
· The only tear on the interior that I can recall is on the driver side door around the lock—leather guy could repair easily.
· The needle does not move when you put it in drive.

That would indicate a leak in the rebuilt air valves, which will get worse over time. My '73 4.5 also does that, only worse: it sinks shortly after parking; and having to wait for it to raise up is kind of annoying.

Can't really tell you what the car is worth; I remember reading somewhere that the range is $6K - $17K. Mine, I'd let go for below that, but it also needs a lot more work.

[tyl604]

Pictures? Agree with the comment about the air suspension; it will get progressively worse. There is a reservoir under the hood near the headlight on the driver's side. Keep it filled with denatured alcohol to keep the air suspension clean; do not remember what it does but it might remove humidity from the air suspension sytem - anyway it has a blow off hole that will spew out a thick milky fluid. Probably one or more of your bellows is leaking.