What is a 1978 300CD worth?
 

Let's say it's in near mint condition.

A couple of very minor imprefections but let's say it's just about showroom condition.

140k miles on it.

What are your estimates?

anywhere from 4-5500K i think would be fair if its that nice. The turbodiesel coupes bring more money.

The current market for old MBs is pretty thin right now. I've sold three of my MBs in the last year, and bought three. Two of them I sold were, in the eyes of most people, "mint". I was disappointed in the value the market placed on them, but as they say "It is what it is.". Both "mint" cars had higher mileage, and this was the biggest roadblock to a high sales price in my observation.

Unless the car is truly remarkable, both in model desirability and condition, it stinks to be a seller today.

Great buying opportunities, though. Got my E320 cabriolet about three years before I thought I would.

For your car, the coupe is a plus, but the mileage is high, and the USA engine is a dog, as well as being thirsty. As a finer point, given a choice, I'd much prefer a 1980+ W123 for it's many improvements.

Jim

Isn't a 1978 300CD a 123? Last time I looked it was. Maybe you're thinking about a 114 coupe. Those are thirsty.......

Your eyes don't deceive you. W123 production started in 1976 for the euro, 1977 for USA. Last W123 M110 USA cars were for model year 81 or 82 I recall. W123 cars have a break point between 1979 and 1980.
Lots of detail differences, and subjectively (at least for me) better quality for the later ones.

I also currently own a euro 280SL M110 powered car, and have extensively driven as daily drivers, two W123 280E euro engined cars over the years.

I've driven a couple of USA spec M110 W123s, and was not at all impressed by the 40+ hp drop these emissions strangled, low compression motors delivered. Real dogs compared to the euro engine.

Unlike the diesels, there aren't a lot of fans for the USA M110 engined cars.

Jim