Advice on this 1978 300CD for purchase...please give thoughts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mushedroom · #1 04-27-2006, 07:16 PM

hey all,

so here's a much better 300CD that i'm really considering....

can anyone give testimonial on actual MPG for this car?

also per the specs below... the engine was replacement was with a crate engine...

here are the specs:

1978 300CD

• Silver Exterior / Black Interior
• 266,xxx Miles
• Complete Service History Included
• 3.0 Liter Inline-5 - 80 Horsepower
• Recent Transmission Rebuild 30k miles ago
• Complete Engine Replacement 100k miles ago
• Air Conditioning
• Becker Mexico Tape Deck / Radio (OEM)

This 300CD is in Good Condition. Drivetrain and electrics in proper running order. Light rock dings in bodywork, though paint quality is very good. Only aesthetical detriment are the torn seat leathers; Seat structures themselves are in excellent shape. Nothing a good seat cover can't fix!

please tell me what you guys think would be a good fair price...
they're asking 4K

thanks...

Hatterasguy · #2 04-27-2006, 07:24 PM

Do they have any paper to show proof of the engine replacement? Sellers can and will claim anything, I assume they are lieing until they prove that they are not.

300CD's are very cool looking cars, typical W123 stuff like rust and the suspension is probably tired if it hasn't been gone through yet. Parts are cheap though and they are simple enough to fix.

Hopefully some 300CD owners chime in on the milage but I'd guess mid 20's, depending on driving conditions of course.

mushedroom · #3 04-27-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Do they have any paper to show proof of the engine replacement? Sellers can and will claim anything, I assume they are lieing until they prove that they are not.

yes they have papers
and proof...

would this car (with 100K on a brand new engine out of a crate and a rebuilt trans be worth 4K?

Hatterasguy · #4 04-27-2006, 07:39 PM

Oh well if they have a paper trail then that certainly changes the claim.

I'm not expert on W123 pricing, more a W126 guy. But if I came across a real nice 300CD with a documented fairly recent crate motor I wouldn't have a problem paying $3,500ish for it. Maybe $4k if it was real cherry.

Spending a bit more for a good example is usualy money well spent.

Cheaper to buy a good MB and maintain it then bring a tired one up to spec.

mushedroom · #5 04-27-2006, 07:42 PM

good point
the only thing that's seriously lacking in the car is that both pass and driver seats are beaten and so are the rear seats...
and the rear deck needs some re-upholstering done...
actually all seats and rear deck need re-upholstering...

outside of that
paint is good
etc.
just few nicks and small pebble dings

Hatterasguy · #6 04-27-2006, 07:54 PM

Well its a pretty old car so the interior is going to have a bit of wear.

If the body is in good shape that is a big plus. Body work is very expensive, and a rust bucket always will be a rust bucket.

Interior's are not to bad, you can replace carpet and have seats redone ect.

mushedroom · #7 04-27-2006, 07:55 PM

yes body is straight no damage, etc.
and i was told it's never been in an accident

Boardmonger · #8 04-27-2006, 10:01 PM

Sounds like a decent deal. Do you have any pictures of the car? Maybe if you could talk then down to 3500-3600 it would be a good deal. Mechanically it sounds like a good car with the newer crate motor and the rebuilt transmission. How about the suspension, ball joints and brakes?

mushedroom · #9 04-27-2006, 10:09 PM

going to get info on the suspension stuff tomorrow...
i'll see about setting up pics...
in a bit

t walgamuth · #10 04-27-2006, 10:54 PM

yeah i pretty much agree with all the posts.

mid twenties is my estimate too.

tom w

softconsult · #11 04-28-2006, 08:32 AM

I'm confused. Why are you worried about the Miles per Gallon? This implies that you are looking to save money on fuel.

This old car will be a money pit. I had a '79 300CD that I put around 200K miles on in the early 80's. I loved it at the time.

However, if you are contemplating restoring the interior get ready for big bucks. Those seats are massive and unique to the coupes. The velour that surrounds windows front to back is massively expensive. My car rusted behind the side trim pieces.

As a project car, maybe. As a car intended to economize on fuel, not a good idea.

Just my opinion,

Steve

Diesel Giant · #12 04-28-2006, 10:30 AM

How much are they selling it for?

TwitchKitty · #13 04-28-2006, 12:11 PM

Many parts from the firewall back are unique to the coupe and very costly. Weatherstrips are one example. A coupe with a perfect body and interior is the best situation, the engine and trans stuff is shared with the sedan and is cheap.

I haven't been following prices for a year or so but then $4K would have bought a near perfect turbo coupe. If you are planning on keeping it and taking the value in usage, it is probably an ok deal. If you think you may want to flip it you will probably take a hit.

See if you can find cheap coupe parts locally. Let us know if you find some.

vstech · #14 04-28-2006, 01:07 PM

if the motor failed at 166, then identical maintenance practices were followed, the new motor is about ready to fail. bear that in mind with this purchase. great body old replacement motor bad interior... I figure 1500 or so.
John

mushedroom · #15 04-28-2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by softconsult

I'm confused. Why are you worried about the Miles per Gallon? This implies that you are looking to save money on fuel.

This old car will be a money pit. I had a '79 300CD that I put around 200K miles on in the early 80's. I loved it at the time.

However, if you are contemplating restoring the interior get ready for big bucks. Those seats are massive and unique to the coupes. The velour that surrounds windows front to back is massively expensive. My car rusted behind the side trim pieces.

As a project car, maybe. As a car intended to economize on fuel, not a good idea.

Just my opinion,

Steve

hey steve,

i plan to convert this car into a vegetable oil car, which explains the whole mpg thing...
it will be more of my daily driver with the e430 only at nights or long trips and/or weekends...