Care to comment on resale value of a 240D 4 speed 617 turbo?
 

In my constant fiddling with old W123 and 126s, I run across some cars which seem more useful for parts. Supposing that I had all the ingredients for a 240D manual +617t engine swap, what might be the value? I know, whatever someone will pay, but as MB didn't build these it's hard to find comparables.

OK, if I can get a 240D with a seized motor and a decent body, and a 300Dt with a cruddy interior and a bad tranny but a strong-sounding engine, for $500 for the pair, is it worth building this Frankenbenz? I'd probably drive and enjoy for a while, but I really like my 300SD better than most 123s I've driven! (But never tried a manual 617 turbo yet!) Just curious what folks think.

I'd never let mine go for anything less than $4K

haha frankenbenz... I named one of my creations that about two years ago. a 80 240D engine into a 78 300D body (it was what was on hand at the time...) the ultimate downgrade :D

another forum member owns it now :eek:

To me, a good W123/W126 is priceless2

Have you thought about getting a NICE example of what your'e looking for rather than cobbling one good one out of 2 bad ones? Just a thought.

Have you seen all the W123 sedans streaming back into Lebanon from Syria now the fighting hasw stopped? ON the news, they are all returning, some in nice condition, others a mess, with bondo slapped on the sides, matressess lashed to the roof, some of them flyuing the huge yellow Hezbollah flag with the machine gun on it?

Those cars REALLY can take it, now they have ebven been through a war and they still are running.

I'll let you know when I finish mine today. :D

I am selling my other 240D for $4500 and have several people interested. In the pacific NW I think you could get 6K for a well done, rust free 240 turbo.

For me the ultimate frankenbenz money car would be 4-spd 240TD wagon, like they've got in Europe. Figure $3-$4G for being a square window wagon, add another $1.5- $2k for being 4-spd 240D. But figuring out an electric pump for the hydraulic suspension would be the greatest obstacle.

Dunno what all this turbo-hype is about, i really dont. Acceleration just aint that important anymore. Everyday I pass V-8 powered automobiles that crawl down the road, humbled by their own inneficiency. Meanwhile either a car can go 80mph and get near 30mpg or it caint. But its the sheer simplicity of the 4 cyl diesel that appeals to me the most.

I like my 240D too, but have you ever tried to drive one up a 10,000 foot mountain pass? There are times when having twice the power is useful. ;)

Good thought Jim, but it's not about that, for a couple of reasons.

Already got a nice example- I own a 300SD which gets compliments every time I take it out. I love that old car; its resale value is pointless as I have no intention of ever selling it. I've driven 123s; I like 'em, but I like the 300SD W126 better.

But I've never tried a manual 300Dt, the only way to get one is to build it or find someone else's homebuilt. The idea intrigues me, though.

The only way for me to afford several thousands for an old Benz is to sell the one I've got (not happening), or spend it a bit at a time building a car.

It's about the fun of the project, and the fact that I like to see old MBs "back on the road"- 1 unique one up and going beats 2 moldering ones sitting in backyards.

My query about resale was meant to ask, would anyone really want to buy such a beast if I wanted to move on? Or would it be worth less than say just a rough but running 240D?

I would buy it for more than a good 300Dt!!!

What is my thinking process here!

A 240D body is in my humble opinion more desirable because of the manual AC.
Combined with a 4 (or 5 speed) and a 617.95X. That removes all the advantages of a 240D and gives it all the cool things of a 300Dt.
Now it could get that manual AC in a 300CD... ze Dream!