Should I Stay Or Should I Go - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benjira · #1 10-09-2007, 12:28 AM

Found this on EBAY

1980 Mercedes Benz 300D 4 dr sedan

To begin with, this vehicle hasn't been started in 11 years. It has been sitting in a barn. On 6 October '07, my sons and I pulled it out of the barn, hosed it off, and took the photos you see here. The car is a 1980 Mercedes Benz 300D. It's a 4 door sedan, silver with black interior. It has a 5 cylinder diesel and 4 speed automatic, bucket seats and a console. Extras are power windows, door locks and sunroof. It also has the deluxe climate control and an am/fm cassette system. You can see in the photo that it shows 177K miles. The interior and body are in real good condition considering their age. The silver looks good and I don't thinks there's any rust to speak of. The trunk and spare look almost like that of a new car. Now for the negative and the reason it's been sitting for so long. My wife drove this car for about a year and one morning it would not start. It turned over but wouldn't hit. She began driving a (then) new conversion van and the Mercedes slipped into the project car line, behind at least 3 other vehicles. Eleven years later I still haven't got to this project. This car has a lot of potential and needs a good home. I can't vouch for the vehicle now due to the amount of time it's been sitting, but everything was working when we parked it.

Any thoughts would be a big help. I know nothing about diesel's.What would it take to get it fired up.

Thanks
BB

kerry · #2 10-09-2007, 12:39 AM

Could be as simple as a bad glow plug. Could be as serious as a worn out engine. Depends on how much you like taking risks.

benjira · #3 10-09-2007, 12:55 AM

does diesel fuel go bad over time?

Jim B. · #4 10-09-2007, 01:54 AM

"Ran when parked" = probably huge $$$$ to put back on the road. And this one didn't even RUN when it was parked!

Very risky to buy one of those. It would have to be at a giveaway price, and even then, maybe not worth it. Possible algae in tank, perished rubber bits, rotten and brittle rubber and plastic, brake lines a mess, rust in cylinders, brakes seized, etc, etc.

11 years is a LONG time for some car to just sit there.

It might be worth buying it for parts, though.

300SDog · #5 10-09-2007, 02:12 AM

Jim, you nailed it!! Sounds like an $800/$1000 car tops, given you gotta assume the worst when pulling em outa long term hibernation. And 177k miles - who the hell cares? Gimme one maintained that's daily driven with 277k and it's probly a better car.

benjira · #6 10-09-2007, 09:37 PM

Even though this car has been sitting for 11 years it has been indoors.What problems could it have amassed over the years? I thought a new battery, drain the fuel,new filters, glow plugs, and at least she might crank up.Any input would be great.Just thinking out loud. The interior is pristine.

kerry · #7 10-09-2007, 09:49 PM

Price is right at the moment and the car looks pretty nice except for all the corrosion on the outside of the valve cover.

vstech · #8 10-10-2007, 10:55 AM

I work about 15 minutes from there, ya want me to go look at it?

rrgrassi · #9 10-10-2007, 10:58 AM

Let's not forget rodents that like to chew on rubber, plastic, carpeting, and wiring.

vstech · #10 10-10-2007, 11:20 AM

that interior sure does look good. it may even be leather. PM me if you want me to look at it for you. I can make an offer for it too, since the ebay listing says he will sell it locally.

spugeddy · #11 10-10-2007, 02:55 PM

Would he have to replace the fuel tank??? Algae? etc.....

JackG · #12 10-10-2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spugeddy

Would he have to replace the fuel tank??? Algae? etc.....

should be able to flush it out and be fine.
I would look at it as a parts car. This way, if it can be made to run, thats a bonus. Lets not forget, the most expensive MB is a cheap one.