Is this 82' TD worth $3500? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jubjub · #1 07-06-2008, 10:44 PM

I'm in the market for a wagon. I looked at one today and wanted to get some opinions. I have a 85' 300D, but don't know too much about wagons

The car had what I think is SLS. There was a reservior on the front passenger side. Is it for all 4 wheels or just the back? I saw monroe shocks up front, but the back end seemed to be sitting low and I couldn't see what was in the back. The ride seemed to be much smoother than my sedan. Is it the SLS or monroe shocks?

The Good, engine started with no problems without glowing. Trans shifts smooth. Car rides good. Not much play in the steering wheel. White with Beige interior. Seems to have some sort of chrome package, air vents in front of the windshield were chromed and the center dials on the gauges where chromed. I've never seen the chrome package before.

The Bad, guy didn't know much about the car. Engine bay was pretty dirty, injector return lines leaking. Exhaust leak somewhere around the manifold. Unknown maintenance history. A/C not working, been converted to 134. Tach works intermittenly, fuel gauge doesn't work. Interior: Seats ok, rest of the interior not great, dash cracked in 6-8 spots. Trim around the pillars and window frames in bad shape.

Doesn't appear to have been maintained well. 204k miles. I don't think it's worth it. I go back to what some guys have said here. There's no such thing as a cheap Mercedes.

79Mercy · #2 07-06-2008, 10:51 PM

Offer him 1500, 3500 is to much for a car that needs some TLC. The rear is SLS, if it is sitting low than some of the parts are shot. SLS parts are not cheap, one reason I don't really like wagons.

JimmyL · #3 07-06-2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

The rear is SLS, if it is sitting low than some of the parts are shot. SLS parts are not cheap, one reason I don't really like wagons.

Mis-information. Parts are not cheap if you buy certain ones new, but who does that? Usually it's only the accumulators that fail or maybe the high pressure line. The rear linkage could just be mis-adjusted if the rear is sagging but the ride is OK. More likely accumulators. 2 x $100 bucks. Not real expensive.
You non-wagons guys need to have your facts straight before trying to advise others.
I'm just sayin'........

79Mercy · #4 07-07-2008, 12:01 AM

I stand corrected.

JimmyL · #5 07-07-2008, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

I stand corrected.

I wasn't totally directing that at you Mercy although that is certainly how it appears. Sorry to make you look like the brunt of my mini-rant, it certainly wasn't deserved.

Just been a lot more of that lately.

79Mercy · #6 07-07-2008, 12:06 AM

No problem, the only thing that matters is that he gets the info he needs.

jubjub · #7 07-07-2008, 08:12 AM

Yea, I was thinking of low balling, but although he knows nothing about cars much less this era Mercedes, he's firm on $3500 because of all the WVO people calling him.

zeke · #8 07-07-2008, 08:14 AM

Mine has chrome air cowls, but no chrome on the interior.

$3500 seems like it is in the ballpark to me.

kerry · #9 07-07-2008, 08:14 AM

Even with maintenance records, you would still have to make your decision on its current condition. I think part of the answer lies with how comfortable you are working on these cars. Wagons are not that easy to find. If it is a rust free example and the engine and transmission are solid, I would consider it. SLS could be as simple as just being low on fluid. It wouldn't be the first time a forum member has bought one with a dry sump. The rest of the items sound like typical maintenance items on a 123. AC repair can get pricey in a hurry so it partly depends on where you live and if AC is necessary for you. My wagon AC was on the fritz for about 4 yrs and I didn't worry about it. Just got it fixed at the indy for $1k. SLS only works on the rear axle but in my opinion it is probably the best feature of the wagon, and worth its weight in gold for what I use my wagon for--carrying heavy loads of people and boating gear and sometimes pulling a trailer too.

zeke · #10 07-07-2008, 08:53 AM

kerry what was wrong with your ac?

Mine just failed.

kerry · #11 07-07-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeke

kerry what was wrong with your ac?

Mine just failed.

Combination of problems: Out of refrigerant. Klima relay bad (only found on 85's), bad climate control push button unit.
It was recharged with R-12 (no leaks found), new relay and the indy put in a spare push button unit I had. Now it turns the car into a meat locker. (and a swimming pool before I fixed the AC drain)

zeke · #12 07-07-2008, 10:42 AM

ahhh I dream of that cold coldness......I have a refrigerant leak. (already fixed the AC drain)

Sorry for the thread hijack.....back to the OP's wagon for sale.

winmutt · #13 07-07-2008, 10:58 AM

$3500 for SLS problems is to much.

TheDon · #14 07-07-2008, 11:12 AM

for $3500 you can get a real nice 300D sedan or a good 300CD

Jeremy5848 · #15 07-07-2008, 11:29 AM

If you really need a wagon, you should ask to take that one to a mechanic for a thorough inspection and estimate of repairs. Subtract the things that you can do yourself and you will have the total amount to buy and repair the wagon. If that's too much, keep looking. Personally, I'd rather wait for one in better condition with an owner who has a complete set of service records.

Jeremy