After talking about it for a year or so, the local Napa counterman finally decided to get rid of the 300d in his yard.
According to him, the PO bought the car new and put about 25k on the car at which time her son took it out for a beer run and never made it to the store ultimately slamming it into a piece of ledge. The car has been sitting for the past 8 years.
Right front fender and hood are really rough, whatever is in the right front corner of the engine compartment is likely damaged and the right front wheel is bent about 90* out of line.
This is the first MB parts car I have found in Vermont that is W123 bodied like my 240s and still full of serviceable parts.
After some discussion, I offered him scrap value which is about $500.
I know its too much but he won't take less.
If it really does only have 25k on the engine and trans, and it is a big if, then I think it might be a good deal.
The rest of the body is straight although I really couldn't give it a good rust inspection. All the glass is ok and the Palomino interior looks decent though dirty.
I am not thinking about repairing the body just getting the parts and the om617 turbo for possible 240/300 swap.
What do you all think?

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

I'd be all over that- drive train for 500. WITH 25K! IT'S NOT EVEN BROKEN IN! That's a hell of a deal. Rear bumper, doors, sunroof maybe? Trunk deck, window motors...and on and on....

I'd jump on that like stink on ****!

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1984 W123 300D turbo
1989 SRW F-350 Reg. cab 4X4 &7.3 w/ Banks turbo
1993 Cherokee 2dr 2wd w/ 4.0 L6
2007 20ft Tiger car hauler trailer

I just have to find a suitable winter home for it.
Things are jammed up here already.
At least my wife is being helpful with storage options.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

It sounds worth it. But, if it's been sitting for that long, maybe not.

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79 MB 280 SEL Euro 133k
77 MB 450SL 154k
05 Mustang GT Vert (3) 104k
12 TSX Wagon Tech (66k) (192k)
06 Subaru Outback base (135k) 164k
16 Acura MDX (109k) 111k
18 Silverado 2500 LTZ Midnight (212) 56k
97 Ford Ranger 163k
11 RAV4 154k
01 Escape 173k
04 Honda Pilot 292k
1967 Mustang (Resto Project)
1968 Mustang (Parts Bin)
00 Ford Ranger 124k

worth it as long as you can store the parts you want to keep before discarding the corpse...
bird in hand is worth 2 in bush...

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1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
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1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

Yes storage is the key. I have an open shed with lumber currently in it or I could build a shed next to my shop but my honey do list is longer than it should be now so I am pondering my choices.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

Put it in the wood shed with wood stacked on 3 sides. That would be as good as a regular shed. sounds like its been out in the open for 8 years so the time you have it is not going to make much difference.

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Would a 8 mile, low speed tow with the front end dollied be safe or should the Driveshaft come off?

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

Thats fine if you keep it under 30mph.