Brought home a 1985 300TD wagon last night! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fender_bender · #1 06-10-2013, 10:29 AM

Here she is! Drove up tp NJ over the weekend to pick it up. Found it on craigslist for 7k got it for 6 probably could have got it for 5, but oh well I'm just glad to finally have a wagon. It has 143k miles, interior is in awesome shape, no cracks in dash, no major rust (a little surface rust on LCA and tie rods), sls pump was just replaced, exterior is amazing, runs very well and smooth. No 3rd row seat

. I'm very happy with it. It's much better than my sedan. I have a list of things to do to it.

Eliminate EGR
fix vacuum leaks (rubber connectors rotted)
rear diff might have a small leak (it was wet but didn't smell like gear oil. maybe when they were replacing the SLS pump something sprayed on there?)
tach not working
glow plug light not working (not sure if the plugs are working or not)
slight oil leak (nothing like my sedan)
the becker grand prix radio not working
the rear driver side door won't open all the way
air cleaner rattles
cruise not working

Chad300tdt · #2 06-10-2013, 10:34 AM

The one from Neptune?

I was looking at that one too. I wish I had the cash since it's an exact replacement for my wagon ... in FAR better condition.

Congratulations and good luck!

jbrianfoto · #3 06-10-2013, 11:03 AM

Nice car - I love that color. You're going to become very attached to this little car, I have always thought these kinda look like a Range Rover classic, only shorter. These are fun, sexy, and they are worth every bit of effort that you put in to 'em. You won't ever want to let it go.

Good job, now get on with the "list"!!

jbrianfoto · #4 06-10-2013, 11:05 AM

Ooh-Ooh ! I see you got the Un-Obtanium uber-rare luggage cross bars. Verrrrrrry nice.

andrewjtx · #5 06-10-2013, 11:16 AM

I might part with the 3rd row setup from my '84. Half-decided not to put it in my '85.

jbrianfoto · #6 06-10-2013, 11:46 AM

It's real important that you be sure to add the headrests to your middle row of seats - without them it can be dangerous for anyone riding in the third row set (most dangerous in a frontal collision).

fender_bender · #7 06-10-2013, 12:24 PM

Chad - yes that's the one. He took my offer for 6k instantly without even blinking. Then I thought, "Crap... he probably would have went lower."
Jbrian - I KNOW! I was surprised to see them also!

I love my mercs! We think we may name the wagon Neptune since that's where we got it. Now I just need the w123 240d with manual tranny. Maybe a coupe too...

One thing that troubled me is when I brought up valve adjustments he said he didn't know what that was. He actually didn't know much about the car at all, but his mechanic was there (his employee) and I talked to him a bit about the car. Still didn't get an answer though.

fender_bender · #8 06-10-2013, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

The one from Neptune?

I was looking at that one too. I wish I had the cash since it's an exact replacement for my wagon ... in FAR better condition.

Congratulations and good luck!

We were thinking about coming to the GTG so you may get to see her there.

jbrianfoto · #9 06-10-2013, 12:59 PM

The guy I bought my first 300TD from didn't know much about the maintenance history at all. Some folks just use cars, some (like us) - are more involved emotionally with our MB's.

The good news is, for your car, it will be getting regulair valbe adjustments. After that first one get's done, you'll surely hear and feel a big difference (if it hasn't been worked on in years).

If I could have picked a color for my W123, it would be like yours.

Chad300tdt · #10 06-10-2013, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fender_bender

We were thinking about coming to the GTG so you may get to see her there.

That would be awesome. I hope you guys bring "Neptune" to visit her cousin.

zu! · #11 06-10-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fender_bender

Here she is! Drove up tp NJ over the weekend to pick it up. Found it on craigslist for 7k got it for 6 probably could have got it for 5, but oh well I'm just glad to finally have a wagon. It has 143k miles, interior is in awesome shape, no cracks in dash, no major rust (a little surface rust on LCA and tie rods), sls pump was just replaced, exterior is amazing, runs very well and smooth. No 3rd row seat

. I'm very happy with it. It's much better than my sedan. I have a list of things to do to it.

Eliminate EGR
fix vacuum leaks (rubber connectors rotted)
rear diff might have a small leak (it was wet but didn't smell like gear oil. maybe when they were replacing the SLS pump something sprayed on there?)
tach not working
glow plug light not working (not sure if the plugs are working or not)
slight oil leak (nothing like my sedan)
the becker grand prix radio not working
the rear driver side door won't open all the way
air cleaner rattles
cruise not working

Wow, I never knew they came in that colour! That's gorgeous! Excellent find...it looks like its in mint condition!

Care to share more pictures? And yes, before I forget, congratulations on that amazing find!

ROLLGUY · #12 06-10-2013, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zu!

Wow, I never knew they came in that colour!

I had an '85 sedan that color (kind of a wine red metallic). Very nice car you got there. You still got it for a decent price, all things considered.

toomany MBZ · #13 06-11-2013, 06:52 AM

Nice!

fender_bender · #14 06-11-2013, 08:43 AM

Thanks guys! I'll get some more pics of it soon. It's been raining like crazy here. First thing I need to rip into the glow system so it will start better.

Stevo · #15 06-11-2013, 09:51 AM

Wow, nice color combo and the luggage rack cross bars too, nice score.