another 300td photo analysis - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spit · #1 10-19-2014, 09:57 PM

This is a 1979 with 143k miles that has been offered to me for 4500. a high price but i'm considering a counter offer a would like to know if you guys can catch any issues this one may have in the photos.

photo gallery

vstech · #2 10-19-2014, 11:05 PM

I see several quibbles... The heat is bypassed, and a manual cable is routed to control it. All the interior pics are out of focus, so qualifying the mileage is impossible. Love the color, but there is a lot of signs of rust... Be thorough looking the car over in person. Drivers seat is trashed, even the armrest is damaged...

sleepstar · #3 10-19-2014, 11:26 PM

looks like a battery from walmart.. not a good sign as maybe they were trying to be cheap with the car, it also looks like its the wrong size (too small), missing passenger side knee panel.. also its a 79, proceed with extra caution on pre 81 cars, some of those parts are very expensive even used.

cooljjay · #4 10-19-2014, 11:38 PM

Pass.....love the wagon color, love the year...

To many small things that will end up causing much headache and monies..

I see lots of rust spots, horrible servo bypass, missing interior trim, both front seats need horse hair pads...

uberwasser · #5 10-20-2014, 12:02 AM

Beyond what's been said -

Brake fluid is low, and quite dark. Rubber caps over the floats are cracked. So the brake system has likely been neglected.

Spin-on fuel filter looks rusty, so has been installed for a long time.

Return lines look quite old.

Passenger side pick panel seems to be missing?

Still has the original leak prone primer pump. The white knob on top looks more brown than white. Means to me that fuel has been leaking, discoloring it and letting dirt collect on it. That fuel usually leaks on to, and eventually destroys, the driver's side motor mount.

Just some observations, since you asked. Since it's a non-turbo, ACCI car I'd say it's not quite worth that price as rusty as it is...

MBeige · #6 10-20-2014, 12:19 AM

Pass.

There are better cars out there for the same (if not less) money.

tortoise84 · #7 10-20-2014, 12:50 PM

If you're worried about finding a perfect 300td that doesn't need anything, you're gonna be looking for a long time. Almost every W123 has multiple issues. These cars are more like hobbies. If you have the time and like wrenching, go for it! Just know whatever you buy, you will have to probably spend more for a better maintained one vs. at least doubling the price for rehab costs in an example that has been let go. Most people sell these cars because they're sick of the constant maintenance, so they are rarely without needs.
I don't see a lot of rust in this one. Slight rust can be treated. The only worrisome spot I saw was in back of the front passenger wheel, in the corner. Inspect carefully underneath, also.
The biggest issue might be whether you can live without turbo. If you live in the mountains, you might want to keep looking for a 300tdt. I also would try to have it compression tested, if you can. Good luck!

vstech · #8 10-20-2014, 12:57 PM

can you give us some ideas why you are looking for a wagon?

this one is a decent example, but there are a lot better choices in wagons out there.

looking over the pics again, I see rust creeping through on every panel. I'd want to pull every carpet, and verify floor integrity... pull the rear compartments open, and inspect for rust out... this car has a LOT of rust on it.