Looked at this 1991 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ImBroke · #1 12-31-2014, 05:24 PM

Here's the Craigslist ad. 1991 Mercedes Benz 300d Turbo Diesel - Fresh tune up and inspection
Here's my observations: Car has 354k miles on it.
Cold startup went ok. Seemed to crank slowly, but I've not owned a 124 before, so maybe that's normal. Did not take long to start, temp was 38 degrees. A bit of noise from the front of the engine. I asked about the tensioner, he said it had not been replaced while he's owned it. Ran smooth, hardly any blowby. Free revving, good oil pressure.
Test drive: There was a small amount of flare between 2-3, and I think between 3-4 as well. I didn't drive far, as the flare sort of turned me off right away. ASD light is on all the time. While I was stopping, the pad sensor light came on. Sunroof tilts and opens. There was no heat blowing out of the vents, but there was heat out of the defrost. Driver seat does not recline, but moves forward and back. Needs various switches replaced, new headlight doors or facelift, passenger door mirror. Trunk seems to be out of alignment on the passenger side towards the rear window. It looks like it is sitting too high. Possible rear end collision?
The car is solid, which is more than I can say for my W123. It's black on black, which is my combo for sure. However, the asking price of $2600 is too high in my opinion, I was thinking more like $1800. I like the 124, but would like some opinions on this particular one.

Mxfrank · #2 12-31-2014, 05:51 PM

Transmission flares may be as simple as replacing the k1 and K2 springs. But a 722.4 doesn't have much life expectancy after this many miles. Factor in at least $2K for an eventual rebuild. The rest sounds like an accumulation of the usual problems, nothing too difficult, but quantity has a quality all it's own.

For my money, a rust free body makes all the difference, just make sure it's not a quick respray over a coat of bondo.

dude99 · #3 12-31-2014, 06:01 PM

trunk out of alignment. Look very closely for signs of a poorly repaired rear ender

renaissanceman · #4 12-31-2014, 06:30 PM

I'd think the price is a bit steep.

My OM603 cranks fast now that I have a new battery installed, it was slow with the 9 year old one in there previously.

My 1987 300D had a 2-3 flare, but new fluid with Mobil 1 and a K-1 accumulator took care of that problem entirely (so far).

I got mine for $2750 and it has some problems, but nothing major (mostly maintenance stuff that needs to be done, but it had 143k. Still chipping away at it.

vstech · #5 12-31-2014, 06:33 PM

The trunk lid is repainted, different age than quarters. I'd look CAREFULLY under the rear of the car for repair work.
It could be as simple as a replaced hood, or clear fade repainted, but it could be MUCH worse.

vstech · #6 12-31-2014, 06:33 PM

Either way, it's. Sub 2K car. Keep looking.
I'd offer $1200 and walk.

ImBroke · #7 12-31-2014, 06:55 PM

John, you are right, and I just thought of it. The trunk paint was crazed, the rear quarters were ok looking. I'm not going to get it, but if anyone was looking at Craigslist for this car, consider it a courtesy pre preinspection.