Today I looked at a 300SD I don't know the year but if I had to gues I'd say about an 83. It had 238,840 on it and the interior was in good shape except for the center armrest, that was cracked. The exterior is a different story. There were a few small rust spots above the wheels and in the trunk corners. It was just surface rust that I could see. The paint was pretty bad and the chrome was faded. The only thing that I didn't like was that it was at a body shop and the passengers side rear door had a big dent in it that had a realy bad bondo jod trying to cover it up. I don't know anything about it mechanically I didn't talk to anybody there. I had just noticed that it had been sitting there for a few months, and it was right by my house so I thought I would take a look. They want 3,500 for it whitch I think is to much. What would be a good price for this car? If everything checks out mechanically and the door is the only thing damaged what would be a good price? I think 2,500 would be about right. I don't think I will buy this car. I am just looking, and trying to get a feel for what to look for, and what they go for in my area.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=7688&highlight=300sd+and+checklist

Aloha...The previous post may offer some insights for you. My advice would be to drive as many as you can. Check prices on sources like e-bay, auto trader, newspapers. Now, mind you this is advice coming from a brand new owner who hasn't even SEEN his "new" 1984 300d. I bought this car sight unseen after it was checked out by a reputable mechanic who knows these cars. I live in Hawaii, and due to the dock-workers strike in LA, I probably won't even see my car for another couple of months.

Look around for one, then look some more, then do a little looking, and finally conduct a good search for one. Good Luck