First time buyer here, never bought a car over 10 years old before but I've found what looks to be a gorgeous '76 Mercedes. All I know about these cars is what I've found online (not much) I don't know what they are worth so I'm not sure how much to offer the seller (he has no price listed he has instructed me to make an offer). I am going to see the car tomorrow but I'd like to be knowledgeable on the vehicle before I get there. I would really appreciate some advice on what to look out for, other than rust, milage, and dents scratches. What is the appropriate price for a "mint- garaged" 1976 300D with just about 200k miles. Again I have no clue what these are worth so I'd appreciated it if you could help me with that.









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It looks like a nice example in the pictures but the brick under the back wheel might suggest it needs a bit of a service!

Rust really is the killer - especially for the W114/5 models

You might want to look through this site

www.stroke8.org

I'm a bit more concerned that you've always had new cars. These vehicles especially with the non turbo OM617 (early version too) are slow by modern standards. Your expectations might not meet with reality.

Despite their speed issues these vehicles should have really surprising road holding - any good ship venus behaviour suggests lots of suspension work is needed. These are complicated machines for their time - more complicated suspension than some American cars made today.

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

You don't say where you are located or the car. It looks very very good in the pics, but its impossible to tell if its been painted as an example and if painted is there any bondo in it. If it runs and drives as well as it looks its worth some money. It is an old car though with 200K and not restored. Does the seller have all the documents on the car? REpair receipts can tell a lot about how its been cared for.

They really ride and handle pretty well if things are in good order. And with a good running 300d you can cruise at 75 with no issues.

I'd try to get one of our members to look at it with you if possible. It appears to be an exceptional car so if the seller is antsy and won't wait for you to do your due diligence I'd put a deposit on it pending examination.

Depending on details its worth anywhere from 2000 (with engine deficiencies) up to perhaps as much as 7 or 8K if everything checks out.

They're very rust prone so I assume you are in a dry place.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

it'll be tough to find a truly Mint 300D this old.
As a price reference, right now on this forum, someone is selling a similar-bodied 300D with a bad transmission - they are asking $1000 for it.
Newer trans + installation should not cost more than $1500 at a decent indy mechanic.

This car will get 20's MPG, accelerate to 60mph in 10+ seconds and doesn't have airbags, ABS or any historical rarity. I can get a MK4 VW TDI that bests all of these numbers (and is 20+ years newer) for $5k easily. The TDI will also have 1 serpentine belt with tensioner, and hydraulic valve lifters - the 300D has a manaually adjustable belt (a few of them) and needs valve adjustments every 25k or so. Not a problem if you are cool with doing this yourself. I agree that a newer TDI and a Benz like this are apples and oranges -but both are still, at heart, just cars meant for transporting people.
Look at prices for the W124 diesels - the 1987 300Ds and 300TD's - both are $4k to $6k in good condition - you get the same mileage, more power, 1st gen ABS and airbags IIRC.
If you really want a 1970's MB diesel, this one doesn't look bad, but I always base price on what you get for the money, and once someone starts asking $9k for one, I start thinking "I could get a beat-up E300CDI for that much..."

my opinions only.
-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

What's it worth.... ~ 0.040$/lb

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90 300TE 4-M
Turbo 103, T3/T04E 50 trim
T04B cover .60 AR
Stage 3 turbine .63 AR
A2W I/C, 40 LB/HR
MS2E, 60-2 Direct Coil Control
3" Exh, AEM W/B O2
Underdrive Alt. and P/S Pulleys,
Vented Rear Discs, .034 Booster.
3.07 diffs 1st Gear Start

90 300CE 104.980
Milled & ported head, 10.3:1 compression
197° intake cam w/20° advancer
Tuned CIS ECU
4° ignition advance
PCS TCM2000, built 722.6
600W networked suction fan
Sportline sway bars
V8 rear subframe, Quaife ATB 3.06 diff

All original documents. 2 owner- original owner only had it for 1 year. The Current owner is a Mercedes mechanic who owns his own shop


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I'm in Arizona, sorry for leaving that out


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All of that is good info. Remember that the odo just goes to 99000 miles so it is impossible to be sure how many times it has gone around.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

As far as I'm concerned, any seller who doesn't give a price doesn't really want to sell it. I'd sell my beloved 220D for $10k, but only a fool would pay more than $1k in its current condition. Hell, I'd take $5k, any offers?

I love the 114/115 and own one that has been an excellent car, but I couldn't see myself paying more than $5k for one. Angel's comments come to mind...

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1963 Ford Falcon Convertible
1972 220D 4-speed
1986 190D 2.5 5-speed
1999 300D

First impression is that is about a $950 car. Don't approach it with stars in your eyes. A rust free 114 is unusual. Plan on new injector nozzles and AC work.