Gorgeous Mercedes 300TD Diesel Wagon 7-Seater

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series 7-Seater Deluxe Description

This is a gorgeous example of the vaunted Mercedes W123 300TD Turbo Diesel Wagon (the “T” stands for Touring, not Turbo as most people assume), finished in its original color Diamond Blue with Navy MB Tex upholstery.

This has been my daughter’s car for many years, and she has loved it. And, like any father would do, I’ve seen to it that it was maintained properly for her safety and convenience. It’s time to let it go to its next owner, as she needs something smaller now for her life in the Big City.

This wagon has all the options available:

• Third Row Seating
• Manual Sunroof
• Electric R/H Mirror (works)
• Cruise Control (works)
• Tachometer (works)
• Power Windows (all four operate)
• Vacuum Central Locking (works on all doors)
• Air Conditioning (blows cold)

We’ve done much to bring the car up to standard in all categories. Recently we’ve replaced the alternator, serviced the Trap Oxidizer, replaced filters, hoses and belts as needed, serviced the transmission (which shifts properly) and rebuilt the AC system as well as both front and rear suspension, including:

• Upper Control Arm Assemblies
• Lower Control Arm Bushings
• Subframe Mounts
• Tie Rod Assembly
• Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
• KYB Shock Absorbers
• Alignment

The AC rebuild included:

• New compressor
• Drive Belt
• Receiver Dryer
• Engine Shock
• Expansion Valve
• Flushing, solvent and freon

The original Navy interior is in beautiful condition throughout, and the seats are firm and supportive. The polished wood trim is bright and clean, with only a few cracks on the console piece. Original carpets are clean and in excellent condition, covered by Mercedes fitted rugs. The manual sunroof is easy to operate and opens fully, and seals out any water. A small tear in the headliner next to the T-handle has been repaired. The third-row seating operates easily and includes the factory 3-point seatbelts. The right rear door panel has a small tear, and the spare wheel cover shows sun fading.

The body is straight and rust-free (it’s an original California car, as evidenced by its original blue-and-yellow license plate), with correct gaps at all panels. We had the car refinished in its original 355H Diamond Blue (diamintblau) Metallic using 2-stage Mercedes paint, and it has accumulated no visible dents, dings or scratches. The original 14-inch alloy “Bundt” wheels carry decent tires with roughly 50% tread left. I’d recommend fitting a new set in the near future. The only device I can recall not working is the electric antenna, which failed recently. The motor turns but I think the nylon drive gear must have stripped, as they do over time. You can raise and lower it manually, however.

Driving the car is a pleasure. It has a sprightly turn of speed for a diesel, cruises at 75-80 all day long, handles very well with its new suspension, and brakes straight and firmly to a stop. The rear hydraulic suspension works properly and keeps the wagon level at all times, regardless of load. While the 284,830 miles might seem high to those unaccustomed to Mercedes diesels, it’s actually about average for a 32-year old 300TD. These Touring Wagons seem to have been used frequently and shuttled kids off to school, moms to the market, or families on cross country trips, and have accumulate mileage consistent with regular use.

See the photo of the gauges. You can see that it is idling at a nice 800 rpm on the tach, the temperature gauge shows the engine is warm, and the oil pressure is at the top of the gauge. That this car feels as solid as a vault and will still do that cross-country dash if you wish is a testimony to its engineering and original build quality. Of course all the freshening that we’ve done these past few years has done much to make it feel almost new again, to the benefit of its new owner.

The clear California title is in my daughter’s name with current tags. And of course, no smog checks are ever required on an older diesel such as this. Included are all our receipts and many from the previous owner.

While I've tried to describe the car in complete detail, there may be flaws I've missed or am unaware of and of course, being a used, 32-year old classic car, it is sold as-is, without warranty expressed or implied. Please feel free to email me with any questions. If you’re a serious buyer and local, you’re welcome to come see the car in person. I’m in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County.