1985 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Base Coupe 2-Door 3.0L

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series Description

For sale is a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 CD CDT turbo coupe in very good condition. I bought this car almost a year and a half ago and was planning to restore it, although not to make it in showroom condition. I just wanted to take it from already good condition to excellent condition inside and out. I've already invested several thousand in it to get it in better shape than when I bought it. However my heart just isn't into it as I have my eyes on a different car to restore. Having said that, it is a beautiful car and I love Mercedes. I have had over four in my lifetime and I have nothing but great things to say about them.
When I purchased the car I got a Carfax on it. It came back clean and accident free. I also noticed that the engine and intake manifold was replaced at 151,000 miles back in 2005. So that was a bonus surprise. Only around 120,000 miles on a Diesel engine!! Even though the car has close to 272,000 miles on it you would never know by looking at it. Since I've had it I have kept it in the garage every day and night. I have only put probably 1000 miles on it in the time I've had it. This is my second car and I have driven the other car mostly.
I would give the exterior condition an eight out of 10 as well as the interior. The paint is nice and shiny but does have a few scratches and nicks and some bubbling mostly on the trunk lid (see pics). One deep scratch is around three to four inches long and I don't think can be buffed out. I believe the interior must've been restored as it is a combination black and tan. It is in very good condition though the seat has a few very small tears and could use reupholstering if desired. It can be left as is though...no problem. The coil spring in the driver seat also needs replacing and I got a quote that it would cost $150 for that and a new cover. Very cheap fix. There are a few very small cracks to the dash near the vent– but overall it is in excellent shape for its age. The beautiful zebrano wood is in excellent condition. However I bought a complete (all wood pieces) restored set but I have not had a chance to have it installed. Of course I will throw that in for the new owner to replace if desired. That alone cost several hundred dollars. Without it it certainly looks great but I am very picky. Since I have owned it I have installed a Zebrano shifter, Zebrano center console storage compartment and a genuine Nardi Italian wood steering wheel with Mercedes center logo. This cost over 1k. I will throw in the original black leather steering wheel that is in great condition if you want. However I can't imagine anyone not wanting $1000 boost to the interior. I have also added beautiful Cocomats throughout. I've also had the car professionally detailed. The tires have average tread left but could probably stand being replaced within a years time. They are average performance tires nothing special. But they drive just fine.
There have been many improvements made to the inner workings as well since I've had it. Here has been what I have had done.-battery, exhaust hanger, valve adjustment, alignment, engine/transmission mounts, valve cover gaskets, brakes, tie rod assembly, power steering hose, turbo drain gasket, oil pan gasket, stabilizer bar and bushings, turbocharger waste gate hose, fuel hose, control arm, wiper blades and serpentine belt.
The car starts right up and drives great. It shifts smoothly and I was told the transmission is in good shape. However, I was told that eventually I will need to replace the rear axel. I had a thorough inspection upon getting by a reputable German mechanic and he said this was one area that eventually would need to be replaced. It also leaks a bit of oil but he said this is typical for Mercedes. He said to just monitor this as well but it wasn't that bad. The driver side window regulator needs replacing as it doesn't roll down. The passenger side works great. In addition the sunroof was sealed at one point by a previous owner. It is not that important to me to have one but I need to mention it case that is important to a potential owner. There is general wear and pitting to some of the chrome but it is in overall good condition. You may wish to rechrome if you are super picky like me. The car will also probably need weatherstripping as it is cracked in areas and even a little piece is missing. Since I've had a garage it has not been a problem but if you were to keep it outside it would definitely need to be replaced soon. The trunk opened when I first got but since has become stuck. Also, the key is working but probably needs to be refitted. I will take care of this with a purchase.Finally the AC probably needs recharging as last summer it wasn't blowing cold air. The radio and CD works fine but the speakers are basic. I really didn't buy this car to be blasting music anyway. The headliner is very clean...no tears.
Something that will need attention paid to is the acceleration pedal that snapped off due to a square portion of the panel that contained rust. Because this car came from the Midwest I'm assuming there was a bit of rust to tend to. I took it to an autobody shop and they estimated this would cost around $500. I also noticed a bit underneath the back carpet on the driver side. He inspected underneath and said it looked in overall good shape but there may be a few areas of rust to tend to. He said Mercedes was very good about protecting the undercarriage from his experience. I know nothing about rust so I cannot comment on the process or generally how much it costs to completely get rid of. This was my next investment before the axle if I had decided to keep. It drives just fine without the pedal and I have been doing this for a few months now. I will of course include the pedal to be put back on when that is tended to. Other than that I really don't think it will need much more. I'm not a mechanic so all I know is it drives great around town and can get up and move when the turbo kicks in.
The center console armrest has a few tiny cracks along the edges and so I bought a blue one to match the exterior color as well as a back one. I have not yet replaced but will throw those in as well. If you don't want these you can always sell them yourself. You may want to replace with a tan one but I like blue so that's why I purchased.
I had contemplated making all of the repairs first before selling but really don't want to invest if I'm going to just turn around and sell. I'd much rather let these repairs be up to the new owner and strike a deal on the sale instead. I am not going to give it away however. I'd rather just keep it than do that. By my estimate if you were to put a few thousand in this baby you would have a car that is in excellent condition. I am very picky but I am not mechanically inclined. You may be able to do some of the work yourself if you are mechanical in nature to save on money. This car is not in showroom condition but it is in very good condition and a collector could get this is pristine condition with some investing and work. I've already started that process for you. Plus a diesel engine with 120,000 miles will still go a very long distance if maintained properly. I get a lot of looks while driving so I do not think anyone would be disappointed in this car. You are welcome to come by if you are local to view in person. I live 10 minutes north of downtown Sacramento. The buyer will be responsible for inspection and shipping. I will assist in anyway I can, but all shipping costs will be at the expense of the buyer. No warrantee is implied whatsoever with this car. I could only include 24 pictures so if you want any additional pictures please let me know. Please email me with any questions.