1985 Mercedes Benz 300D - CLEAN, GREAT DRIVING TURBODIESEL; READY TO GO ANYWHERE

1985

Mercedes Benz
300D Turbodiesel

VIN: WDBAB33C2FA252078

If you’ve followed my Ebay vehicle auctions the past ten or eleven years you’ve noticed we’ve gotten a fair number of great vintage Benz sedans on a regular basis. This exceptionally nice diesel boulevard cruiser was purchased new at the Stuttgart factory by Major John Hitchcock on March 21, 1985 and brought to California upon his return to the States. It is a fully compliant USA model. All the original factory books, records, hang tags, the dealer metal data plate and even the plastic sleeve you see pictured will be safely locked away in the glove compartment when the car leaves my warehouse on the way to the next caretaker. You’ll also find the un-opened complete first aid kit still there in its rear package shelf compartment.

Before a potential bidder asks, yes, this is the factory-original color paint. I’ve owned several other vintage Benz in rare (typically European-only) colors, but this is a first for this one. If it’s a bit wild for your taste, there’s an old saying in the collector car world that “if you don’t like the color, you can always paint it red!”

“Time capsule” really is a great way to describe this Mercedes. It’s obviously been allowed to spend most of its life garaged because the overall condition is truly better than most any other 34-year-old daily driver you’ll likely encounter. After spending a few minutes behind the wheel, I was sold on it as a daily driver or a perfect road trip vehicle. The level of respect and care given over the decades is very obvious.

Please feel free to email, text or call me with any questions during the auction. My direct number is 206/914-1173 and my name is Mark. You’re encouraged to stop by my Auburn, WA warehouse to check over the car and take it out on the road. Having an on-site buyer’s inspection done is also welcomed and encouraged.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

Ever driven one of these mid-sized Mercedes with the bullet-proof 3.0-liter five-cylinder diesel engine? What a treat! Smooth is the word for sure. Smooth handling in the curves or on the highway. Comfort, style, and versatility all in one classic ride. I’ve always considered the W123 models constructed through the mid-eighties as the last hand-built, truly high-quality Mercedes and have heard others say the same thing! Take a look at the photos and I’m sure you’ll agree with me. What you see is the result of a wash and vacuum only. Rust? Please, this Mercedes HATES rust and I haven’t found any here to worry about. Climb over, under and around this sedan, I know you’ll come up smiling!! As a respected Ebay seller with many satisfied customers, I want you to bid with confidence knowing this is a great car AND that it’s being properly represented.
CONDITION:

In brief, this is a clean, original, well-cared-for, smoke-free Mercedes. I take pride in the vehicles we sell, feeling that you should know as much about them as possible before bidding. Accordingly, here’s a list of the good and also small things possibly to be sorted out: Hop in, turn the key, let the glow plugs heat for about five or six seconds and the engine starts immediately!I’ve observed NO excessive blowby. The automatic transmission shifts crisply through all gears, just as it should. I feel the car idles, runs and drives as intended – immediate strong, steady oil pressure, a newer battery and properly functioning charging system. When warm, the engine temperature is maintained at the midway mark on the dash gauge, no matter whether it’s been idling in traffic or plying the freeway for hours. I’ve driven the 300D daily over the past two weeks, cruised at 60 MPH on a six-hour trip to and from Portland, Oregon and am using it for my 20-mile round trip work commute. The fuel system is completely stock and has NEVER been exposed to component-destroying biodiesel or a goofy homemade conversion. Recent upgrades include new brakes on all four wheels, new ball joints and a new power steering pump. High-quality fuel filters were used at the recent oil change. The paint has been resprayed to the original factory solid red. It is in exceptionally good condition and holds quite a shine. I find NO failing clearcoat, rust spots, paint nicks, thin areas or rock chips. The fenders, doors, rear quarters and floor pans are all solid. The windshield has no cracks or chips. All four factory wheels are exceptionally clean, straight and true. They’re wrapped with Michelin “Defender” Radials, each with at least 80+% remaining tread. When braking, I’ve not encountered any binding, fade or pulling to either side.

Take another look at the interior photos. The tan MB-Tex upholstery is exceptionally good with the pictures giving an accurate view of condition. Hop in and feel comfortable sitting on these seats for hours. No visible shrinkage or wear-through spots either front or back. The carpets are clean and solid. No stains, tears or holes in the excellent headliner. All the dash gauges are as bright and true as the day the car left Stuttgart. Each appears to be working correctly except for the odometer, which does not turn and therefore reflects unknown miles. The push button heater and fan system work. While complete, I’d assume the A/C system will need to be gone through to be functional. It’s quite rare to find a vintage Benz with a good factory Becker stereo. This one works on the pre-sets but wanders aimlessly otherwise. I’ve also discovered the glass is up/down finicky on both rear doors and that the power sunroof is very slow to move. I always suggest easing the strain on the electric motor and cables when closing an older Benz sunroof by pulling it forward while operating the dash switch.

Please check the photos over closely and contact me with any questions BEFORE you place a bid! Because of the amount of money involved with a vehicle purchase, I reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have negative feedback. I also ask that potential bidders with a feedback rating of five or fewer transactions on Ebay contact me before bidding. Finally, we reserve the right to end the auction early if the Benz is no longer for sale or an acceptable offer has been agreed to before the end of the auction period. Please feel free to contact me directly as outlined above. I’m always very happy to work with any shipper you choose, but you’re also welcome to do what many previous buyers from as far away as Alaska, Arizona, the Midwest, Canada, Florida, New York and even the Mexican Baja have done – fly in here to Seattle (I’ll pick you up at Sea-Tac International just a few miles away) and then start a road trip home. Please don’t be upset if I’ve missed a minor flaw or something I’m unaware of needs attention. No used car is ever perfect! Having said that, I would not hesitate to drive this turbodiesel long distance immediately.