1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD w123 Diesel Wagon

  • Location: Tucker, Georgia, United States
  • Make: Mercedes-Benz
  • Model: 300-Series
  • Type: Wagon
  • Trim: Wagon
  • Year: 1985
  • Mileage: 268000
  • VIN: WDBAB93C4FF038229
  • Color: Blue
  • Engine size: 3.0 5 Cyl Turbo Diesel
  • Number of cylinders: 5
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Tan
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: Cassette Player, Leather Seats, Sunroof
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series Wagon Description

Well the first auction fell through, so I'm relisting this car. I have it reserved for what the highest bid was, because I'll keep the car otherwise. I have owned and loved this car for 5 years. It's been my daily driver and I've put a lot of time, money and attention into it. It has 268,000 miles and has some of the wear, dings and scratches you would expect of a 34 year old car with 267,000 miles. This is probably the best car Mercedes has ever made and possibly ever made period!In the last 2 years I have replaced:-rear axels-motor mounts-transmission mount-all 4 brake calipers, pads, rotors and sensors with a full flush-self leveling suspension lines and hoses (and yes it works perfectly and does not sit or leak at all)-fixed the tachometer-replaced the sunroof drains-steering box adjusted-engine fuel lines-ac receiver dryer and compressor (but ac isn't turning on currently needs further diagnosis)-valve adjustment-New Mercedes-Benz OEM Battery
It's a perfect driver as is and uses only a very tiny amount of oil between changes and I check and top off the transmission fluid every so 5000 miles or so. It only loses a very tiny amount now and then.
The things that could use attention are:-sunroof seal leaks and should be replaced. I did the drains, pretty sure the leak is from the seal-the passenger's side visor mirror needs to be glued back in place-the doors won't lock from the key, so it should probably be re-keyed. I have an extra set of driver's and passenger's side exterior door handles with the car-when the locks are locked, there must be a little vacuum leak and the engine won't shut off right away until they are unlocked (typical for this vintage Mercedes)-the driver's side visor clip needs to be replaced-the AC compressor isn't turning on now, but the system is fully charged and if you take leads from the battery and jump the plug, it turns on and works fine. Further diagnosis needs to be done to figure out why it isn't turning on with the switch-the vents don't change really well anymore. Further diagnosis of the vacuum lines and under dash diaphragms needs to be done.-some fading, cracks in the wood, little cracks in the dash, little wear spots on the door panels, consistent with its age and mileage-the paint on the hood is faded and there's a spot where it has come off a bit. It shines up a bit with some good wax, but could use a repaint.-the interior lights don't always come on and are more off than on, but work intermittently
There is some rust under the front bumper and a little under the left rear D pillar molding and some small spots in the driver's door, but none in the rockers or under the car.
The Michelin tires are good with about 30% wear and lots of life left.
The car is quick for an old diesel and runs well.
I will surely miss it and I hope to see it go to a good home.
PS- I just noticed the conspicuous oil spots on my driveway in the pic. That's from me being sloppy changing my own oil. On that note, I've only ever used Mobile1 10W40 with OEM Mercedes oil filters from the dealer in all the years I've owned her! -