1979 Mercedes-Benz 300CD, Low Mileage, incredible rennovated survivor

  • Location: Madera, California, United States
  • Make: Mercedes-Benz
  • Model: 300-Series
  • Year: 1979
  • Mileage: 122693
  • VIN: 12315012004570
  • Vehicle Title: Clean

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series Description

This is a single family owned vehicle that we obtained July 2019. It shows 122k miles and is finished in silver over a black MB-Tex interior. Power is from a 3.0-liter diesel inline-five paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.


This car was a remarkable survivor when we obtained it. It was claimed by the owner’s nephew (who was selling it for the family) that it had been in a garage for roughly 20 years. A mechanic’s service was done prior to being picked up, which entailed a fluid service, roadworthiness test, and basic clean up and minor fixes. I personally picked it up in Orange County, CA and drove it over the Grapevine range of Mountains to where it currently resides near Fresno, CA. At the time, it was wearing a set of tires with DOT codes from 1978 to 1989, basically confirming the car’s indicated time in a garage. The tires were in decent shape and had plenty of wear left in the tread, but I was careful with them on the 300+ mile trip and quickly replaced them with a OEM set of Goodyears. I still have the tires should you want to confirm the DOT codes on them for yourself.


The car did not need a lot, but these are the things that were done under our “driveability renovation.”


  • New OEM Tires
  • Original analog AC System was replaced with a modern solid state aftermarket system (receipts available). Please note; The AC works great, but it blows about 70% out the defroster vent and 30% out the dashboard vents. This does keep the car cool, but it would cool faster if the servo motor that controls the ventilation was also replaced.
  • Driver and rear seat had minor upholstery repairs
  • Clock fixed
  • Installed a modern Bluetooth Stereo deck and rear speakers
  • Purchased a semi custom fabric car cover


Current issues are mild:

- Vent system as indicated above

- Rear windows do not operate properly with controls. They can be lowered, but left window needs to be raised by hand.

- Cruise Control does not work. Was told it was likely the “amplifier” and an easy fix by our mechanic.

- Very minimal light scratches here and there.

- Very small oil leak, to be expected with this lineage.

- Lightly cracked dashboard, covered with a mat.

- Very light corrosion on underside shown in pics.

If I were to rate this car on 1-10:


Interior: 8-9 … Very clean other than issues noted

Exterior: 7-8.. With scratches noted. Bodywork is VERY straight and clean. I’m probably being a little too tough here.

Driveability: 9.. It’s a dream on the road.


I personally drove this car on as my commuter. It averaged 30+ MPG, looks really fantastic and never gave me any problems.


I’ve moved a little further away from work, and have entered semi retirement, only coming in 1-2 days a week. I purchased a little more modern diesel wagon to handle my longer commute.


We do have a dealer’s license, but do not typically sell cars. We sell trailers, mostly to churches through our company, Church On Wheels. eBay rules don’t allow URL addresses, but if you Google us, you’ll see why we have the license.


This C123 is now offered by the selling dealer in Fresno, California, with factory literature, partial service records, and a clean Utah title.


I have plenty of other pics and a cold start and driving video which I will add later or give you a link to find on Google docs if you email me.


Google docs link:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pC9I9w5keC-rn7hUXXGH5qrpQEJER1YN?usp=sharing


I've been selling on eBay for 20+ years, and while I don't doo it too often, it takes a LOT to have a perfect rating over all those years. I always strive to undersell and overdeliver... which is my intention here. Buy with confidence!!


Thank you!!!


Mike