1978 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

Sedan

4 - Cyl.

Manual

12312310048269

Diesel

Relisted because the winner of the previous auction clicked "Buy it Now" and then disappeared... So here we go! 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240D Diesel Saloon – VIN 12312310048269 For your consideration is my fantastic Mercedes 240D – the car with legendary reliability that – with proper maintenance – can easily exceed a million miles. This car has not been restored in any way, shape, or form, but is a very nice driver and gets “thumbs-up” and positive comments everywhere we go. While on a business trip earlier this summer, I purchased this car from the original owners who kept the car garaged in the dry Californian climate outside Sacramento. Wearing over 450,000 miles, I bought it on a whim and as a project to write about as a freelance automotive writer. At this point the writing is done and it’s time to move on to the next project. I am also thinning the herd. I have numerous records and stamps in the maintenance book starting with the original loan paperwork and showing extensive regular care and feeding of the car over its entire life. This car appealed to me as a Mercedes enthusiast due to being for sale by the original owners who were clearly attached to the car. From there, they told me all about the car, from the fact that the paint is 100% original to the FACTORY replacement engine at 212K miles due to “user error”. What’s more, it is insanely rare to find a rust free W123 anywhere East of California, so the completely rust free body and chassis definitely appealed to me! The records show the odometer was working right up until I shipped the car East, when the shippers committed an error fatal to the odometers in these cars and reset it while moving – thus causing the odometer gear to slip. This is easily (and very professionally) fixed by Palo Alto Speedometer in CA. They are used to performing this repair. I would estimate the car has about 600 miles more than it shows, of 454,000. Since I purchased the car, I have done a few key (and not inexpensive) jobs: 1) new Goodyear Integrity tires to replace the undersized tires that came on the car; 2) new Bilstein rear shock absorbers to replace the tired KYB gas-a-justs; 3) added a passenger-side rear-view mirror; and 4)European-style rectangular headlights to replace the US-spec sealed beam round lights, because I prefer the style and more importantly the LIGHTING! I’ve also done one oil and filter change. Among the key recent service items completed prior to my purchase, the most significant was a complete rebuild of the air conditioning system, resulting in ice-cold air conditioning as good as could be expected from any ‘70s vintage German car (but it more than kept up with the recent Washington, D.C. area heat wave!). All in, the job totaled almost $2,000. In addition, the alternator is recent, as are the drive belts, engine mounts, and vacuum pump. On the inside, this car is in reasonable condition, having suffered a little of what the dry California climate can do to vintage cars. The headliner is in very nice condition and the rear seat practically unused, while the front seats were obviously sat-in and now wear fitted real sheepskin seat covers. The MB-Tex upholstery is in fairly good condition, and the loop carpeting is all in good original condition most of it having been covered for the life of the car. There is some cracking on the dash as you can see in the picture. My inclination on that was to get a molded dash cap or carpeted cover. The wood trim is in excellent original condition. All of the trunk paneling is intact and in good condition, as is the carpet mat and the toolkit – with all tools present and accounted for. The aftermarket radio, cd changer, heater, fan, and all other electrics work as they should, and the car just recently passed the stringent Virginia safety inspection (I could have avoided it by using antique plates, but I prefer the flexibility of a conventional registration). Outside, as previously mentioned, the car has the patina of 33 years of use and care. After diligent inspection by myself and others, no rust has been located anywhere on the car. The all-original Maple Yellow paint is in remarkable condition, with the exceptions of a few touch up spots around the car. The doors shut perfectly, and the body is remarkably straight. The aluminum and chrome trim are all present and in very nice condition, and all of the lenses are in good, clear condition. The chrome and painted hubcaps are all present and accounted for, and there is even an extra in the trunk, along with a car cover. The vacuum-operated locks function properly with the exception of the driver's rear door which needs a replacement actuator and must be locked manually - it unlocks with the rest of the doors. The motor starts easily and settles to a very smooth idle. The power steering functions properly, and the 4-speed transmission shifts as smoothly as any BMW I’ve had. There are no odd noises, whines, or shimmies from the driveline. The clutch takes-up properly and the car does not smoke irregularly, although the 1-2 shift can be finicky if “slammed” into gear. On the road, acceleration is “casual” but the car comes up to speed and can cruise at 75mph all day long, and the car tracks firmly and straight. The brakes are in good condition and do not pull. The brake pedal is appropriately firm. There is some oil seepage from the motor which is so minor that I have not felt the necessity to address. Other facts of note: the car comes with 3 original keys, and the original owner’s manuals that came with the car. The car is currently garaged and insured with an agreed-value collector’s policy from Hagerty insurance in the amount of $7,500. Please keep in mind that this is not a new vehicle and that it is sold as-is, where-is with no warrantees implied, stated, or otherwise intended. You are bidding to own this vehicle, not to come and look at it after the auction has ended. I encourage bidders to come and see the car if possible. You are welcome to have the car inspected at your expense prior to the conclusion of the auction. Remember, my descriptions are based on my knowledge of the car. I cannot say that it is without flaws. I don't care what classic car you are looking at, it will have flaws. I can assure you that this is a superb car that you can cherish for years to come. A non-refundable deposit of $500 must be sent by PayPal within 24 hours of the conclusion of the auction. The balance must be paid within seven days of the end of the auction or upon pick-up of the car, whichever is earlier. The balance of the purchase price may NOT be made by PayPal. I will accept cash, bank wire transfer, or cashier's check only. Purchaser is responsible for pick-up or all costs related to the shipping of the car. PLEASE BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR BID. IF YOU HAVE ZERO OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK, PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH EBAY PRIOR TO BIDDING. I WILL CANCEL YOUR BID IF YOU DO NOT. DO NOT BID ON THE CAR UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO PURCHASE IT AS YOU ARE ENTERING INTO A BINDING AGREEMENT. IF YOU FAIL TO COME AND SEE THE CAR OR HAVE IT INSPECTED BY YOUR AGENT, I WILL NOT ENTERTAIN YOU CANCELLING THE SALE FOR ANY REASON ONCE THE AUCTION HAS ENDED. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO END THIS AUCTION EARLY. I WILL ENTERTAIN SERIOUS OFFERS TO END THE AUCTION EARLY. I WILL ALSO ASSIST PURCHASER IN ARRANGING SHIPPING TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD AT THE PURCHASER'S EXPENSE. Thank you for looking!