1983 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

Turbodiesel Sedan

5 - Cyl.

Automatic

WDBAB33A3DB023270

Diesel

1983 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel – VIN WDBAB33A3DB023270 For your consideration is this good, low mileage Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel – the car just named to Kilpinger's list of the all-time best cars. These cars were designed to outlast the cockroaches after the apocalypse!! I recently purchased this car from the third owner who added the vast majority of the miles it wears. At just 183,000 miles, I bought it as a fourth car and weekend toy. As a freelance automotive journalist for a Mercedes-oriented magazine out of England, I've had literally dozens of Mercedes and these cars in particular. While it is not the absolute nicest one from a cosmetic standpoint, it is in very happy mechanical condition. Unfortunately, due to some bad news from my accountant, I am forced to thin the herd. I have 3 keys, a thick file folder full of records along with the original owners manual. In the last 1,000 miles I have completed a few small jobs: 1) installed European headlights; 2) oil and filter change; and 3) installed new OEM carpeted floor mats (it also comes with aftermarket rubber mats if you want them). On the inside, this car is in very nice original condition, not having suffered from the dash cracking, horrific odors from water leaks, and torn seats that plague so many W123s. The Kenwood radio/CD, heater, air conditioning (still R-12!), locks, and sunroof all work as they should, and the car has a current Virginia safety inspection. The driver's side rear power window is intermittent (I think due to dirty contacts) and the power antenna is fixed in the extended position. The dash wood is all present and in very good condition, save for a few cracks in the console panel near the shifter. The original palomino MBTex seats are in good condition. I have seen just one small rub spot on the driver's outside bolster, not work through. The real, quality sheepskin seat covers conver as well. Outside, the car is remarkably straight save for a few small parking lot dings, but the finish has seen better days. If I were to keep the car, I would invest in a reasonable quality paint job. There has been a small amount of previous rust repair as reported by the last owner, involving steel replacing steel. There is currently one small rust spot that I've found in a typical W123 location: the bottom of the passenger-side fender (pictured). The alloy wheels and plastic hubcaps are all present, and the spare tire and tool kit are in the trunk. The motor starts very easily and settles to a very smooth idle. The power steering functions properly, and the 4-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, sometimes flaring once after a cold start. There are no odd noises or whines from the driveline. The brakes are in good condition and do not pull. The brake pedal is appropriately firm. The last owner was an engineer, and installed an unobtrusive boost gauge below the ignition switch, and turbo boost is at the high end of spec! He spent a not insignificant amount of money recently on extensive suspension work and the history folder demonstrates a regular regimen of oil changes, valve adjustments, and replacement of key components when needed, including the starter, shifter bushings, primer pump, fuel tank strainer, AC parts, etc. 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, YOU MUST 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!