1985 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Sedan

Diesel

Automatic

WDBCB20C7FA190216

Clear

Diesel

So, I’m doing a guy a favor. I went to the auction in late 2004. It could have been early 2005. He needed to buy a car for his wife and two young kids. We separate with the understanding we’d check in either by cell or visually before we bid on anything. I didn’t plan to buy anything. Then, I saw this 1985 Mercedes Benz 300SD. The body was all there, though the paint was beginning to fade (see before pictures). It had a little more than a hundred grand on the odometer. But, it wouldn’t start. While waiting for the attendant to give her a jump start, I checked out the body (quarter panels, door jambs and under the mats). No rust! By the time the guy arrived with the Powerpack, I had already decided I was going to buy her. But first, I had to give the guy first dibs. As fate would have it, he had already won the bid on another car. So, I was free to bid on this one. This is where the story gets interesting. I like most German manufactured automobiles. I believe they are well made and technologically innovative; form always follows function. However, one Teutonic automaker, who shall remain nameless, but whose name begins with the letter A, had some serious quality issues in the 80’s. Naturally, that’s the automobile the guy buys for his wife. Ordinarily, I don’t indulge in second guessing what someone else should have done with their money. But, in this case, the purchase was impulsive and ill-advised. On the way home, the car started sputtering (blown head gasket) and mercifully died after parallel parking right front of their home. What started out as a good deed was now wrapped, from head to toe in ignominy. How do you tell your wife, here is the piece of crap I just bought for you and the kids? As I approached their home in the luxurious S-Class, I saw him under the hood, trying to figure out what had just happened. I knew what I had to do. To help him save face, we decided he would ask her to choose which car she liked best. The look on her face said it all. My car became her car. Before you begin to labor under any illusions that I’m such a great guy, did I mention his wife is my sister? I really didn’t have a choice. So, for five years, I watched my car leave the garage going places I would never see; enjoyed by someone who was not me. Then, that glorious day arrived. They were ready for a new car. I got first dibs on this one. I gladly took her back and quickly forgave her for all the years of pleasure she had provided to everyone except me. The restoration began in the fall of 2010. I had an expert diesel mechanic check her out; heating, cooling, fuel, fluids, lines, suspension, braking system, transmission, electrical were all working as designed. Then, I put a on a fresh paint job (Range Rover, Baltic Blue). Next, I put on bigger wheels/tires (18”). They give her a more muscular stance, don’t you agree? I’ve been able to gather some repair records dating as far back as 2005. The others have been misplaced. I’ll keep looking. Here’s what I know about the car: · When it was purchased from the auction in 2004/5, it was a one owner car. It had been purchased new and used by an unknown charity and assigned to the Auction (Owner #2) · My brother-in law purchased it in his name (Owner #3). Remember, I didn’t plan to buy a car. So, he got the bidder number and bid with the understanding I’d repay him within one week · It was transferred to my sister (Owner #4) · I applied for title in April 2012 (Owner #5). I'm only guessing here because I've not yet seen the Autocheck. Rest assured, it's been in one family for the past 7-8 years · The interior is a 6/10 · The exterior is 8/10 · The motor and trans are, “among the best”, my diesel specialist has ever seen in this model, at this age · The odometer stopped working in March 2012 at 147,800. I drive her daily. So, I guesstimate I have put an additional 8000 miles on her during that time. The fuel, oil and speedometer work fine. Cruise control does not work. · All electrical components work except air conditioning. It blows hot all the time. This is a simple fix. I just don’t have time. I have located the part and will facilitate introduction to seller/buyer, if interested · The car does not burn oil, nor smoke excessively · It has a set of new Nankang A/S radials with less than 2000 miles There is some curb rash on the wheels and areas of physical imperfections. It is a daily driver, not a show car. However, it is extremely reliable and pleasing to the eye. Oh, did I mention I average between 25-30 miles per gallon? This car is priced to sell quickly. It is being sold as is, where is. No warranty is expressed or implied. It is also being advertised locally, so bid to win as this item may be withdrawn due to local sale. Please feel free to ask questions. Bid with confidence!