1980 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

Sedan

5 Cylinder non-turbo Diesel

Automatic

12313012181530

Clear

Diesel

You are looking at a very well cared for and highly original 1980 Mercedes Benz 300D. It was purchased new from Downtown LA Motors and spent the first 10 years of its life in Sylmar, CA. The second owner was living in Southern California when he purchased it and then later retired to the coast of Oregon where it remained until last year. From what I have been told this car has never seen a winter or road salt and when you inspect this car the chassis is as solid and rust free as you'd expect from a car that has been spared the harsh winter elements. I do want to point out that while this car presents itself very well for its age it is by no means a 100 point show car. It is what I call a ten footer. Upon close inspection it has various small dents and scratches in the paint that you would expect from 30+ years of use. Please read the rest of my description for a full report of its current cosmetic and mechanical condition. This car is sold as-is and where-is and I want you to be well informed of exactly what you are bidding on. Mechanical This 300D has the famous five-cylinder non-turbo diesel engine that is known for its longevity and reliability. It starts right up every time with no unusual noises and no smoke whatsoever. Seeing that this car was sold new in Southern California and has spent all of its life being driven in mild climates it has never had an engine block heater nor can I speak to how well it would start in cold climates without a block heater. If you plan to drive it in the winter a block heater can be easily installed for less than $100. And as good as this car starts and runs I would imagine that it would start as well as a diesel from this era can be expected in cold temperatures. For those of you not familiar with these early Benz diesels you should know that you won't be winning and street races with this engine. They are wonderful engines, but no speed demons....especially the non-turbo diesels. Those of us who love these cars consider this part of their charm. The engine also shuts down the instant you turn of the ignition which speaks to how healthy the vacuum system is in this car. The automatic transmission shifts through all the gears and I just installed new shift link bushings so the shifter is nice and tight. Body and Paint I was told that this car has the original factory paint. While I can't prove that statement, if it has ever been repainted it was done very well as there are no obvious tape marks typical with repaints. When I purchased the car it had the chrome wheel well accents and I immediately removed them because I prefer the clean look without that excess chrome. The only rust I can find on the body is one spot of surface rust the size of a nickel on the left rear wheel well at one of the mounting holes for those chrome pieces. This would be very easily repaired. The fact that the fenders weren't completely rusty underneath those trim pieces further proves the fact it has never been driven in salt. The top surfaces (hood, roof, and trunk lid) have the most wear to the paint. They still shine nicely but 30+ years of sun has taken its toll on the top surfaces. Please note that these imperfections I am talking about do not show up in the photos in this listing but are obvious under closer inspection. Interior This car has the optional full leather interior where-as many 300 series cars have the MB-tex (vinyl) interior. When I purchased this car it had a full set of very worn aftermarket seat covers. When I removed the covers I was amazed at how wonderfully preserved the original leather was. The carpet is in good shape however some carpeted panels have faded slightly from sun exposure. The wood trim is decent, but not perfect. There is some cracking in the finish and the piece on the glove box is slightly warped. The worst part about the interior is the dash has several cracks that is typical in these cars that aren't kept out of the sun. There is an aftermarket carpeted dash cover to hide the cracks. The factory moonroof works and so do the power windows (the right rear window makes a noise that I don't like so I don't use that window). The odometer shows 90,000 miles but the car has closer to 150,000 miles on it. The speedometer works, but the odometer currently does not. All other gauges work and so do the lights. Central Vacuum System The central vacuum system works as it should. All door locks including the trunk lock work as they should and will still work even if the car sits for several weeks without being run. Climate Control System The good news is the A/C works, blows cool air, and is still a good original R12 system. The system will also blow heat through the Defrost. This car had the ACC II climate control servo upgrade kit a few years ago. This means the troublesome factory servo has been replaced by this well known upgrade kit. The bad news is even though all the functions do work the climate control still has some quirks....basically the auto temperature dial doesn't work so you have to self-regulate the controls to keep the car the perfect temperature. I've gotten used to it but to be perfect the climate control system does need some sorting. What needs attention to be a perfect car The car can be driven as is anywhere in the country and I wouldn't hesitate to hop into it tomorrow and drive it coast to coast. However, to be what I would consider a perfect car it needs the following:Climate Control System sortedCruise control repairedRight rear window motor examined and possibly repairedNew power antenna mast (works but only travels halfway down)Minor dent and scratch repairsAluminum rims polished BONUS! Auxillary Fuel Tank As seen in the photo this car has a professionally installed auxillary tank mounted in the trunk. There are no switching valves, this tank is just simply plumbed into the fuel system and if you choose to fill the tank it will draw from both tanks for extended range between fill ups. This tank is absolutely ideal from someone looking to convert one of these cars to run on veggie oil as you already have a seperate tank! Just simply hook up your control valve to switch back and forth between veggie oil and diesel and you are well on your way to doing a correct conversion. Conclusion I have done my best to accurately describe this car to the point that you won't have any surprises. If you are looking for a perfect car this is not the one for you. If you are looking for a very presentable example that is reliable and drives great then this is the car for you. It is also rare to find one of these models in black with full leather interior. I am not expecting an above market price for this car but just want it to go to a good home. The reason I am selling it is because if I keep it I am going to make it my daily driver...I live in Northern Michigan and feel guilty putting this solid original car in the winter elements. I have always found these W123 chassis Mercedes Benz's to be very charming and am constantly amazed at how solid of a car this is. This vehicle is being sold as-is with no warranties implied or expressed. Please ask questions before bidding. Payment will either be cash or certified funds. A $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of winning bid and full payment due within 7 days of the auction close. I will keep the car free of charge up to two weeks after receiving final payment. You will not receive the car or title until funds have cleared and paid in full. Below is a print out I received from the Mercedes Benz Classic Center when they ran the V.I.N. 1980 Mercedes-Benz300 D VIN # WDB12313012181530 Chassis # 123.130-12-181530 Motor # 617.912-12-095861 Body # 03804 Paint Code DB 040 Black Interior Code 234- Leather Date Options 410- Electric Sliding Roof 420- AutomaticTransmission, Floor Shift 440- Tempomat (CrusieControl) 467- Central Locking Systemand Instruments with English Lettering 494- California Version 518- Becker Radio MexicoCassette Full Stereo (AM/FM-USA) 531- Automatic Antenna 542- Lockable GloveCompartment 575- Front Folding Armrestand Right Front Seat with Seat Height Adjustment 588- Automatic ClimateControl and Electric Window Lifters (Front and Rear Doors)593- Heat Insulating Glassall Around, Heated Rear Window Pane (single Sheet Saftey Glass) Band Filter 639- Elimination of WarningTriangle and First Aid Kit 640- Aluminum Wheels Vehicle History Details Shipped from the factory January14, 1980 Retailed March 17, 1980 Selling dealer: Downtown LA Motors 1805 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Original Owner: Located in Sylmar, CA