1978 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

300D Sedan

5 - Cyl.

Automatic

12313012085438

Clear

Diesel

1978 Mercedes Benz 300D diesel four-door sedan. I purchased this vehicle about 2 1/2 years ago, and have put approximately 8,000 miles on it in the time that I've had it. It is a very solid car, and as you can see in the pictures, looks very pretty. The car was repainted at some point before I bought it, in the original light blue. The interior is a rare ivory, which is very close to white. I have been told this is a desireable color combination for this car. The exterior is in what I would describe as #3 condition. The paint shines very nicely, but there are a few small bubbles of rust in 2 or 3 places around the car. These are maybe the size of a nickel each, nothing major. The paint has blistered a little at the front corners of the fenders, and on the roof just behind the windshield. These areas are not rusting, just the respray is peeling a little, and could be repaired fairly easily. Cosmetically, none of these seriously detract from the appearance of the car. The chrome is in above average condition, it shines nicely and is clean. All the trim is there, and in very good condition. The glass is all very nice, too. The interior shows some wear, but definitely not bad considering the age. The driver's seat has some small tears, and has been repaired in the side and bottom. The rest of the seat covers are in very nice condition. The armrest has some small tears on it, too. The dash has a couple of thin cracks, and I have a custom made dashcover on it. The wood trim is present, and shows some aging, but again, nothing worth noting. The carpeting and headliner are clean and in good shape. The door panels are very nice, as you can see. The drivers door is missing the map pocket. Mechanically, the car starts right up and runs well. The engine does not seem to smoke as much as some diesels I have seen; I've never had to clean soot off the back bumper. I have driven the car on some long trips and usually average 25 mpg or so, and it will cruise comfortably at 70-75 mph. The oil was changed a couple of months ago, and I just changed the air filter. The transmission usually shifts solidly into all gears. Occassionally it will shift what seems to me to be a bit later than it should, or a bit softer than normal. I have been told there are some vacuum controls and other adjustments that affect this, I'm not very familiar with this. I recently changed the ATF and filter, which seemed to help somewhat. The flexible coupling between the transmission and driveshaft was recently changed. There are no noises in the driveshaft or rear end, it is all very tight and solid. Brakes and steering are very good, and the tires have good tread left. As for the accessories, the A/C climate control does not work, which is fairly typical for these cars. It will make heat, and switch between heat and defrost, and that is all. The driver's side rear window will not go down, all other power windows and all the power locks work. The radio is a Sony AM/FM cassette and works great, I installed new speakers in the back deck. The gauges work with the exception of the odometer, which just recently started working intermittently. Again, this is fairly common with these cars- in fact, this is already this car's second odometer; the first one was replaced at around 98,000 miles, and there is a sticker in the door jamb. This one shows about 128,000 miles. Overall this is a good car that would make a good daily driver, biodiesel conversion, second car or for a new driver. It is a good driving car, even with the relatively low power of the diesel, because it handles and stops so well. And, of course, the diesels are very reliable. Terms of sale: A deposit of $200 is required within 48 hours of auction end. No reserve, high bidder wins. The balance must be paid within 7 days of the auction end, or at vehicle pick up, whichever is sooner. Vehicle must be picked up within 2 weeks of auction end, and the title will be transferred at pick up. You may pick the car up in person, or arrange for a transportation service to come get it. I can also deliver for $1 per loaded mile, ($20 minimum) anywhere in the continental United States. Vehicle is sold as-is, where-is. In person inspection is invited and encouraged, as are questions via email. Thank you!