1980 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

Sedan

five cylinder turbo diesel

Automatic

11612012020683

Clear

Diesel

mbclassic Store 1980 Mercedes Benz 300 SD TurboDiesel VIN: 11612012020683 Here’s another increasingly rare, great driving Mercedes we’ve just acquired for our eBay customers. This 300SD Turbo Diesel represents the zenith (and one of the last years) of the hand-built sedans that Daimler Benz began producing in the mid-fifties and exporting to the USA. The quality and detail of these classic four-door models, combined with the rugged, powerful durability of the 3.0 liter turbocharged diesel drive train make them among the best and most iconic models ever to come from the Fatherland. This car came to us recently after spending all it’s life driving our snow & salt-free Pacific Northwest roads. With the cost of fuel going back up ever more rapidly these diesels make increasing sense to own and drive with their legendary economy and drive train longevity! My name is Mark Thompson and my direct number is 206/914-1173. Please contact me anytime during this auction to set a time to inspect and test-drive this fine car. Note: Several folks have asked why there's no history report on this and several other of our classic vehicle listings. This is because both CARFAX and AUTOCHECK only provide information on vehicles from model year 1981 forward when 17-digit VIN numbers became standardized throughout the industry. Rest assured this is an accident-free, clean titled Mercedes! VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: Ever spent an afternoon driving a classy, vintage Benz? What a treat! Smooth is the word for sure. Smooth powerful acceleration. Smooth handling in the curves or on the highway. Comfort, styling, and versatility all in one gorgeous ride. I’ve just spent the day putting over 60 miles on the car and, for my money, these 116 Body-style sedans are one of the best values for the overall driving experience that a vintage Mercedes has to offer. Look over my photos and I’m sure you’ll agree. What you’re viewing is the result of a wash and vacuum only! “Time capsule” is really a good adjective describing this car as I know you’ll admire its overall provenance. It has obviously been allowed to spend a majority of its life garaged because the overall condition is better than many other 30+ year-old Benz you’re going to come across. Climb over, under and throughout - I know you’ll come up smiling! Rust? Please, this car HATES rust and you won’t find anything to worry about here. Yes, the Puget Sound area is famous for rain, but our winter roads are rarely ever salted. At most, we only have one or two days of light snow each year. Everyone panics and just stays home. Hop in, turn the key (let the glow plugs heat for five or six seconds) and the three-liter diesel engine starts immediately – even when cold! The automatic transmission shifts as it should. The power steering, brakes and rear differential all function correctly. Having owned many dozens of Daimler vehicles over three decades, I’ve developed a great appreciation for the Mercedes style, mechanical reliability and overall driving experience (my daily driver is an ’02 E320 sedan with 275K miles). I KNOW you’ll be proud to own and drive this wonderful vintage car! CONDITION: In total, this is a clean, great driving, non-smoker’s Mercedes. I take great pride in the vehicles we sell and feel that you should know as much about them as possible. Accordingly, here’s a list of the good and also things needing attention: The car idles, runs and drives as I feel it should – immediate, strong oil pressure, strong battery and charging system, no overheating, and no brake pull or alignment issues! The heating system & fan work in all positions (I did find the factory A/C system wants to blow warm; so the suggestion is a refrigerant recharge down the road). As the pictures show, the medium yellow paint is in exceptional overall condition and holds quite a shine. A quality respray has been done to the factory original color sometime in the past. It goes without saying that you’ll be impressed with the chrome and exterior trim all around is it is well above average condition. The factory alloys are straight and true with all four radial tires at about 70+% wear remaining. Take a good look at the trunk photo. You’ll find a second, very large fuel tank installed there that must hold at least 30 to 40 additional gallons. My un-retouched pictures also give a very accurate view of the interior. The front buckets are excellent with none of the usual wear-through spots on the back rest. Their seat springs are as firm and comfortable as they were when new. All the wood dash trim is solid with no delaminating and looks quite decent! Very good headliner as well. There are NO dash cracks but a gouge or two on the console near the radio as shown. All the dash gauges and exterior lights are bright and true however, no movement from the speedo needle (the odometer works just fine, keeping accurate track of the miles as you roll down the road). The rear bench seat is the only other real flaw with the car. As often happens, the horsehair underlayment has broken down on the cushion causing it to lose shape. The vinyl cover material is actually still good and might even be used again if rebuilt. I do always try and describe any items I encounter that need attention. Please don’t be upset if I miss a minor flaw or you are required to spend money on an unforeseen problem! No used car is ever perfect. Having said that, I have every confidence this vehicle could easily and safely be driven cross-country just as it is. If you’re inclined to do what many of our previous buyers from as far away as Alaska, Arizona, the Midwest, Florida and even the Mexican Baja have done – fly in here to Sea-Tac International and then begin a road trip home the same day! I’d be happy to pick you up from the airport. Please Note: We will NEVER, EVER “shill” or falsely "bump-up" an auction (a violation of eBay rules and also Federal Law) and we will NEVER solicit a “Second Chance Offer” from ANY Bidder! Because of the amount of money involved in buying a vehicle, I’d ask that new eBay members with a feedback history of five or fewer transactions call or email me before placing a bid. I really DO invite want new folks to bid on my rigs and just want to be sure we’re both on the same page about payment, shipping options, etc. The phone number to talk directly to me, as outlined above, is 206/914-1173. Please feel free to call any time during the auction. My name is MARK THOMPSON. A Few Additional Terms and Conditions: The Mercedes is being stored indoors at my Auburn, WA warehouse during the auction so send your representative early to be sure you don't miss this one. I reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have any negative feedback. DEALERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO BID AS WELL! Additionally I reserve the right to end the auction early if the car is no longer for sale or an acceptable offer has been agreed to. A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of the auction’s end. Because of the high fees they charge, we accept PAYPAL for the deposit only. The balance is due by cash or certified funds within seven days unless prior arrangements have been made with me. Please remember you are bidding to buy and I fully expect the winning bidder to fulfill their Ebay contract! You’re not bidding to hold, inspect or then come test-drive the vehicle later (You’re more than welcome to do this before the auction ends). If you decide to have the Mercedes shipped home there are numerous transport companies to choose from. Most of our buyers end up using Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS) at 800/830-1787. I'd suggest you also get bids from the www.U-Ship.com website as well. Transporters will bid delivery of the car and you'll be able to choose who you want to go with. The zip code for pick-up is 98002 (Auburn, WA). Shipping of the vehicle and the company chosen are the responsiblity of the Buyer. The car may be stored free of charge at my location for up to two weeks after the auctions ends assuming full payment has been received. After this period I charge $15 per day storage. I will be forwarding the buyer a "free and clear" Washington State title. You will be responsible for the licensing requirements in your state of residence.