1983 Mercedes-Benz

240D Sedan

Manual

WDBAB23A2DB400651

Clear

Diesel

4DR SEDAN 240D

Relisting due to non-communication by previous buyer. Please be sure you want the car before you bid. You may call me with questions at (206) 225-4350. This nice old Mercedes is being sold as a project car. It runs and drives, and you can move it on its own power anywhere you need to take it, but I do not recommend that you buy it as a daily driver. Listed below is everything I think is wrong with it, but you should get your own expert opinion. The car handles well, suspension and brakes seem to be in order as it corners nicely with no slop in the steering and stops on a dime. It starts very easily, even when cold, but idles extremely rough and loses power at higher rpms, making it impossible to drive faster than 45 or 50mph, and much slower on inclines. It also smokes pretty badly, and the smoke smells like both oil and diesel. There is an unexplained knocking in the drivetrain somewhere that comes and goes. It sounds like it may be a CV axle, as we think it's coming from the rear. I recently (less than 150 miles ago) changed the forward rubber driveline coupling in an attempt to stop that, but it didn't help. At least that's new, though. Last summer (2009) I put in all 4 new diesel injectors in an effort to help the rough idle and the low power. It had no perceivable effect. But those are new, too though. I've hardly driven it since then, probably less than 1000 miles. It leaks oil, burns oil, and plugs up the oil filter about every 350 miles. Every time it does that, I do a complete oil change, which is why I don't drive it. I spend more on oil and filters than I do on fuel. Tires are good, probably 50% or more, and the hubcaps are in very nice condition. The paint is dull and cracked, but there is almost no rust. Only a couple of minor spots (detailed in the pictures) and perhaps 2 or 3 other very small spots that were too small to photograph easily. Overall, it's an excellent and solid car, 99% complete and functional, and a very good candidate for restoration. What Works All running lights - headlights, fog lights, all flashers, tail lights, brake lights All electric windows All overhead interior lights and trunk light All seat belts and safety equipment Cassette Player All guages Parking brake is very strong, and releases easily even in the winter Windshield wipers, including intermittent setting and washer Heater and ventilation system Rear defroster All switches and knobs except the idle adjustment knob All doors, latches, and locking devices are at least functional, one key works everything All vital engine, electrical, and mechanical systems are functional (see notes above) and the vehicle is operational. Brakes and parking brake are in excellent working order Muffler and exhaust are old but leak-free, and there are new rubber hangers on the muffler Factory emergency jack works great, and is very safe What Doesn't Work Sunroof does not open (but doesn't leak) Driver's door handle is broken but functional Front Right Door sometimes locks when you close it Dash illumination does not work Air Conditioning does not work Cruise Control does not work Engine shut-off switch has vacuum line disconnected (needs new "T" in the line) Radio works but tuning knob is broken Power antenna has been snapped off and tries to work but is stuck Idle adjustment knob is broken Front Passenger seatbelt plastic rattles, but buckle still works I don't really want to sell the car, I think it will be great with an engine overhaul, some new paint, and a few other things because it's very comfortable, gets great fuel economy, and is a pleasure to drive. Plus it's such a safe car. But I have too many other projects and I need it out of my hair. You should also note that even though you can't see it in the picture, the dash does have a bit of UV damage and cracking on it. I've represented the details of the car as accurately as I can, but please do ask questions before you bid. This car is old and grumpy, and I won't be held responsible if it decides it doesn't like you very much after you buy it. It's as-is, so you're responsible for determining its condition. Thanks for looking, and good luck.