1981 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

Wagon

5-cylinder turbo diesel

Automatic

WDBAB93A1BN005381

Clear

Diesel

_____________________________________________ .............. 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - TurboDiesel Wagon .............. .......... VIN # WDBAB93A1BN005381 ......... ....... Manufactured by: Damiler-Benz AG, Stuttgart, Germany - July 1981 ....... .... Odometer is working - reads 179,193 actual miles (only 5,780 miles / year average) .... ....... Exterior color: "China Blue" - Mercedes Color Code - DB-934H ....... ....... Interior color: "Dark Blue" - leather (MB-Tex color code 1-74) ....... _____________________________________________ Only ‘once-in-a-blue-moon’ does a Mercedes 300TD wagon as well cared for as this fine example is offered for sale in a public forum ... most are handed down through the family as cherished possessions. This ‘China Blue’ 300TD is indeed a wonderful find. Aside from having all the rare factory options (heated seats, third row seat, leather upholstery throughout, cargo rack bars, etc.) ... it has been extremely well care for by a couple of very conscientious owners since day one. If in vehicles, value for you money matters to you, a Mercedes-Benz diesel wagon is a fine choice. Something an economist would refer to a ‘durable goods’. Built to last ... nearly forever. Mercedes diesels have proven their durability over time with many examples now showing 400, 500 and 600 thousand miles on them. This durability and quality of craftsmanship came at a price. This particular wagon sold for $34,700 plus applicable taxes in 1981. About the cost of two fully loaded Cadillac Sedan DeVilles of the era. Adjusted for inflation that’s over $87,500 in inflation adjusted 2012 dollars ... ridiculously expensive. And they sold ... in fact, there were waiting list to purchase them at the Mercedes-Benz showrooms at full sticker price and then some. These 300TD turbo diesel wagons had a worldwide reputation for high quality, durability and luxury. The informed and well heeled of the world snapped them up for these reasons. Through the following photos and brief descriptions photos (there are many as there nothing to hide here) I’ll attempt to show what a fine example of the breed this wagon is. Please view all the photos and descriptions and then decide if this is indeed the Mercedes-Benz 300TD you’ve been looking for. 300TD ... Mercedes speak for ‘Touring’ (the wagon) and ‘Diesel’ - a wagon with the 3 liter, 5-cylinder diesel engine. Turbo Diesel ... a turbo charged engine. There were 300TD diesel models without the turbo charged engines (pre 1981 models and European delivery models). The turbocharger adds quite a bit of additional power to the 3 liter diesel engine. The introduction of the turbo diesel option for these W123 chassis Mercedes in late 1981 changed the public’s perception of diesel powered vehicles. No longer were they sluggish in acceleration or mysterious to operate. Mercedes-Benz enthusiast world wide swear by these turbo diesel models for performance and rugged longevity that has proven itself time and time again. From any angle these Mercedes wagons have classic and enduring lines. So practical as well as beautiful, these classics have now achieved an almost cult following. Ask any Mercedes aficionado or club member ... they’re loved worldwide for their durability and good looks. Notice there is no sag whatsoever in the rear suspension. Mercedes-Benz wagons (only W123 chassis wagons) were equipped with a self-leveling rear suspension. This is hydraulically driven by a fitting on the engine and a oil reservoir under the hood. This self-leveling suspension is in good nick and works perfectly under various loads. ‘Chine Blue is the color - Mercedes-Benz color code 934H. It’s a beautiful color as classic as the vehicle itself. Almost anyone in the world can identify the Mercedes star as a symbol of luxury and high quality craftsmanship. The optional sunroof works with easy and is a great feature on sunny days. This was an expensive option, even in its day, costing a little over a thousand dollars. The interior is ‘Dark Blue’ throughout. The seating is all leather, another seriously expensive option. All three rows of seating are leather. ‘Zebrano’ wood accents trim both the dash and center console. The steering wheel is in good order with no cuts or gouges. All instruments are in good working order. Odometer is working - reads 179,193 actual miles to date (only 5,780 miles / year on average) The exotic ‘Zebrano’ wood accents are all in nice condition. The transmission is a fully automatic 4-speed that shifts smoothly. In the upper part of the photo, notice the two controls for the heated seats. A very rare option that I’ve seen on only one other W123 Mercedes of this era - custom order only. The heated seats are a wonderful plus in the winter ... they have two levels of heat. In the lower part of the photo are the power window switches (all windows are in good working order), the 4-way flasher switch and just behind the shift lever is a small hole that is a MP3 plug in for the sound system (for iPads, iPhones and the like). The previous owner had this discreet option installed along with upgraded speakers all around. The sound system is the original ‘Becker Europa’ - AM/FM/cassette. This, along with the additional MP3 jack should cover all your entertainment needs. The radio also has a power antenna .. also, in good working order. The ash tray and lighter looks to have never been used. This was always a non-smoking vehicle. Above the radio are the climate controls ... all automatic. Set the temperature and the system will maintain the setting while turning the fan speeds up and down as necessary. The A/C has been converted to R134a refrigerant and blows ice cold even on the hottest of days. Above the climate controls are the switches for the power antenna, rear lighting, rear window wiper, rear window squinter and rear window defroster ... all in fine working order. To the left of the steering wheel - parking brake release and the switch for fog lights, parking lights and headlights. As mentioned before, all seating is the optional dark blue leather (not the MB-Tex that is usually found in the W123 chassis vehicles. The leather seating is all exceptional condition for the age showing a nice age patina but with no rips tears or cuts. Again, the leather is all in good condition. The same leather in the 2nd row seating ... the seats fold down 60-40 for additional cargo space. Seat belts for three passengers in the 2nd row seating. Notice the three leather removable headrests for the 2nd row seating ... not often found with these Mercedes wagons. The headrest were only available with the 3rd row seating option and most were lost over time and owners tended to take them out when the seats were folded down. They’re also sockets set into the seats to mount these headrests even when the seats are folded down. Each front seat has net map pockets in their backs. Handy for extended travel. Rear deck lid / door opens wide for easy access. The shock struts are in good working order and won’t let the lid knock you in the head. The leather 3rd row seat. Another expensive option ... $1,200 I’ve been told, even in 1981. More than an additional seat, this option came with the three adjustable headrest on the 2nd row seating, three-point seat belts for two adult passengers in the 3rd row and a foot well. All fold down for maximum cargo space. The 3rd row seat folded down with the carpet mat rolled forward. And, a view of the carpet showing its in good clean condition and never abused. Notice the small black dots on the carpeted backs (about 2/3rds the way up) of the 2nd row seats ... these are hidden buttons for the release of the 2nd row headrests. This period ad shows the seats folded down for sleeping. I’ve been told that traveling salesman loved this feature. On the left of the cargo area is the fold down panel for the spare tire. The spare tire looks to have never been on the ground. Here’s a couple shots of the spare tire I took just to show just how clean it is. I’ve never had a spare tire in any Mercedes-Benz I’ve owned look like this. It’s 100% like new. Another panel to the right of the cargo space folds down to reveal ... ... a complete First Aid Kit (enough supplies for serious triage) and the filler bottle for the rear window washer. A photo of the front license plate bracket (not in use at this time and thus off the vehicle) as well as the original Mercedes-Benz tool roll. Another view of the tool roll showing the complete set of tools in like new condition. The 3.0 liter turbocharged, 5-cylinder diesel engine performs as good as it looks. Consistently delivering 28-34 MPG, it’s a fuel sipper rather than a guzzler. Always serviced by Mercedes specialist, it starts at the turn of the ignition switch every time. The engine has had regular 3,000 mile oil changes since day one. All is in good tune with clean injectors and proper valve clearances, both crucial for good diesel performance. New glow plugs were recently installed as good maintenance as well as fresh fuel and oil filters. The ‘Exide’ heavy duty, maintenance free battery is fairly recent and won’t let you down. The heat resistant hood pad protects the finish on the hood as well as tempers the engine sound. Another Mercedes feature is the ability of the hood to open fully for ease of maintenance ... mechanics LOVE this. The embossed ID plate in the valance panel in front of the radiator. Shows the ‘China Blue’ paint code of 934H as well as the various option codes. The builder’s plate located on the ‘B’ post by the driver’s door shows the: VIN # WDBAB93A1BN005381 ...and a build date of July 1981. The body lines are as straight as an arrow and show no signs of having ever been in an accident. The belt-line molding above the fuel door shows a slight bend. I was told by the previous owner that his daughter bumped against this molding riding her bicycle in to the garage. Her handlebar grip hit this molding and deformed it slightly as shown. No scratch to the paint or the like. If you won’t sleep at night because of this, this right rear belt-line molding is easily replaced and just pops in to plastic sockets in the body panel. These molding are the same for sedans, coupes and wagons of all Mercedes-Benz W123 chassis vehicles so a replacement will be inexpensive and easy to find and install. The tires are near new all around (less than 2,000 miles each) and have 95+ tread remaining. They are the factory correct size: P195/70-R14 all season radials. When the tires were being mounted I took these four photos of the wheel wells just to show how clean they are. Having lived in Florida most of its life, this 300TD shows very little signs of having ever been in harsh weather. It has always been garaged and shows it. The rocker panels are in nice condition on this wagon. This is important as the jacking points (the holes) tended to collect dirt and thus moisture and rusted out. On any Mercedes W123 diesel you may be considering, check that they are in good condition.. Poor quality rocker panels are a pain to properly replace. All four jacking points are in good condition and are original ... just one sign of a well cared for vehicle. The headliner is also in like new condition with no rips, tears or staining. The manually operated sun roof works flawlessly ... ... as do the mirrored sun visors and overhead lighting. The roof rack is also a nice feature. It was an option on these vehicles as well as the cross bars. Normally cross bars were lost over time as the were often left off the vehicle as the tend to 'whistle' and can he heard with the sun roof open. This wagon comes with three cross bars as the owner custom ordered this wagon from Germany through the Florida Mercedes-Benz dealership and asked for an extra cross bar with the custom order. Polished mirror backs on both sides. The passenger side is power operated, the driver’s side manual as prescribed from the factory. Door handles work smoothly as well as the vacuum controlled power door lock system. All doors shut with a nice solid Mercedes ‘thunk’. No rips, tears or stains on any of the door panels. Door edges, door bottoms and sill panels are all like new with bright paint and no rust whatsoever. The four Mercedes-Benz factory OEM mats are in like new condition. Both front seats are adjustable up and down, in and out ... they both work smoothly. The previous owner had a professional shop install the metallic sound deadening floor coverings at great cost. Seats and console were removed and panels cut and custom installed. Makes for a vehicle exceptionally free of road noises and road heat in the summer. A lot of work and expense, but I think it was worth the considerable effort and expense. This sound deadening/insulation process was done to both the front and 2nd row foot wells. A complete set of Mercedes-Factory literature in included with this sale. Also included, are the original Mercedes-Benz leather key fob (still in plastic package) as well as a "Hirchmann’ power antenna wipe kit also in the original packaging (antenna in good working order). Both are minor items not often found with a pre-owned vehicle. Proudly mounted on the grill is a Mercedes-Benz High Mileage award badge. This one for 250,000 kilometers (155,000 miles). Years down the road, the next one to be mounted will be the 500,000 kilometer award. To finish up this rather extensive eBay listing, I’m posting my remaining glamour shots of this rather exceptional example of a classic Mercedes 300TD turbo diesel wagon. I hope you’ve enjoyed the showing. ______________________________________________________ Full disclosure is what I'm after here .... I want you to know what your buying. This Mercedes-Benz 300TD is not perfect in every way ... it's very close and as fine an example of the model that one could ever expect for a 31 year old vehicle. There are minor imperfections as one would well expect ... very minor indeed. Some very slight paint chips and a few very minor scratches that can't possible be shown in photos like these. It's not new but it's very nice, indeed. If there is something I haven't covered please feel free to give me a call at 410-310-3543 ... or drop me a line via E-mail. Phone calls are preferred as I can go into a bit more depth answering questions due to time constraints. *********************************************************************** This 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TD TurboDiesel wagon accelerates very well, runs flawlessly, shifts crisply and handles quite well with a smooth shifting transmission and precise steering. It has nice solid road feel. If your in the market for an exceptionally nice Mercedes-Benz 300TD ... then this one is well worth considering as nice examples don’t come up often. Please have a look at all the photos I’ve provided here and then decide for yourself if this is the one for you. I will be glad to help in any way I can ... please don’t hesitate to ask. I’d like to make your eBay buying experience a pleasant one and will do what I can to make it so. This vehicle has a free and clear title that can be easily transferred to its new owners. If I’ve missed anything here, please feel free to drop give me a call at (410) 310-3543. I’ve done my best to describe this vehicle in an accurate and honest fashion ... if I’ve missed anything please let me know. You can fly in and drive this one home ... not a problem. BWI (Baltimore / Washington International) is our closest airport. I wouldn't hesitate to drive this 300TD wagon on an extended trip tomorrow ... it's ready ... are you? Note: I'll add addendums to this listing as necessary. Please check back for updated information. This 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TD station wagon is located in Oxford, Maryland (Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore ... Zip Code 21654) which is about 1-1/2 hrs. East of Washington DC and Baltimore ... and about 2 hrs. South of Philadelphia .... and 4 hrs. South of New York City. Still have questions? Please feel free to give me a call @ (410) 310-3543. I reserve the right to end this auction at any time. Please consider viewing this Mercedes-Benz wagon in person before you bid as your eBay bid is a binding contract. I’ll be happy to show you it's many features. There is absolutely nothing to hide here. If you're thinking about shipping this Mercedes-Benz 300TD home .. I may be able to be of assistance. I've done this a couple times in the past and can help to put you in touch with a reasonable shipper and then meet with the driver when he comes to pick the car up. It can be just that simple. Any questions? If so, please feel free to cal me at 410-310-3543. My name is Peter and I’d be happy to help in any way I can. The fine print ... Terms and conditions of sale: As with most used vehicles this one is sold as is - where is without warrantee either expressed, implied or otherwise. A nonrefundable deposit is to be paid within 3 days of the close of this auction equal to 20% of the selling price by either Cash in person, a Bank Certified Check or Direct Wire Transfer. The balance to be paid by either Cash in person, a Bank Certified Check or Direct Wire Transfer within 7 days of close of auction. Pick up of the vehicle to be accomplished within two weeks of the close of the auction or at a mutually agreed upon time between the seller and the winning bidder. If the vehicle is left longer than either the two weeks or the agreed upon time a $10.00 per day storage charge may be assessed. Transportation cost, if any are incurred, are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Persons with negative feedback may have their bids canceled at the seller's discretion. This vehicle is subject to prior sale. Good luck with your bidding. ~Peter - (410) 310-3543