1985 Mercedes Benz 300TDT Turbo Diesel Estate Wagon

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series 300 TDT Station Wagon Description:

For sale is my beloved 1985 Mercedes 300TDT Diesel Wagon. It is with a heavy heart that I must find her a new home, but I cannot devote the time needed to care for some of my prized possessions and I am trying to make life simpler.

I have been a lifelong enthusiast of the Mercedes w123 cars and their bullet-proof om-617 diesel engine. They are the most reliable and dependable car I have ever encountered, and I have had several last over 400,000 miles. This wagon still has the headrests and the crossbars on the roof that most of these vintage wagons are missing. These wagons are getting harder to find, especially in this great condition. This is the nicest one I have had the pleasure to drive.

I bought this marvelous car near the Oregon Coast. The previous owner bought it in Santa Barbara, where it had spent it’s entire life. It had one accident and was repaired by the dealer. We purchased it on vacation in the Pacific Northwest in 2013, immediately turned in the rental car and drove the wagon all week. We had planned to ship it across the country, but were enjoying it so much we drove it all the way back to Florida.

When I arrived home I had a few observations from our 2 weeks driving and had them repaired by my local Mercedes Specialist. The rear differential was rebuilt. The transmission was also rebuilt because there was a delay when shifting into reverse. The shocks and hydraulic reservoirs for the SRS system were replaced. Over the last few years I added a remote entry that is connected to the factory vacuum operated locks and they still function as new. It has OEMMercedes Europeanheadlights. They are much brighter and really improve the nighttime visibility.

There is a Sony CD-MP3 stereo with USB for your iPhone or favorite music device. I have a Garmin GPS wired to the ignition included if you desire.

All of the routine maintenance has been diligently attended to. Just over a year ago we had the cylinder head rebuilt by Orlando Cylinder Head, and the turbo got rebuilt with a Mercedes Source turbo upgrade kit.

The Pros:

This is a rust free car and everything works:

I have spared no expense to keep her in perfect condition, always using German parts if available.

The SRS system levels as it should, so do the power windows.

The Air Conditioner blows ice cold and still runs on R-12, just replaced compressor, expansion valve and drier.

New mono valve, recent radiator installed less than 2 years ago.

The A/C control panel and Cruise control module are recent from Programma Inc.

The suspension is tight and the brakes great, ball joints, bushings and control arms a couple years ago..

She shifts perfectly and smoothly cruises down the highway, new cv axle when the tranny was done..

The 3rd row seat is installed. Still has all five of the original headrest.

The roof rack roof rack has all 3 crossbars and all the original rubbers.

She has brand new Michelin's, less than 50 miles

I would confidently drive her anywhere in the continent.

The Cons:

This is a 32 year old car.

It does not drive like a new car.

It drives and handles as well as these cars did in the 80's.

It has been well cared for, but shows some wear.

Everything is working as advertised, now.

The pneumatic struts that hold the tailgate up are not great on hot days.

The drivers seat shows a little wear.

There is a small repair to the headliner at the sunroof latch.

The dash is just starting to show tiny cracks.

I purchased the car with a clear Oregon Title in 2013. I was aware of an accident that occurred in 2009. Our Mercedesrear ended another vehicle and was repaired by the same dealership where it had been purchased and serviced. Damage was in the front left corner. The car stays aligned and drives straight and true. All damage was repaired to Mercedes Benz Dealer standards and is still flawless 7 years later. Auto Checknow shows a Salvaged Title History from California that was not reported when I purchased the car. From my research, the owners at the time of the accident accepted a payment from USAA insurance, in excess of the vehicle value, to have it repaired. These cars were not as valuable 10 years ago, so it did not take much to qualify for an insurance total.

I have a clear Florida. Autocheck confirms it has a clear Florida FloridaTitle. If the auto check history concerns you, please bid accordingly.

If you are looking at this ad, you are probably familiar with these cars, and this is a spectacular specimen that has been driven and well cared for.She is 32 years old an has some slight blemishes and wear, but it is in amazing shape for her age.She is sold without a warranty, as is, for pickup in Central Florida.I am happy to assist with shipping, but at the expense of the buyer.I may also be able to help with delivery as long as it is arrangedbefore auction's end.

The car is also for sale locally,and is available for inspection.

I would encourage you to come drive and inspect it in Melbourne Florida.

I am able to meet you at the Melbourne, or possibly the Orlando, Airports.

I would like to make this a happy transaction for everyone involved.

Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Message me through eBay or call me at 321-345-6458. No texts please.

Thanks, Mike

On Oct-09-17 at 10:05:27 PDT, seller added the following information:

I am having some difficulty answering messages via eBay. My email provider is saying the messages are deliverable. I will post copies of the questions and answers at the bottom of the listing, in case my replies are not being received.

I have not included a buy it now option, but since the car is for sale locally, you are welcome to call me to discuss. at 321-345-6458. I'd prefer not to text.Thanks.On Oct-12-17 at 06:14:58 PDT, seller added the following information:

Sorry for the delays and problems answering all of the messages. It appears eBay has repaired the problem.

On Oct-12-17 at 19:25:46 PDT, seller added the following information:

THANKS for all the interest.

I'm still having problems with the messaging system on eBay. eBay tech support says they are working on it.Please call me if you don't get a quick response. 321-345-6458
From the questions I've gotten:
-The SLS system works great and both reservoirs are new. I notice every drive, as there are 3 speed bumps before my street.
- The cylinder head was rebuilt because it was recommended on my annual valve adjustment. The Mercedes source Turbo upgrade was done because so much of the engine was apart at the time. If you have not rebuilt the turbo on one of these, you are missing out. A 30 year old turbo can not compare to a new one. The cost of this whole repair was over $2000.
-The car has a GPS installed and wired to the ignition, it turns the Garmin on and off with the key. It is mounted to the windshield with a removable suction cup mount. I'll include the GPS, a Garmin NUVI. It is older and does not have lifetime maps or traffic, but the mount and wiring will fit the newer Garmin units.
- I will be happy to deliver or ship the car, at the expense of the buyer. I have a good company I have used before and their prices are reasonable. I would probably be available to deliver it in the Southeast myself, but please co-ordinate with me first.
- The car has a Sony CD player in it. It will play anything with a USB or aux input.
- I replaced the headlights with the original units made by Bosch and Hella and used on these Mercedes cars when they were new and delivered to Europe and most of the world. I travel for a living and like the looks of these better. They are correct to the car when it was new and not delivered to North America.US version headlights will bolt right in. I believe I have all the parts except the sealed beam bulbs, if it is important to you let me know.I bought these units in Germany and brought them home for my car. They produce way more light and really improve nighttime visibility. The bulbs are H4 and available at most auto parts stores. The fog lights operate the same, but are also brighter.I recommend a search for "euro headlights w123".They also have a daytime running light LED bulb that I chose not to connect, if you like headlights on all the time.
- The crossbars on the racks are not aftermarket. They are original from the factory. Most of these wagons do not have them anymore. They are very hard to find and expensive if you can, 400-500 a set or more.
-no rust, floorboards are solid.
- The title issue was a surprise to me after I listed it on eBay. It would have concerned me, but would not have prevented me from buying this car. I understand this car was repaired by Mercedes Benz of Santa Barbara. These cars were not highly valued 10-15 years ago, and it did not take a big accident to have repair cost exceed the value of the car, causing a salvage issue. I lost a 1985 300d sedan to a tree during Hurricane Ivan in 2004, we bought that sedan new for around $35,000 and got $1,200 minus a 500 deductible from our insurance.
- I would be happy to discuss my reserve price, but not publicly. The white 1985 300TDT wagon I had before I bought this car was not nearly as nice as this car, had lots more miles on her and sold quickly for $8600 on eBay.
-If you haven't gotten a reply from me and I did not address you question, please let me know.
Thanks Mike & Jana