1979 Mercedes-Benz 300D - very well maintained, highly original, CA car

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series for sale in Seattle, Washington, United States

Condition:	Used
Item location:	Seattle, Washington, United States
Make:	Mercedes-Benz
Model:	300-Series
Type:	Sedan
Year:	1979
Mileage:	112,150
VIN:	12313012115411
Color:	Blue
Engine size:	OM617 diesel (naturally aspirated)
Number of cylinders:	5
Power options:	Air Conditioning, Power Locks, Power Windows
Fuel:	Diesel
Transmission:	Automatic
Drive type:	RWD
Interior color:	Blue
Drive side:	Left-hand drive
Vehicle Title:	Clear
Want to buy?	Contact seller!

Description for Mercedes-Benz 300-Series 1979

Summary
-112,150 miles-3.0 liter 5 cyl OM617 diesel engine (naturally aspirated)-4-speed automatic transmission-Clean WA title (12313012115411)-Pastel Blue (922) exterior-Blue MB-tex interior
Very clean, highly original, driver-quality W123 diesel in a terrific color (Pastel Blue).
Tons of recent maintenance and new parts -- over $6000 in the last 12 months (documented).
Everything works except for the cruise control.
Long-time California car (recently relocated to Seattle).
Exterior (7/10)
The original Pastel Blue (722) paint has held up remarkably well, though there are some notable flaws from almost 40 years of use, including various small paint chips, a scratch in the front fender, and some rippling in sheet metal of the rear driver’s side door (which appears to have been dented and pulled out). See photos for details.
Original hubcaps on upgraded Mercedes-Benz stamped alloy wheels (same as steelies but weigh only about 10 lbs each -- a $600 value), with recent Michelin Defender tires (about 5000 miles on them).
Interior (7/10)
Blue MB-tex seats in very good condition. One small tear on bolster of driver’s seat (pictured). Also, the original horsehair seat pads are a little crumbly on the passenger side and in back; however, the driver’s seat cushion has recently been replaced.
Like most blue dashes of this era, the dash has significant cracks (see photos).
Zebrano wood trim is very good.
Original Becker stereo and four speakers in good working condition (incl. the original Hirschmann antenna).
Original wool carpeting in excellent shape with no fading (incl. the rear parcel shelf).
There is some puckering of the vinyl covering the window trim, a common W123 issue.
The right rear window regulator isn’t operating very smoothly and will likely need to be replaced soon.
Mechanicals(9.5/10)
I purchased this car to use as a daily driver for my 30-mile (round trip) daily commute. As soon as I got it, I had my mechanic (Nick’s Mercedes in San Diego) go through the car from top to bottom to make sure everything was in excellent working order. Here’s a list of everything that he’s done during my ownership.
9/16/2016 @ 105,035 miles-new AC compressor & recharge system-valve adjustment-full transmission service-new fuel filters-new engine and transmission mounts-new upper control arms and tie rods-alignment-new front brake rotors-replace all brake lines-replace engine oil & filter
11/15/2016 @ 106,235 miles-replace all shocks (Bilstein)-replace radiator-replace thermostat & coolant
05/09/2017 @ 110,055 miles-replace engineoil & filter
The result is a car that drives exactly as a well-maintained W123 should. It starts easily, makes good power (even without a turbo), idles quietly and smoothly, and shifts well through all gears. The suspension is tight, and the brakes are smooth and effective.
Everything is in excellent working condition (incl. AC and vacuum door locks). The only exception is the cruise control, which does not engage.
I recently drove the car from San Diego to Seattle, and it performed flawlessly.
Reason for Sale
I am selling the car because I recently moved, and I no longer need a car for my commute. Also, my new place does not have parking. : (
Please post any questions you have, and I will answer them promptly!