1981 Mercedes Benz 300SD - TURBODIESEL, CLEAN VINTAGE BOULEVARD CRUISER

Description for Mercedes-Benz 300-Series 1981

1981

Mercedes Benz
300SD Turbo Diesel

VIN: WDBCB20A4BB009835

Here’s another desirable, good driving Mercedes diesel we’ve just acquired recently for our Ebay customers. Per the previous owner this nice 300SD sold new in late 1981 in Northern California but has been here in snow-free Western Washington State for many years now. Reluctantly, the car was passed on to us in hopes of finding the next caretaker. From the moment I laid eyes on this nice sedan, it was obvious that it’s been treated with respect and care over the years. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. My name is Mark and my direct number is(206) 914-1173. You’re welcome and encouraged to make an appointment to inspect and test-out this clean car.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

Ever driven one of these sedans with the powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine? Where else will you find this kind of luxury, vintage style, safety, mechanical reliability AND terrific (27+MPG) fuel economy wrapped up in one great ride? Smooth is the word for sure. Smooth handling in the curves or on the highway. I’ve always considered the W126 chassis cars constructed through the late 80’s as some of the last hand-built, truly high-quality Mercedes and have heard others say the same thing! Look at the posted photos; I’m sure you’ll agree with me what a nice vehicle this is. Climb over, under and throughout and I know you’ll come up smiling! What you see there is the result of a wash and vacuum only. Rust? Please, this car hates rust and you’ll be hard pressed to find anything to worry about here. Yes, western Washington State is famous for rain, but our winter roads are rarely salted. At most we’ll have one or two days of light snow. Everyone panics and just stays home hunkered down with a blanket and book. Climb over, under and all around this car - I know you’ll come up smiling! Having personally owned dozens of Mercedes over the years, I’ve developed a great appreciation for the classic MB style, mechanical reliability (especially with diesels) and the overall driving experience.

CONDITION:

In total, this is a clean, well-cared-for classic Benz. I take pride in these vehicles and feel you should know as much about the them as possible. Accordingly, here’s a list of the good and also a few small things needing attention: this past week our tech replaced all the glow plugs and fuel filters, adjusted the valves and installed a new alternator. Take literally 5 or 6 seconds to heat the glow plugs when starting cold and the peppy 3.0L inline five diesel engine starts immediately. The automatic transmission shifts through all the gears just as it should and with absolutely no slippage. When warm, the car idles, runs and drives like a Mercedes is built to – strongoil pressure, no overheating and no brake pull side-to-side. I do get a bit of expected smoke at cold startup, but it very quickly stops as the car is driven.

The original gold metallic paint has been resprayed to the factory color sometime in the past. I’d say it’s a 8 out of 10. The windshield is free of cracks and chips. I’ve never encountered Mercedes alloy wheels that were anything but straight and true. These fit that bill and are wrapped with decent touring radials with at least 60%-70% or so remainng tread all around.

Take another good look at my interior pics. The original tobacco brown leather seats (including the rear bench) have held up well; something you’ll not often encounter with a vintage Benz. After checking the speedometer, it appears accurate. Because the mileage has been exempt from reporting for several decades, I’m calling the true miles unknown. The heater blows warm air and the fan functions correctly. It appears the A/C system is complete, but will require upgrading to modern refrigerant to blow cold.

There’s no evidence of any water leakage on the headliner. From past experience with other W126 body Mercedes, I’ve made no attempt to open the power sunroof out of caution (or fear) of it then not closing. All fourpower windows do function properly. I get no movement fromthe power seats, but they're set to a comfortable average distance and tilt. The dash clockstays at 10:10 and the tach needle can be intermittant.On a positive note, the original factory carpets are very clean and decent and the headliner is great, too! As is usually the case withmost vintage Benz, the Becker Grand Prix radio was updated to a more modern Kenwood AM-FM/CD sometime in the past.
We’re always very happy to work with any shipper you choose, but you’re also welcome to do what many of my past buyers from as far away as Alaska, Arizona, the Midwest, Canada, Florida, New York and even the Mexican Baja have done – fly in here to Seattle (we’ll pick you up at Sea-Tac International just a few miles away) and then start a road trip home the same day. As a respected Ebay seller with many satisfied online buyers, I want you to bid with confidence knowing that this Mercedes is being properly represented! Please don’t be upset if I miss a minor flaw or some issue comes up on the car. NO used vehicle is ever perfect.

Please check the photos closely and contact me with any questions BEFORE placing a bid! You’re encouraged to stop by, inspect the Mercedes (or have a professional do it) and take it for a test drive as it's being sold as-is, where-is with a free & clear Washington State title. There are NO title brands for any nasty negatives like salvage history, theft or flood damage.Because of the amount of money involved with a vehicle purchase, I reserve the right to cancel your bids if you have negative feedback. I also ask that potential bidders with a feedback rating of five or fewer transactions on Ebay contact me before placing bids either through EBay’s message system or, as outlined above, call or text me at206/914-1173. My name isMARK.

A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:

Full payment is due by cash (in person only) or certified funds within seven business days unless prior arrangements have been made with me. I can accept credit or debit cards, but I’ll first need to send an invoice and ask that you cover the 3.25% fee our card processor charges. Please remember you’re bidding to buy and I fully expect the winner to fulfill their Ebay contract! You’re not bidding to hold or then come inspect and test-drive the vehicle later -- You’re more than welcome to do this before the auction ends.

If you decide to have the Mercedes transported home, there are scores of companies to choose from. I ship vehicles regularly and have access to the nationwide wholesale Central Dispatch system. After checking recent shipping prices to a buyer’s location, I’m able to post the freight COD and usually can beat the retail prices offered to other Ebay buyers by transport companies. Ultimately, shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER.

I’m able to the store the car free of charge at my location for up to two weeks after the auction ends assuming full payment has been received. After that period storage is $20 per day. The vehicle is being sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. All information described above is based on the observed condition when thelisting was placed. I've done my very best to describe the car and encourage bidders to contact me with questions before bidding.