1981 Mercedes 300D - STRONG RUNNING, ULTRA-CLEAN DIESEL SEDAN; DRIVE IT ANYWHERE

1981

Mercedes Benz
300D Diesel Sedan

VIN: WDBAB30A7BB236353

If you’ve followed my Ebay vehicle auctions the past ten or eleven years you’ve noticed we get a fair number of great vintage Benz sedans on a regular basis. I don’t know where this one sold new, but it’s been here in the Great Pacific Northwest for many years. That’s important because it means the car has NEVER been exposed to corrosive road salt as we get little to no snow in western Washington state. Because our other seasons are also mild, the paint and interior haven’t been sunbaked to death either.

After spending just a few minutes behind the wheel I was sold on this 300D as a daily driver or a perfect road trip vehicle. Look over my photos; the level of respect and care given this vehicle will be very obvious. You might also notice the Euro headlights with their integrated fog lamps. While they can be difficult (and costly) to locate, they do add to the charm and originally intended design of the car. Rest assured, this was NOT a "gray market" import and is a fully compliant U.S. model that can be registered in any state.

Please feel free to contact me through the Ebay message system with any questions during the auction. You’re encouraged to stop by my Auburn, WA warehouse to check over the Mercedes and take it out on the road. Having an on-site buyer’s inspection done is also welcomed.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

Ever driven one of these mid-sized Mercedes with the bullet-proof 3.0-liter five-cylinder diesel engine? What a treat! Smooth is the word for sure. Smooth handling in the curves or on the highway. Comfort, style, and versatility all in one classic ride. I’ve always considered these W123 cars constructed through the mid-eighties as the last hand-built, truly high-quality Mercedes and have heard others say the same thing! Take a look at the photos and I’m sure you’ll agree with me. What you see is the result of a wash and vacuum only. “Time capsule” really is a great way to describe this Benz. It’s obviously been allowed to spend a majority of its life garaged because the overall condition is truly better than most any other 37-year-old daily driver you’re likely to encounter. Rust? Please, this Mercedes HATES rust and I haven’t found any here to worry about. Climb over, under and around this sedan, I know you’ll come up smiling!! As a respected Ebay seller with many satisfied customers, I want you to bid with confidence knowing this is a great car AND that it’s being properly represented.
CONDITION:

In brief, this is a clean, original, well-cared-for, smoke-free Mercedes. I take pride in the vehicles we sell, feeling that you should know as much about them as possible before bidding. Accordingly, here’s a list of the good and also small things possibly to be sorted out: Hop in, turn the key, let the glow plugs heat for about five or six seconds and the engine starts immediately!The automatic transmission shifts crisply through all gears, just as it should. I feel the car idles, runs and drives as intended – immediate strong, steady oil pressure, a good battery and properly functioning charging system. When warm, the engine temperature is maintained at the midway mark on the dash gauge, no matter whether it’s been idling in traffic or plying the freeway for hours. There is NO excessive tailpipe smoke or blow-by. I’ve driven the 300D daily over the past two weeks, cruised at 60 MPH on a six-hour trip to and from Portland, Oregon and am using it for my 20-mile round trip work commute. The fuel system is completely stock and has NEVER been exposed to component-destroying biodiesel or a goofy homemade conversion. Recent upgrades include a new alternator, battery and exhaust system. Fresh glow plugs were installed a few months ago and high-quality WIX fuel filters used at the recent oil change. The factory-color white paint is in exceptionally good condition and holds quite a shine. I find NO failing clearcoat, rust spots, paint nicks, thin spots or rock chips. The fenders, doors, rear quarters and floor pans are all solid. The windshield has no cracks or chips. All four factory wheels are straight and true. They’re wrapped with Hankook Optima Radials, each with at least 75+% remaining tread. When braking, I’ve not encountered any binding, fade or pulling to either side.

Take another look at the interior photos. The dark blue MB-Tex upholstery is exceptionally good with the pictures giving an accurate view of condition. Hop in and feel comfortable sitting on these seats for hours. There are NO worn-through spots on either the front or back seating areas or broken seat springs as often found on a vintage Benz (some stitching has come loose on top of the rear backrest near the package shelf, as shown in the photos). The carpets are clean and solid. All the dash gauges are as bright and true as the day the car left Stuttgart. The push button heater and fan system work. While complete, I’d assume the A/C system will need to be gone through to be functional. It’s quite rare to find a vintage Benz with a working factory stereo. The immediate past owner installed an expensive system complete with trunk-mounted amps and a custom package shelf to hold the rear speakers. It’s the best stereo I’ve ever encountered in a Mercedes! The large sunroof fully opens and closes without binding. I always suggest easing the strain on the electric motor and cables when closing an older Benz sunroof by pulling it forward while operating the switch. All four electric windows move up and down when activated, but the console switch pods should be replaced to make operation easier. There’s also a missing window switch on the right rear passenger door as pictured.

I’m always very happy to work with any shipper you choose, but you’re also welcome to do what many previous 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 (I’ll pick you up at Sea-Tac International just a few miles away) and then start a road trip home. Please don’t be upset if I’ve missed a minor flaw or something I’m unaware of needs attention. No used car is ever perfect! Having said that, I would not hesitate to drive this Mercedes long distance immediately.

Please check the photos over closely and contact me with any questions BEFORE you place a bid! Because of the amount of money involved with a vehicle purchase, we reserve the right to cancel your bid 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 bidding. Finally, we reserve the right to end the auction early if the Benz is no longer for sale or an acceptable offer has been agreed to before the end of the auction period. Please feel free to contact me directly as outlined above.

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 invoice you and ask that you cover the 3.5% fee our processor charges us. 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 theMercedes transported home, there are scores of companies to choose from. I ship vehicles regularly and am happy to make suggestions about who to use. In addition to quotes using the shipping tab here on the auction site, you might also get bids directly from U-Ship.com. You’ll be able to choose a broker from multiple offers. The zip code for pick-up would be 98002 (Auburn, Washington). We do have a shipper that regularly delivers for us to western states and has arranged transport to the Midwest and East Coast. Ultimately, shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER.

The information described above is based on the observed condition when listed. All the photos were taken on 2/21/2018. I've done my best to describe the car as honestly as possible and encourage bidders to contact me with questions.