1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D SMOKE SILVER with BURGUNDY interior; TWO OWNER

** PLEASE NOTE** The AutoCheck Report states there's a "title issue" from 2006....CarFax says the title is clear. I assure you that I have a CLEAR title in hand and there are no issues with the title!
For your consideration, a beautifully original, 100% RUST-FREE 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D. "Original" being the keyword here! First purchased in West Palm Beach, the second owner bought the car in 1997 in SC, and they had the car until my mechanic became aware of it early this year. The car had been in a collection of nine Mercedes! After I expressed interest, my mechanic (can supply contact info) spent the next six weeks making the car mechanically bulletproof. My mechanic then bought the car (for two hours) and sold it to me- so you see four owners....but really only two long-term owners since 1985.
The car has it's original "smoke silver" exterior paint, which is really more champagne, with the highly desirable "henna" or maroon/reddish brown interior. The Carfax shows two accidents, however I can say that all body panels are original. You can even see all the original rivets under the engine bay showing that the fenders have never been touched. Underneath the frame is perfect. I believe one "bump-up" was at the driver's front corner where you see a little crease (and I believe the headlights were replaced then.) The second "bump-up" I believe to be at the driver's door where you can see some variation in paint- but all panels are original! The paint has dulled over time. Good candidate for a re-paint, although I would choose to leave as-is. Even the original Fuchs alloys have never been re-sprayed. You see some oxidation in places all adding to its originality which I love.
The interior is very cool with original BECKER cassette player (which does not work), and the dash has NO CRACKS. The wood is 99% intact, although warping in some places and chipped a little on the console. The maroon Mercedes Tex is PERFECT on the passenger side, and the back seat looks like it's never been sat in. The driver's seat needs some TLC as shown in the photos. The maroon carpets have been replaced with black rubber floor-mats. I personally think the car would benefit from having Mercedes floor-mats with the padding on the back, although this color is hard to find.
The engine purrs like a kitten, and the turbo kicks in to propel this car along great! Just a few weeks after I bought this car, I took it to TN (round trip- 13 hours), and it ran like a champ. It handles beautifully. The engine starts up and shuts off every time. The transmission shifts as it should, and was serviced in March of this year. (A full list of that work later.) The vacuum system was purposely disabled to the doors by a previous owner, so you just lock and unlock them like a normal car. There are no vacuum system issues as the brakes work like a charm, and the engine shuts off immediately. I'm sure the doors could be reconnected if desired.
THE GOOD:Two very long-term owners.Original paint and body.Original miles (278,XXX and the Carfax supports the mileage is RIGHT.) The odometer works!NO RUST ANYWHERE.....100% rust-free!!!ALL four windows work perfectly!SUNROOF works perfectly!All gauges work perfectly EXCEPT the tach. Engine & transmission run GREAT! Very strong running diesel engine!!Transmission adjusted (March)Oil change, ALL FLUIDS changed (March)New hoses (March)New alternator (March)New motor mounts (March)New ignition switch at some point (so there are two keys)New battery recentlyTires: 80% tread left on front; 25% tread left on backBrake pads are nearly new and rotors are great!SPARE TIRE looks as if it's never touched the ground. Jack and wrench in place.ALL SEATS (except drivers seat) look brand new.ALL exterior lights are perfect and would pass any state inspection.NO cracks on dashboardZebrano wood is near 100%ALL chrome intact and looks GREATThe heater is HOT HOT and will run you out of the car!A daily driving CLASSIC!
THE BAD:Vacuum lines to doors need to be re-connected to make original.Needs new floor-matsTach and radio do not workALL interior lights DO NOT work except the vanity light over the backseat(!) and the glovebox light."Brake" warning light comes on dashboard when it feels like it, then goes out, but brakes/rotors/lines are all EXCELLENT- has been verified by mechanic.Glow plug light does not work (I just count to five and crank)Air Conditioning DOES NOT WORK.Dull paint and minor scratches here and there.
Please ask questions if I've forgotten anything. I'm selling because this is my third W123 (and I have another car, too)- do not need this many cars. Please look at my feedback and bid with confidence! This car is not showroom condition, but has so much going for it. Thank you for your interest! This is a strong running classic that would be a fantastic daily driver or you could restore if desired.
Fine print: $500 deposit due immediately through Paypal. The balance due via cashier's check within seven days. You are responsible for arranging delivery/pick-up. Car will not be released until funds have cleared! I do NOT do wire transfers. Please base your decision on my feedback and description and any questions you may have. Car also for sale locally, so I reserve the right to end the auction at any time.