1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D Diesel W123 Super Clean Runs Well NO RESERVE

1983 Mercedes Benz 240D - NO RESERVE Auction - high bid or buy-it-now takes it.

WDBAB23A1DB403007
Clean Maryland title in my name
W123 chassis with 2.4 L OM616 I4 diesel engine
Approximately 275,000 miles - super clear, starts easily even on cold days, runs well.

The car is also for sale locally, so I reserve the right to end the auction early for a local cash buyer. Car can be view in Ijamsville MD 21754 (~12 miles south of Frederick).

The eBay photo limit is 24, so here's a link to a Google album with lots more pics (inc. all the receipts) plus a start-up & walk-around video:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOGaNEpkl-f0GUrvw7DEioathKCA2OXJeugnMd8gxX_ZnlYukuI2ici3Hr-6azMVQ?key=Z3Z1MFlQdDhvVEwyajRhZWJpNXpHZWtsN2RtQmxn

FLY IN, DRIVE HOME - For an additional $75, I'll meet you at any DC/Baltimore area airport (IAD, DCA, BWI, HGR), train station (Baltimore or Washington Union Station), or bus station. Otherwise shipping is at the buyer's expense.

Details:

• Light Ivory with Palomino interior

  • Car was respray in 2015, and the interior is in very good condition with MB Tex seats, refinished wood trim and only 2 small cracks in the dash (see pics).

  • All the power windows and power sunroof work.

  • Original tool kit, safety triangle, and first aid kit included.

  • Newer Kenwood HD Radio AM/FM/CD with USB and AUX input.

• 2019 repairs total ~$450 (w/ receipts): battery, alternator (65 amp), front brake rotors, pads, wheel bearings, tie rods, oil/filter change.

• Mercedes dealer service receipt shows nearly $5K of work in 2016:

  • Replace oil cooler hoses (both) - $1845

  • Repair both headlamp electrical connections - $139

  • Replace fuel pump, main & pre-fuel filters, fuel injections cooler hoses - $890

  • Replace accelerator linkage bell crank at firewall and air filter housing - $577

  • Replace passenger mirror switch - $41

  • Replaced both front motor mounts and transmission mount - $1035

Issues:

• Tires are older and mismatched (3 Michelin, 1 generic) but still have decent tread. Front tires show uneven wear on outer edges - definitely needs an alignment when new tires are mounted. The spare tire is flat.

• AC not working, but the system will hold a vacuum; could be fixed with new compressor and receiver drier. Blower motor and heat work fine.

• Typical MB diesel vacuum leak issues; some fittings/hoses have been replaced but the vacuum-controlled door locks still don't work, and the engine sometimes has to be shut off manually. This does not affect driveability.

• A few small rust bubbles starting to show through the paint (see pics).

• An older repair to driver seat bolster is starting to crack (see pics).

• Power antenna doesn't work (stuck in up position), but radio reception is OK.

• For some reason, on one of the previous title transfers the mileage was recorded as "Exceeds Mechanical Limit" - that was incorrect, as it is a 6-digit odometer. Based on the service records and condition I believe the mileage shown on the odometer (just over 275,000) is correct.

Here's the back story: I was looking for a 123 station wagon, but came across this 240D sedan back in October 2018. The seller inherited the car from her father who spared no expense maintaining it - almost $5K for one trip to the dealer in 2016 alone! After the father passed away in 2017, the car was driven back from Florida and then sat for about a year, parked at the seller's Maryland farm just a few miles down the road from me. I talked to the seller in back in October, but didn't buy it then because I really wanted a wagon. After months of looking at broken down, rusted wagons, I decided to buy this very nice 240D in March, figuring I'd use it as a daily driver until I found a wagon I liked. I did a few repairs (see 2019 repairs above), started working on the vacuum leak problem... and then I found a great wagon. I've got limited garage space, so the 240D has to go.

It's far from perfect, but it's very presentable and in good mechanical condition. These car are simple and a joy to work on compared to modern front-wheel drive cars. And, if you stay away from the dealer, they are very affordable to repair and maintain. See the "Issues" above for things that are wrong with the car. It's 36 years old so I've sure I've missed a few things, but I know of no other major problems.

And, for all the end-of-the-world preppers out there, here are a few more reasons to buy a 240D:

https://www.autotrader.com/car-video/heres-why-mercedes-240d-best-car-apocalypse-259965