1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD - CLEAN, NICE TURBODIESEL BOULEVARD CRUISER

Note to Bidders: We've relisted this nice Benz after the winning bidder wasn't able to complete their purchase obligation. Please folks, don't let little Jimmy or you darling daughter Suzy-Q have access to YOUR Ebay account unless you plan on paying for what they purchase. OK, enough rant! Here's the description again as it was first presented:

1983

Mercedes Benz
300SD Turbo Diesel

VIN: WDBCB20A0DB035951

Here’s another desirable, good driving Mercedes diesel we’ve acquired recently for our Ebay customers. Per the previous owner this nice 300SD sold new in late 1983 in Southern California but has been here in snow-free Western Washington State for the past 27 years and owned by the same family. Reluctantly, they passed the Mercedes on to us in hopes of finding the next long-term caretaker. 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 vintage style, safety, mechanical reliability AND terrific (23+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 early 1990's as some of the last hand-built, truly high-quality Mercedes and have heard others say the same thing! Look at my twenty-plus posted photos; I’m sure you’ll agree with me what a nice vehicle this is. 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 any 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. THIS BENZ RUNS OUT VERY NICELY AND I’M CONVINCED YOU’LL BE PROUD TO OWN AND DRIVE IT AS WELL!

CONDITION:

In total, this is a clean classic Benz. I take pride in the vehicles I've been able to offer here on Ebay and feel you should know as much about them as possible. Accordingly, here’s a list of the good and also a few small things needing attention: take literally eight or nine seconds to heat the glow plugs when starting cold and the peppy 3.0L inline five diesel engine starts immediately with only a few moments of starter cranking!The automatic transmission shifts through all the gears just as it should and with absolutely no slippage.The car idles, runs and drives like a Mercedes is built to – strong, immediate oil pressure, strong battery and charging system, no overheating, no brake pull. A little expected white diesel smoke at cold startup, but it's quickly gone and everything runs well. All the photos you see posted in this listing were taken on October 30, 2020.

The silver metallic paint appears factory original with only a few thin spots found on the roof. I’d rate the paint a solid 7 out of 10 overall. Though I’m no expert, I don’t find evidence of any bodywork, bondo or accident repair anywhere on the car. The front fenders, rear quarters, doors and floor pans are all very solid and free of rust. Amazingly, this 37-year-old car still has itsfactory windshield with the little Benz inspection sticker there on the bottom passengers side!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 50% or so tread remaining all around.

Take another good look at my interior pics. The original blue leather front bucket seats have held up well; no cracked or worn-through leather or sagging springs - something you’ll often encounter on other vintage Benz from these years. The rear bench seat leather is passable but dry and has a few splits. After checking the speedometer, it appears accurate. The mileage has been exempt from reporting for several decades now and the odometer no longer advances. The heater blows warm/cold air and the fan functions correctly. It appears the A/C system is complete but will require upgrading to modern refrigerant to blow colder. Some of the dash front's original laminated wood trimhas been replaced with vinyl.

There’s no evidence of any water leakage on the headliner. From past experience with other W126 chassis cars, I’ve made no attempt to open the power sunroof out of caution (or fear) of it then not closing. All four power window lifts have issues: I only get switch response some of the time. Same goes for the power seats: I manually powered the driver’s bucket forward and back, up and down using a battery pack, so a new switch is likely all that's needed. One of the windshield wipers doesn't move.On a positive note, the factory carpets are very decent, and the interior headliner is good, too. That's about it! A nice boulevard cruiser at a low, fair starting price with no additional reserve up to the "Buy It Now" of $3,341. Unless someone is wise enough to snap it up early, before the auction ends, it'll go to the winning bidder.

Please check the photos over closely and contact me with any questions BEFORE jumping into the auction! You’re encouraged to stop by, inspect the Mercedes (or have a professional do it) and take it for a test drive as it is 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 to cause you concern! Because of the amount of money involved with a vehicle purchase, I reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have any 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 & debit cards for all (or part) of the purchase, but will first need to send an invoice from our card processor (SQUARE) and ask that you cover their 3.25% processing fee. 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 willing 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 accurately describe the Mercedes and encourage bidders to contact me with questions before bidding.