75k-Mile 1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D Turbodiesel
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1985
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 300D
- VIN: WDBAB33C8FA241019
- Mileage: 74,695
- Transmission: Automatic
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Anthracite Grey Metallic
- Seller: 11JM
- Seller Type: Private Party (Facilitated by Dealer)
- Location: Oyster Bay, NY 11771
- Lot #: V-0014473
Now up for auction is this 1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D finished in Anthracite Grey Metallic over a Palomino MB-Tex interior. One of the most highly regarded Mercedes-Benz sedans of all time, the W123 series was produced from 1976-1986 and is well known for its robust design and exceptional build quality. Among the very last of the diesel-powered W123s offered for the U.S. market, this 1985 300D has been cared for by two owners since new and is accompanied by a fully documented history of maintenance dating back to the original purchase. Having recently been serviced in preparation for its next owner, this timeless W123 300D is now being offered for auction by its seller out of New York with approximately 74k miles showing on the odometer.
This W123 is finished in Anthracite Grey Metallic with custom gold double pinstriping and chrome brightwork on the bumpers, front grille, mirror caps, window surrounds, and side moldings. A previous owner disclosed damage to the front-end many years ago which has since been repaired, detailed images are provided in the gallery along with paint meter readings. This example retains its factory forged alloy 14” Bundt wheels which are currently dressed in a set of General Altimax tires.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in Palomino MB-Tex vinyl upholstery with Zebrano wood veneer inlays on the dashboard and center console. A factory optioned sunroof is equipped as well as power windows, air-conditioning, and an original Becker Grand Prix Electronic radio. The seller reports the cabin to be in excellent condition with all gauges and accessories remaining fully functional.
This late model 300D is equipped with the venerable OM 617 inline-5 turbodiesel engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This 3.0L engine delivers as much as 123 HP and 184 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels providing impressive fuel economy and towing capacity. Maintenance records accompanying the sale are said to date back to the original purchase and recent service has been carried out at a cost of over $1,400 including replacement of the rear brake pads and rotors, stabilizer bar links, right front ball joint, brake lines, brake fluid, battery, and exhaust hangars. Images of the undercarriage can be found in the gallery.
This sale will include the original owner’s manuals, window sticker, toolkit, spare tire, and a clean title. One of the most coveted models of the illustrious W123 Series, this beautifully preserved final-year 300D is just waiting to be enjoyed by a new caretaker.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $18,000
- Auction End: Dec 21, 2021 08:03:48PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 26
Comments (37)
Sold for $18,000
Bid in the amount of $18,000
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@Johnvt11111 Hi and thank you for the interest. The car shifts as it should with no issues. It is very smooth. I want to assure all bidders that this car drives incredible and is truly a gem. To find a final year W123 Diesel with this type of mileage is not an easy task.
@11JM thanks for the video. Any known issues with the transmission?
Bid in the amount of $10,500
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Additional content has been added to the listing gallery.
@Johnvt11111 Hi and thank you for the interest. I will try and get one uploaded today.
Bid in the amount of $9,000
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Any driving videos?
Bid in the amount of $7,500
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Additional content has been added to the listing gallery.
@Rahtok Thank you for the comment and feedback. We will try to get you that video by tomorrow. In addition, the car was sold new in PA and is believed to not be the California edition. It stayed in and was sold new from that state since day 1.
@Chrisrjag hi. Yes. All working well. Thank you for the interest
Nice - low mileage W123s are becoming harder and harder to find. 1984/1985 are the most desirable years.
There are a couple of things that would be useful for prospective buyers to know though. 1985 saw that there were two versions shipped to the US as far as emissions equipment were concerned. The more desirable is the Federalized (or Non Californian) spec emissions cars due to the lack of an extra soot trap that could be problematic.
The OM617s are legendary for their longevity, but a video with the hood up of the car starting and idling relay a wealth of info about the health of the motor. Some folks argue the value of a blow by video too where you loosen the oil filler cap while running, but I think that's of middling value. An OM617 in good shape should show very little movement from side to side while idling. It's a strong indication of a healthy injector system from both a nozzle and pressure perspective.
As to heat and AC - the AC compressor in these isn't great and fails periodically. Klima has a more modern replacement for that. Oddly enough, they also have a good replacement for the weird electromagnetic heater tap valve that fails too. Bosch hasn't made that part for years and the URO replacements are of very poor quality.
Beautiful car - GLWA!
AC and heat are in good working order?