This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel shows first registration in Wisconsin with later registration in Illinois and just 115k miles on the odometer. Finished in Champagne Metallic (473) over Palomino Leather (154), power is provided by a 3.0-liter turbocharged five-cylinder diesel engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes a power sliding sunroof, central locking, automatic climate control, electronic cruise control and a Becker Grand Prix radio. Recent maintenance includes an engine oil change, new fuel filters, a new air filter, a valve adjustment and a new valve cover gasket. This 1985 300D is now offered for sale by the current owner with the original manufacturer’s literature, service book and a clean Illinois title in the seller’s name.
The car is finished in Champagne Metallic (473) and features chrome trim along the front and rear bumpers, belt line, windows and mirror covers. Exterior features include a power sliding sunroof, a power-adjustable passenger-side mirror, heat insulating glass, an electrically-heated rear window, central locking and yellow-tinted front fog lights. The seller reports that the automatic antenna is currently stuck. The car has previously been fully repainted and shows an accident reported in 1998 with damage noted as moderate. Surface rust is visible in the driver door sill and door bottom.
The factory 14” Bundt alloy wheels come fitted with a set of Michelin Defender tires measuring 205/70 square with date codes from 2013. Corrosion is visible in the finish of the wheels. A full-size spare can be found mounted below the trunk floor.
The cabin is trimmed in Palomino MB-Tex (154) and features matching velour carpets and a black upper dashboard. Zebrano wood trim can be seen lining the center console and dashboard and shows only minor signs of cracking on the shift surround. Both front seats are manually-adjustable with the rear seats including head rests. Interior amenities consist of automatic climate control, cruise control, a lockable glove compartment, a folding center armrest and the original Becker Grand Prix radio. Blemishes are visible on the seats including a prior repair in the passenger seat and a small hole in the rear bench. The seller also reports that the AC is not functional and that the emergency brake is in need of adjustment.
The four-spoke steering wheel frames analog instrumentation including a 120-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer currently reads just under 115k miles. The seller reports that the tachometer is not working and is believed to be the result of a bad over-voltage protection relay.
This W123 sedan is powered by an OM617 five-cylinder 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine which is rated for 123 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Maintenance performed in April/May 2023 included the replacement of the air filter, both fuel filters, an oil change, valve adjustment and a full fluid flush. The valve cover gasket was also replaced in October of 2022. The original service booklet is included showing regular oil changes. Photos of the underbody have been provided by the seller and show some signs of rust.
The Carfax report shows first registration in Wisconsin in April 1985 with later registration in Illinois. Linear mileage updates are included along with the aforementioned accident report in 1998. No other accidents or damage reports appear on the Carfax. This 1985 300D is now offered for sale by the current owner in Schaumburg, Illinois with the original manufacturer’s literature, spare tire and a clean Illinois title.
Videos provided by the seller include a walk-around, underbody footage and a driving demonstration.
Some things were built to last. The W123 is most certainly one of those things. Often referred to as the “million-mile Mercedes,” these cars have legendary reliability and longevity thanks to their OM617 turbo diesel engines. The addition of the turbo greatly helped improve the drivability and performance of the W123 over earlier years. It’s not uncommon to see these cars available with 500k+ miles on the regular which is a testament to how great these cars really can be when cared for. While 115k miles may not seem particularly low for most cars, for the OM617, it’s barely been broken in. While this example has some issues to address, its odometer, in combination with its recent maintenance, provides an excellent opportunity for an enthusiast to pick up a true piece of MB history. This Gold over Beige example is sure to retain its value over time as these W123 Turbodiesels continue to increase in popularity.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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5 Comments
Congratz @thegoods a real good buy considering the low mileage for the year. We will keep in touch shortly
$6,750 bid placed by @TheGoods
$6,500 bid placed by @Pictureperfect
@124guy Not to mention it's the last year model of the W123. Best Benz ever!
$6,250 bid placed by @foolsgold
$6,000 bid placed by @Carsonp
Very low mileage for one of these diesels!
$5,750 bid placed by @TheGoods
$5,500 bid placed by @Parker
$5,250 bid placed by @TheGoods
$5,000 bid placed by @Parker
$4,250 bid placed by @Pictureperfect
$4,000 bid placed by @Parker
$3,250 bid placed by @Pictureperfect
$3,000 bid placed by @Parker
$2,750 bid placed by @TheGoods
@ML_51312 Yes definitely. Auction ends tomorrow so if you would like to come today around 7pm I will be free. Pm me and I’ll send you the address
Any possibility to see the vehicle in person? Living in the South Loop & have been searching up and down to find a well tended W123 only to stumble upon this one located right up the road (well… not “right”, but you get the gist). Love these cars & spent manyyy hours buckled into the rear bench seat in elementary days — been itching to own one myself these days. Thank you! — Michael
$2,500 bid placed by @Parker
$1,500 bid placed by @Pictureperfect
$750 bid placed by @Lemondrop
$500 bid placed by @MBShad
$250 bid placed by @Lemondrop