This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300SD shows first registration in Texas where it was sold new and currently remains with the second owner of 28 years. The car currently shows 360k miles and comes with records dating back to 1989. Finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over Gray Leather (278), this sedan is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-five paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the long-term records, this car shows regular services per Mercedes-Benz recommendations and has been maintained as needed by the seller. Features on this example include a power sunroof, power windows, a power passenger mirror, automatic climate control, and an updated head unit with bluetooth capabilities. This 1985 300SD is offered by the current owner and seller with factory literature and datacard, comprehensive service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Texas title.
The car is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) with contrasting gray lower body cladding. The paint is mostly original with the seller noting the right side fender has been repainted due to a scratch in the mid-90’s. The glass is original with OEM logos displayed. Exterior features include North American Market headlamps, original brightwork, a power sunroof, and a power antenna.
The car shows original 14” Bundt wheels wearing matching center caps and Hankook tires measuring 205/70 at all four corners showing 2022 date codes. The wheels show well with light paint chips noted. A full-size spare is shown in the trunk wearing an original Michelin tire.
The cabin is trimmed in Gray Leather (278) with color-coordinated trim, carpets, and lower dashboard. The steering wheel, shift knob, and upper dashboard are trimmed in black and remain original. Zebrano wood adorns the dashboard, center console, and door card trim. The leather shows some wear inlcluding on the armrest and seat bolsters. Matching Gray floor mats are featured for the front and rear seats. Factory features include a power-operated sunroof, central locking, power seats and windows, an aftermarket head unit with Bluetooth music and calling. All power features are reportedly working and operational including the A/C and climate control.
A four-spoke steering wheel frames a 125-mph speedometer, a 6k-RPM tachometer with an inset analog clock, an external temperature readout, and a combination gauge showing fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The six-digit analog odometer shows 360k original miles.
The 3.0-liter OM617 turbo diesel inline-five was factory-rated for 120 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. A folder is included with the car showing 28 years of service history under the current owner. The seller notes all oil changes and services have been performed on schedule.
The attached Carfax report lists no accidents or damage along with linear mileage updates. This 1985 300SD is offered by the current owner and seller with factory literature and datacard, comprehensive service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Texas title.
The seller has included the following videos:
The W126 300SD is the veritable panzer tank of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Seemingly indestructible, always reliable and capable of a million miles without hesitation - these classic sedans live unrivaled in an era of planned obsolescence and disposability. This example has so much working in its favor including the single-family history, original dealer service, original paint, and meticulous maintenance history. The mileage may be higher than some but you'll be hard-pressed to find a better maintained and willing example. Cars like this are why we love these old diesels and their ethusiasts.
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21 Comments
@shervinator still available at almost twice the hammer price. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2090734461288973/?ref=browse_tab&referral_code=marketplace_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks@txmbnut1962 I didn't even realize it had 360k miles. That's incredible and actually a GOOD sign that shouldn't scare anyone away. The fact that it presents like a car with 160k miles instead of 360k is a testament to how well it has been kept for the last 28+ years. Most examples with this kind of mileage (even of the W126) are in awful cosmetic condition, even if they're still running. 360k is not that high for the OM617A engine. No, this isn't a Dean Laumbach garage queen investment car... it's even better, because you can actually use it like a normal car and not feel guilty about it. And it still looks great. The seller made the right call by not letting it go for so low. Hope a deal can be reached between interested parties.Bummer! I was getting ready to clean out a space in the garage for her. With 360k miles I felt certain it was a done deal.OK, thanks.@wahip There is a reserve for this listing. All listings with No Reserve will be labeled in the titling and description.Seller- Is this a no reserve auction? I don't see it mentioned either way. Thanks.$5,750 bid placed by @txmbnut1962
@shervinator excellent additional information and thank you for the correction@Kevinbriem thank you so much. the cars been indoors for 30 plus years and im glad the wood looks as great as it does@Bnzowner A/C blows Cold. no Vacuum leaks. every switch works.@wahip yea, the services were done on time or before for 30 years. Everytime something was needed it was replaced and installed factory.@wahip the a/c has been converted to r134a and also can provide records of last glow plug service@txmbnut1962 sure thing, feel free to reach me at 713542679four$5,500 bid placed by @wahip
Good morning. Would it be possible to come take a quick look at the car today? Thanks@thembmarket Thank you for the corrections. However, the listing's title now calls it a 1988 (it should still be corrected to say 1985). Fun fact as a side note: despite the runaway success of the 300SD and subsequent 300SDL (the latter to a lesser degree), there was no diesel W126 model offered for 1988 or 1989. It was only in 1990 that the diesel W126 made a return with the 350SD and 350SDL, both in much more limited numbers.$5,250 bid placed by @txmbnut1962
Can the seller confirm from the records when the last valve adjustment was made? Also, has the A/C been converted to R134 and has that affected the climate control system? Are there any records for the last replacement of glow plug or injectors? Thanks.$5,000 bid placed by @wahip
$3,750 bid placed by @txmbnut1962
I currently own 4 of these 300 SDs and our shop provides expert restoration and maintenance support for all such older German marques. The miles accumulated here actually vindicate this particular car from any issues normally related to poor initial maintenance during early ownership. They don't make it to 150k, let alone 200k more.$3,500 bid placed by @wahip
$3,250 bid placed by @txmbnut1962
$3,000 bid placed by @wahip
$2,100 bid placed by @txmbnut1962
$1,000 bid placed by @wahip
@Houston300SD I too am curious about the questions from Bnzowner . Looking forward to your reply. Beautiful car. Thank youYear model has been updated to reflect as a 1985 model.$750 bid placed by @txmbnut1962
This is actually a 1985 model. Take a look at the build month of 12/84 as well as the data card listing all the options. Up top, it says "1985", and towards the bottom is "805: CHANGE OF MODEL YEAR, THE LAST FIGURE SHOWING THE NEW MODEL YEAR". This means the last digit shows the last digit of the model year (in this case "5" for 1985). The CarFax report calls it a 1985 model too. https://www.lastvin.com/vin/1NZMgEK7DLyEarnlo How do I know this? Because my 1984 300SD (7/84 build month) has option code 804 (meaning it's a 1984 model). It's also worth noting that this car has option code 820: VEHICLES FOR TOURIST (USA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA). That means it was originally sold as part of the European Delivery Program. The originally owner(s) picked it up from the factory in Stuttgart and drove it around Europe before having it shipped home. It's also quite rare to see a Gen 1 W126 in Black Pearl Metallic (199) — sometimes called Blue-Black Metallic — and especially on a 300SD. This was a color that became much more popular during the latter half of the W126's production run (think 560SEL). Very nicely kept car regardless. Good luck to the seller.A/C blow cold, cruise work, all windows, switches? When was the last time valves were adjusted? Any vacuum leaks? Saw this posted elsewhere previously on another site. What happened?Zebrano wood is in incredible condition if it's original. The engine bay still has the factory anodized cladding. Amazing for the mileage. I had the twin brother of this, and I thought it was in nice shape. This is remarkable.$500 bid placed by @Benzhouston