wahip bid $9,625
wahip bid $5,500
wahip bid $4,000
wahip said:
Our 1987 420SEL was one of the most comfortable cars we've ever owned. Not cheap to maintain, (if done properly), but the ride quality, amenities and ability to comfortably eat 1000 miles of open road is still unparalleled. A quick check of the inflation calculator puts the $79k price new at $183k today. Sobering.
Any confirmation of the wiring harness inspection to detect biodegradable coating failure or replacement?
Nice car and great motor! The M110, 5-speed makes all the difference with this car, adding a true sporting nature, exotic exhaust sound and great handling. My low-mile 450SL automatic was smooth and had good torque, but failed miserably as a sports car and drove like a total pig. This configuration is no longer "The doctor's wife's car". This is a good base for some bodywork, seals, dash and A/C repair, a repaint and general refresh. Sure, that's $10k at a shop, but less for the home-hobbyist. I would like to see some photos with the convertible top up & down, as this can be another expense, if not functional.
Great auction for a beautiful car! Looks like the seller knows what he has and will hopefully find a buyer who appreciates that this is a better deal than any new Camry.
The only survivors of the Apocalypse will be cockroaches and Mercedes diesels.
OK, thanks.
Seller- Is this a no reserve auction? I don't see it mentioned either way. Thanks.
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.
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.
@KingKittyNot sure where you're getting your valuations, but $4500 is lower than any 350DSL sold recently, either privately or at auction. And the OM603 is completely interchangeable from the 300 SDL, with more of those available.
All in all, a well-bought example, with enough financial headroom to address the inevitable surprises. The car appears to be in good condition cosmetically and has had reasonable maintenance. I have a 300SDL with 278k and was able to source a running, spare motor for $2500 complete. These will easily last 3-400k with proper maintenance, so I guess I'm good til at least 2050!
I am also concerned about any mention of excess oil consumption. Perhaps those MB experts on this site could confirm what I have read elsewhere. Although most 350 SDLs never have engine issues, instances of bent connecting rods are far higher in the 603 than other MB diesels. Once the rods begin to deflect, cylinder walls wear rapidly and result in dramatic oil consumption, then seizure. There is no preventative maintenance for this, other than replacement, upgraded MB rods.
Very well-bought.
Is there a reserve on this auction?
Well-bought! The buyer should be very happy with a car that is barely broken in. As for me, I'm still looking for that unicorn Euro-only 190D with the 2.5 turbo 5-speed...
Although the heater core has been bypassed, does the A/C still function correctly? Is there any block heater installed for colder climes? Also, there was no mention of oil leaks, which might be expected from a low-mile, stored car that has not been driven regularly and may have some dry seals. Any way to confirm this? Sorry for the string of questions, just wish I was closer to inspect in person...
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38k-Mile 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL
wahip said:
Our 1987 420SEL was one of the most comfortable cars we've ever owned. Not cheap to maintain, (if done properly), but the ride quality, amenities and ability to comfortably eat 1000 miles of open road is still unparalleled. A quick check of the inflation calculator puts the $79k price new at $183k today. Sobering.1995 Mercedes-Benz E36 AMG Wagon
wahip said:
Any confirmation of the wiring harness inspection to detect biodegradable coating failure or replacement?Euro 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 5-Speed
wahip said:
Nice car and great motor! The M110, 5-speed makes all the difference with this car, adding a true sporting nature, exotic exhaust sound and great handling. My low-mile 450SL automatic was smooth and had good torque, but failed miserably as a sports car and drove like a total pig. This configuration is no longer "The doctor's wife's car". This is a good base for some bodywork, seals, dash and A/C repair, a repaint and general refresh. Sure, that's $10k at a shop, but less for the home-hobbyist. I would like to see some photos with the convertible top up & down, as this can be another expense, if not functional.1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD w/57k Miles
wahip said:
Great auction for a beautiful car! Looks like the seller knows what he has and will hopefully find a buyer who appreciates that this is a better deal than any new Camry.1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD w/57k Miles
wahip said:
The only survivors of the Apocalypse will be cockroaches and Mercedes diesels.28-Years Owned 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300SD
wahip said:
OK, thanks.28-Years Owned 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300SD
wahip said:
Seller- Is this a no reserve auction? I don't see it mentioned either way. Thanks.28-Years Owned 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300SD
wahip said:
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.28-Years Owned 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300SD
wahip said:
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.NO RESERVE: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL
wahip said:
@KingKittyNot sure where you're getting your valuations, but $4500 is lower than any 350DSL sold recently, either privately or at auction. And the OM603 is completely interchangeable from the 300 SDL, with more of those available.NO RESERVE: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL
wahip said:
All in all, a well-bought example, with enough financial headroom to address the inevitable surprises. The car appears to be in good condition cosmetically and has had reasonable maintenance. I have a 300SDL with 278k and was able to source a running, spare motor for $2500 complete. These will easily last 3-400k with proper maintenance, so I guess I'm good til at least 2050!NO RESERVE: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL
wahip said:
I am also concerned about any mention of excess oil consumption. Perhaps those MB experts on this site could confirm what I have read elsewhere. Although most 350 SDLs never have engine issues, instances of bent connecting rods are far higher in the 603 than other MB diesels. Once the rods begin to deflect, cylinder walls wear rapidly and result in dramatic oil consumption, then seizure. There is no preventative maintenance for this, other than replacement, upgraded MB rods.1977 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
wahip said:
Very well-bought.1977 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
wahip said:
Is there a reserve on this auction?One-Owner 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190D Euro 5-Speed w/55k Miles
wahip said:
Well-bought! The buyer should be very happy with a car that is barely broken in. As for me, I'm still looking for that unicorn Euro-only 190D with the 2.5 turbo 5-speed...One-Owner 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190D Euro 5-Speed w/55k Miles
wahip said:
Although the heater core has been bypassed, does the A/C still function correctly? Is there any block heater installed for colder climes? Also, there was no mention of oil leaks, which might be expected from a low-mile, stored car that has not been driven regularly and may have some dry seals. Any way to confirm this? Sorry for the string of questions, just wish I was closer to inspect in person...