1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD - Rare color, low miles, minty

You are bidding on an extremely nice 1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD in an extremely rare color - red. Mercedes calls is xx and only xx W126 body styles were made in this color. W126 included the 300SD, 420SEL and 500SEL (euro) and 560SEL.

This is a no reserve auction above the reasonable opening bid. Last bidder wins.

If you are viewing this auction then you already know how bulletproof these cars are - and the incredible quality of the W126 body style. And, in fact, they are now becoming collectible. Naturally a diesel is the more desired driving model due to the short wheelbase and diesel economy. It isn’t a stretch to see 26-30 mpg in this luxury car on the highway. However, despite the turbo, I wouldn’t call this car quick. A price you pay for the stellar mpgs.

She has 138,000 original miles.

As you would expect, the 300SD has a long list of options, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, climate control, power sunroof, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and more.

Also, this car is rare because of its color. When was the last time you saw a bright red, big bodied Benz? This car also has very rare Mercedes rims - not the usual W126 rims. I prefer them, of course - changes the character of the car entirely.

The 300SD sits higher than the other long bodied W126 models, such as the 420SEL and 560SEL with pneumatic suspension. Typical of this era Mercedes, you can hear the engine (of course, it’s a diesel), but Mercedes believed that the mechanicals of the car were as important as the style and ride. Speaking of the ride, the car rides firmly. It’s not sports car firm but you feel the short wheelbase.

The short wheelbase also limits the rear seat room, however, its comparable to an E class Mercedes or 5 Series BMW.

Let’s talk about the condition of the car. The paint is in great shape, with a nice shine - as you can see in the pictures. The chrome and stainless are in very nice shape too - but there are signs that this car endured sunny weather - which it did. Slight fading on the hood, roof and trunk. I’m picky, you might not notice it. She is a looker though, and everyone comments on it - because she is retro and in great condition. The rims, for example, are in excellent condition.

I would drive this car anywhere without hesitation.

The interior is in excellent condition - there are no tears on the seats, no fading and virtually no wear - no cracks on the dash. The wood has slight imperfections, but far better than most of the other W126s I’ve seen. These panels can be removed easily - and can be restored to a perfect condition. Or get restored new ones on Ebay. The carpet is in great condition. The nets on the back of the seats are missing, but they always sag. Again, available on Ebay. The trunk is tidy and the jack, tool kit and full sized spare tire are present. There is an aftermarket stereo in place and I can’t get it to turn on. I’ll work on it this week (might be a fuse) and edit and update the listing with an update. Regardless, I would recommend updating the speakers. Factory W126 speakers are notably weak and poor sounding. There are speakers in the dash, the front doors, rear doors (I think) but also on the package shelf (small 6 inch round).

Speaking of parts, they are readily available and reasonable. For example, the alternator wasn’t charging when I acquired the car. NAPA had one in stock, $150 I think - with a new tensioner. We installed it in an hour. We did, however, go to Mercedes for an OEM Mercedes battery. These batteries are huge and costly. IIt was installed a week ago with a warranty. I’ll provide receipts ($200 I think), of course. Knauz Mercedes in Lake Bluff, Illinois provided the battery.

It was 28 degrees, here in Chicago, the other morning, and she started up - immediately after the glow plug light went out. Amazing. Under the hood she it tidy and all present. The climate control works fine but I haven’t tried the AC, as it’s winter here in Chicago. Regardless - plan on a recharge this summer.

The transmission shifts firmly, like all vintage Mercedes, but she shifts fine. Remembering that a diesel has incredible torque, depending on the RPM, usually dictates the smoothness of the shifts, it seems. The brakes work well and she tracks down the road very well.

If I kept her, I’d replace the tires. They’re fine but a new set might provide a smoother ride, I’m not sure. There is no rust under the car, she is very tidy. Look at the rockers - in great shape.

One last comment - this is a 35 year old car. She isn’t perfect so please don’t expect it to be. She has some patina. But, she is beautiful and gets great MPGs. Mercedes diesels last well over 500,000 miles - some say that she is a million mile car. Probably is. Againi, if you are reading this - you know already.

Inspections are welcome. The car is sold AS-IS. I am a hobbyist, not a dealer. There are no warranty implied or expressed. I’ve done my best to describe the car - but my description may differ from yours.

Deposit is non-refundable - no exceptions (way too many excuses - I’ve heard them all). Balance via wire or Paypal. Your winning bid is a contract and I report non paying bidders. Please treat this transaction respectfully and I’ll do the same. Balance due within 7 days. I cannot hold the car longer than a week or two. I have no additional storage space.

Good Luck Bidding