Mercedes-Benz 300TE Base Model

Description

Hi there!
I am offering for sale a very clean, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300TE Base model. While it is a 'Base' model, that description does not do it justice, and speaks more to the fact that it is not a 4Matic version. With just over 142,971 original miles (will change as it's driven occasionally; these cars do not like to sit for long periods), this is a particularly clean, well taken care of example of a 'Bank Vault Benz', so named because of the solid 'thud' sound that the doors make when closed due to the tight build tolerances of that time, as well as the cost of engineering that went into them. The inline six-cylinder engine pulls strong and the transmission shifts smoothly. The car has a recent tune-up (with particular care taken to the Lambda adjustment) and oil change. Oil pressure maintains 3 bar while driving, and does not smoke. Worth noting are the facts that the deterioration prone soy-based sheathed wiring harness, underhood fuse panel, and the head gasket have all been replaced with much of the car's service having been performed at a well-known Maryland Mercedes-Benz dealership. The A/C blows cold, and the heat is very warm, all lights function as they should...even the sometimes finicky front and rear foglights work properly as do the equally finicky headlight wipers (which by the way, are synced up).
There is a Pioneer Bluetooth enabled radio that also has a hands-free mic installed. The SLS works as it should and has no leaks, the car sits level even with people in the optional, fold-in floor third row seat. The highly sought after combination cargo cover/ package restraint net is also installed, though only one of the two over head positions is available; the second set of hooks will be included should the new owner decide to install them. The tires have quite a bit of tread left and none of them leak. The factory wheels were refinished a couple of years ago and while not 100% perfect, they do not have any rash or gouges. I am also including a full set of chrome OEM AMG Monoblock wheels that are in great condition...again, no gouges or rash, but they will need new tires as the ones that are mounted suffer from dry-rot and will not hold air. A full set of WeatherTech floor mats protect the factory Mercedes-Benz floormats. The factory mats are the embroidered set and they look as though feet have never stepped on them. All of the glass and panels are original, and the wood trim presents very nicely...the seats, headliner and dashboard are all in excellent condition; no rips or tears, and only a small abrasion on the driver's seat piping. All of the seat functions work properly as well as the memory feature. Again, this is a very nice example of a 300TE that I believe would need nothing to be impressive, and maybe a re-spray to be outstanding. The paintwork is very nice, but after the bodycladding was color matched and the European plate installed, some minor chipping on the front bumper occurred. This was pointed out to me by the previous owner, so I am pointing it out to potential buyers. The tires currently have 75%-80% of tread remaining.
There are also other very minor issues with the paint as it was an 'outside car' and was actually used as a station wagon...it wasn't used much as shown by the 5927 average miles per year (!) since new, but it was used and does have a few nicks here and there. I am including the car cover that I've been using for the time that I have owned it. I am also including a set of cluster removal tools (I had to replace a bulb and wanted to do it correctly), and a diagnostic reader as well. While this car has been well maintained, and previously owned by a MB-Club member, one should remember that it's still a 24 year old car; it's not new and I don't portray it as such. It is a solid, honest car that looks great and runs even better, but as an older highline, you would do well to either know your way around a toolbox and a service manual, or become friends with someone that does. Again, the 'Bank Vault Benz' nickname also speaks to the amount of money that went into the engineering these cars and at $42K new in 1992, this car would be over $70K if sold 'new' now...as such, things don't fail often on them, but when they do, it can get expensive quickly. That is the trade-off for cars built with the mindset that had engineers building what they wanted, and letting the accountants figure out how to sell it, instead of it being the other way around like it is now. It's a great example of the 'German Engineering' that seems cliche until you actually experience it; these cars were seriously overbuilt and when maintained will run a very long time and look great doing so.
There is no warranty expressed or implied, all sales are final, the mileage may change slightly (you CANNOT let these cars sit indefinitely; it's one of the worst things that you can do to cars like these), and it's for sale locally so I reserve the right to end the auction early. I am not interested and shipping the car, but will drive it to the shipper of the buyer's choice within a 20 mile radius of my location. If we work out a time for you to see the car, please be prompt and if running late or cancelling, please call me to advise. You will need to bring a license plate, rollback, or 'your luck' in the event that a deal is made as I will not let the car leave with my plates. The title is clear and in hand. I would like to sell the car, but do not 'have' to sell the car, so please be realistic with regard to negotiating; I'm really only selling it because of the amount of cars that I own, as opposed to the lack of time that I have to be able to enjoy all of them. I've tried my best to accurately describe the car but will answer any questions that may arise. Thanks for reading this far (I know it's a lot!), and I wish you the best whether or not you bid!