Like the E30 BMW 3 series, the Mercedes-Benz W123 is revered as being that car that people would buy if they were still produced. Well, if you missed your first chance around, this three owner 1981 300TD estate might be a good substitute. It may have close to 200,000 miles on it, but has had a slew of work done to it that should all but guarantee it can run another 200,000 miles. This particular W123 is a Euro model with a non-turbocharged version of the OM617 inline five cylinder diesel.
Year: 1981
Model: 300TDT
Engine: 3.0 liter inline five
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 182,000 mi
Price: $18,500
1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT on Hemmings Motor News
1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Euro Wagon. Euro Model W123 Wagon; 4-Speed Manual Transmission; 5-Cylinder Diesel (Non-Turbo) ; #568 Signal Red with Palomino Interior; 182,000 Miles; A/C, AM-FM Radio, Manual Sunroof; Hella Trailer Hitch; Excellent Condition and Wonderful Driver; Extensive Service and Repair Records; 3 Owners From New; Clean Car Fax; M-B Data Card, Import Records, Tool Kit And Owner’s Manual; New 195/70 R14 Tires; New Coco Floor Mats. VIN WDB12319010022135.
Recent maintenance, repairs, and restoration work includes: re-build and recovered front seats (MB Tex), complete re-spray in original color, new front and rear shocks, new alternator, complete brake service, re-build shift linkage, new front motor mounts, valve adjustment and new v/c gaskets, oil and filter change, manual transmission service, flush and fill rear differential, charge A/C system, replace rear hydro-neumatic struts and hoses, replace pressure accumulators, flush and re-fill hydraulic system, replace steering gear coupler and filter, flush and re-fill power steering system, replace steering damper, new tie-rod and steering-arm bushings, flush cooling system and install new M-B coolant, replace heater control valve, replace and adjust hood release cable, install new hood pad, replace all wiper blades.
This 300TD has a few things going for it, but the price isn’t one of them. The 4-speed manual gearbox and Euro trim will be a draw for some enthusiasts, but we have seen a few later model 300TDs here at GCFSB that have had less miles and the turbocharged engine sell for less, usually in the $12,000 to $15,000 range. If it could be had for a few thousand less, and you aren’t in a hurry, this could be a handy practical classic that will stand the test of time.
-Paul
Classy, classy car. Not especially sporty, but boy does she look good.
There was a great article in Star magazine last month about a gentleman who bought a beautiful 123 wagon and then had a classic Benz / enthusiast tech (Pierre Hadary) go through the car to make it reliable. The article provides good insights as to the level of involvement required to have and maintain a really nice 123 wagon. I would recommend it to anyone considering buying what I would call a “high end” 123.