Low Mile 1979 Mercedes 240D converted to 300D Turbo Sedan

Knowing what we do about well maintained M617 engines, this car may have half a million miles of life left in it.

This super clean 24,00 mile 240D looks close to time capsule condition, minus a few changes by the owner that set it apart from factory original. This car has had the 18,000 mile 240D taken out and a 3.0 turbo diesel put in its place. These 5 cylinder diesels will provide steady, reliable, power for years. It is amazing that a car like this has survived for so long with such few miles as they aren’t exotic and were meant to be used hard. The new engine doubles the horsepower over the old and puts it somewhere in the 125 range.

This particular car has tens of thousands of upgrades, including that engine transplant. Also installed are a 5 speed manual and a new rear differential to accommodate the new gearing. Some upgraded interior wood components and some AMG rims also add to the look. The seller painted the car, even though the original probably didn’t need it, but used that opportunity to tidy up a few other things.

The ask price of this car is $25,000. While this is certainly a more useable car than the original 240D with the slushbox, it is hard to say if perhaps the car would bring the same value if it had been left all original at 18,000 miles as a collector vehicle. We have seen some surprisingly high prices on W123 Benzs with low mileage. So again, while the originality is gone, despite the low miles, the upgrades make this more of an enjoyable driver’s car and certainly make it more unique.  Bonus points for the owner’s custom plates that say “No Plugs”.

This car also allows me to point out one of the misnomers of these models despite having the 3.0 liter turbo engine this would not be called a 300TD, but just a 300D as the T in the Benz model designation is to indicate a wagon(touring) and not a turbo.

~Evan