I bought this car early this year at an equipment auction here in Sacramento, Ca. I bought it to see if I still like the model after 30+ years, before paying out $7-$15k for "the one" (the REAL NICE ONES you see here on feebay). I did not want to spend that kind of money only to find out I don't like the model after 30 years from what I remember.
I gave it to area master mechanic Garret (known on and HIGHLY recommended on Benzworld.org as "DieselKraut") and told him to make it "mechanically representative of the model". That way I would be able to gauge (remember) the performance (or lack thereof) of a MB TD Wagon and see if it "suits my style".
He replaced all filters. He installed new upper control arms (black metal thingies) and other miscellaneous things.
I picked it up and had it detailed.
The radiator let go so I had a new radiator installed.
I would now drive this wagon to SoCal from NorCal without hesitation. It drives hands off wheel straight and true.
This is not the "perfect one" (by my standards) if you are looking for that.
California car; NO RUST ANYWHERE.
162,000 miles on body. Garrett says that it has an '84 engine.
Starts and stops as it should, hot or cold.
Rear suspension works as it should
The A/c is non-op. Garret says it needs a compressor ($240) but all the other stuff that makes it work seems to be operational.
Antenna stays in the down position. Has a modern stereo thingy but have not frustrated myself to figure out how it works...... (i'm "old school" push button/turn knob type guy)
Heater & fans work and really blows out the BTUs.
(As of listing) the front passenger window is in the down position. Garret had me do some testing and it seems the center console switch is kaput. Should have that fixed by end of sale.
All gauges works with the exception of the tachometer. That stopped working after the detail job, so maybe the engine cleaning did something.
It has a salvage title from a long ago front left fender bender. I do have a pic of it due to internet research before I bid on the car; It is not that bad looking but I suspect that due to the age of the car at that time, the ins. co. just wrote it off.
There are some dash cracks (3 or 4), especially in the cold, can't see them in the hot weather.
The dash wood is ok; the lower gear shift wood has line cracks in the finish.
The driver's seat is firm and has the ever-so-slightest of left lean in the cushion; there is a tear in left lower back area.
If you are looking for an entry level car, this is it.
Have all paperwork for all work done by me.
Calif. registration paid up until June 2017. Insurance is $240/year!
If you want a driver, this is great for that.
If you have any mech. questions, ask them and I will pass them on to Garret and post the replies here on the page.
Of course - you can see the car any time and take it for a test drive, AFTER you show me your DL and proof of ins. and it REALLY HELPS if you can speak English well enough for us to hold an understandable conversation. The car is 45 minutes east of downtown Sacramento on Hwy 50, towards Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. If needed, could drive to SMF airport for you to fly in and pick up.
Can assist in loading into auto transporter from a commercial location, zip 95619 or Sacramento metro area in the Hwy 5/50/80/99 corridor.
The opening price of $3,000 is my actual cost into this car (have the receipts for proof to buyer: Auction cost, parts, service, detailing, CA. registration). Just want to break even to allow me to start looking for "the one".
After driving this car, I have made the decision to start looking for "the one".
(Finder's fee paid for: 1985 300TDT. Gold with any interior. 3 row seat. 1 or 2 owner, sub-175K miles. NO rust. NO major accidents....... let's talk..... whatcha got?)