There is a period of time in the 1970s and 1980s when Mercedes Benz was code for ‘massively reliable’ and ‘built like tanks’. They had a reputation of going, and going and going with very little to go wrong. This is why so many of them remain to this day as daily drivers even though some are close to 30 years old. However what really gets my heart going is a Mercedes from this era, which is also a Wagon. Once you see the tuned version of this car called the ‘Hammer Wagon’, you too will be lusting after one of these. This rather more sedate version of the ‘Hammer Wagon’ comes at us from Hingham, Massachusetts, and is available here as a Barn Find Auctions!
Our car comes at us with an incredible 425,000 miles on the clock, which although not 100% accurate due to the speedo and cables being replaced, is comfortably over 400,000 miles. It’s a testament to the quality of these cars to have this still running on its original engine, with its original interior, and still looking in great condition. Our seller was using this as their daily between 2008 and 2013 before retiring it to begin a long restoration on it. Unfortunately, time and other things got in the way (as is always the case!) and so it has been sat outside for the past 9 years, only rarely being driven.
Now, this is certainly not perfect, and our seller states that they have a lot of replacement parts for the interior which whilst original, is quite worn. The seller has also already replaced some key items which are all listed in the advert – most critically the self-leveling system is new, making sure this 300TD still has its famously silky smooth ride. Bushings, motor mounts, wheel bearings, and other consumables have all been replaced. The seller also usefully lists all of the issues with the car and what will need to be looked at, including some rust on the rocker panel, a sunroof that is currently not operating but is suspected to be a fuse, and a good interior clean.
Here’s the list of what work has already been completed or parts that have been replaced:
Completely rebuilt Self Leveling System with MB OEM parts including
New OEM Hydropneumatic Rear Shocks, Accumulators, Leveling Valve, and all High-Pressure Hoses needing attention
Replaced Rear Subframe Bushings
Replaced front and rear Drive Shaft Flex Discs
New motor mounts
Successfully replaced notoriously leaky exhaust manifold to engine block gasket
New front wheel bearings
Rebuilt and Balanced Injectors
Replaced several needed glow plugs so the system is working to specification
Replaced Starter
Replacement Stainless Steel Muffler
New MB OEM Behr Radiator
New Radiator Fan Clutch
New Radiator Accessory Fan
New Engine Bay Hood Pad (Needs to be installed)
New Battery
Minor under battery tray sealing following Mercedessource procedure
Speedometer Cable and Instrument Cluster
Cold Weather Block Heater
New Control Arms and Bushings
Here’s the list of included spare parts:
Many Interior Seats, Panels, Switches, Lens and Covers as shown in Photos
New AC Compressor and drier in box
Extra Used Cylinder Head off a previous 1987 300td I owned with no leaks or cracks
2 extra stock wheels
Good used OEM Stainless Steel Muffler
Mercedes-Benz W124 300TD Turbo Diesel Factory Service Manual CD
Written Service Manual
Extra Turbocharger and Manifold assembly off the same older 1987 300td
Injector Balancing Tools
Cannon Rubber Mats for Cargo Area and Front Seat Area
Boxes and Boxes of additional small parts – more than I can catalogue
Probably a lot I am forgetting
Needs:
The sunroof was working perfectly then suddenly stopped when closed so think it is a relay issue.
Some small dents, finish scratches, and surface rust as shown in the photos.
Small rust-through spot on one rocker panel, but all jack points are solid and the body is straight and solid.
The right rear jack storage area seam was opened up somehow as shown in the photo.
The Radio Antenna motor not working.
Has had regular brake work, fluid flushing, and replacement but as it hasn’t been driven much brakes will need attention.
Included lower 3rd-row jump seat needs backrest.
The Interior could use a good cleaning
What this car needs is basically some love and attention. It can quite easily be daily driven again, and the issues listed are weekend jobs and easily fixed by the amateur mechanic. But what this car really wants is to be driven again – do you think you could get this car to the million-mile mark, while still being practical and reliable? If you’d love to have it, be sure to cast your bid below, and if you have any questions for the seller feel free to leave them in the comments section.
- Location: Hingham, MA
- Mileage: 425,000 Estimated
- Engine: Inline Turbo Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: WDBEB93DXHF036465
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
SORIMS bid $2,200.00 2022-08-19 09:25:21
Java86 bid $2,000.00 2022-08-19 09:05:58- SORIMS bid $1,700.00 2022-08-19 08:33:59
- Java86 bid $1,500.00 2022-08-19 06:02:36
- SORIMS bid $1,400.00 2022-08-19 06:01:27
- Java86 bid $1,300.00 2022-08-19 00:29:15
- SORIMS bid $1,200.00 2022-08-18 20:21:54
- Java86 bid $1,100.00 2022-08-18 13:53:47
Senap bid $950.00 2022-08-17 23:11:52- SORIMS bid $850.00 2022-08-14 18:42:53
Capeglass bid $750.00 2022-08-14 15:36:47- s_smiros bid $650.00 2022-08-14 11:29:16
vtwesty bid $550.00 2022-08-11 11:31:21
Beautiful looking car. Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, and no one in my family drove these cars, I remember when Mercedes-Benz cars looked like this. My favourites have always been Mercedes-Benz Diesel cars.
I was a buyer/broker for a used car lot over 30 years ago. I bought several of these. They tended to be fanatically maintained, with a thick stack of service records, 250-300,000 miles, and still drove great.
the W123 is a lill more desirable (over here —->
but this’un’s nice too, thnx 4 listing
Honestly, with many of the cars, trucks, ect, that get offered here, I am not overly impressed. With this I am REALLY impressed, especially with all the pictures the seller has shown. Their honesty with the “warts”, spare parts, tells me it has been well cared for. I drove Chevy vans, at the last place I worked, with over 600k. Most of my cars had over 240k, so 400k plus, doesn’t scare me, especially with it being a M-B. If I were younger and in good health, I would most likely jump on this.
Nothing wrong with a w124 wagon. That’s the chassis number for these. 1987-1995. I’m on my 3rd w124 wagon. First lasted 10+yrs raising 2 kids, and then was passed on still running solid. Second was recently totaled by an errant driver in it’s 7th year of my ownership. Third is waiting for the 3.6 liter AMG motor that was in the 2nd wagon when I bought it. Do an internet search for Mercedes c-36. Awesome motor.
Awesome wagons. But like any vehicle buyer beware. Do your due diligence before you buy. It is well worth the effort to find a good one.
I prefer a gas motor which is what the 3.6 is. Stock, in the later w124s is 3.2, up from 3.0, and not a bad choice by any measure. But that 3.6 is a true sleeper, especially in a wagon.
That 3.6 is a gas motor which I prefer. Stock in the later w124s is 3.2 up from the earlier 3.0 liter inline 6s. 3.2s are a good healthy motor but that rare 3.6 is a monster. And installed in a subdued daily driven wagon, an absolute grin machine. From ear to ear.
Keeping my fingers crossed! I’ve wanted 300TD since I was a teen. My oldest daughter also has an interest in cars and despite her desire for us to fix up an old panel van, or her moms desire for a 50s pickup or c3 corvette, this is what I’ve had my heart set on.
I think you should go the panel van route! Lol
$2.200 for an $800 car? Plus a buyer fee of 10%? Insanity. Wish I still had my 240D. I need vacation money.
Maybe 3 years ago. You can’t buy anything with wheels for $800 and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Congrats to Sorims! Hope you enjoy the Benz!
How does an auction with no reserve become asking $5,299 or make an offer?
I get the fact that this owner clearly has done a lot of work. But this seems odd.
The reserve was not met.
Nice enough project but no way a $5,000 + car. $1000 parts car?
Did this thing ever sell?