The W123-chassis Mercedes-Benz is a cult classic, but things kick up a notch when you find one in wagon form. Now, finding one isn’t particularly hard given how long-lived these things are, but a clean example that’s been maintained is a touch more challenging. When it comes to extremely durable cars, they sort of have the reverse problem wherein owners aren’t overly compelled to maintain them. Fortunately, this 300TD has seemingly been looked after and shows very low miles for a W123. Check it out here on eBay with bids to $6,000 with no reserve.
The seller says the interior is one of the best he’s seen, and with just 109,000 miles on the clock, it’s likely not an overstatement. W123 interiors are some of the most durable in the business, but even so, you’ll see signs of wear and tear given the mileage these cars tend to rack up. Just over 100K is very low for a W123, so it’s not surprising to see that the cabin presents in excellent condition. The wood trim isn’t cracked and the seating surfaces still look supple to the touch.
The engine bay isn’t overly detailed but it’s also perfectly presentable as-is. The listing notes that the diesel-powered wagon runs and drives well, and that it starts “easily”, even in the cold weather. I do like how he calls out that there’s no sag in the rear suspension, which is a common problem with these (of course, that’s an opinion based solely on appearances and doesn’t guarantee there aren’t problems lurking.) The seller has installed new tires and fuel filters and flushed the brake fluid.
Some rust is noted behind the driver’s side rear fender and at the bottom of the rear hatch, but that’s fairly minor in the grand scheme of things. The burgundy paint job is a nice change of pace from the legions of white and tan W123s we tend to see, and the only way to make this one sweeter would be to add some smaller European-market bumpers. Overall, with a no reserve auction and low miles, this is a long-roof W123 worth keeping an eye on.
The A/C not working on these is a big red flag. The fix can easily spin out.
Even when these Mercedes were new they had lousy A/C. This seemed to be throughout the 80’s line-up. The power vacuum door locks were also troublesome. Power windows were/are S-L-O-W! Non-turbo combined with automatic equals VERY slow. Nit-pickers might point-out the black mesh storage thingees , behind the seats, loose their elasticity.Other than that, a classy, practical collectable car, perfect for picking-up brie and a cheeky merlot at the Ranch Market, after Pilates class.
My own 1984 300TD that is capable of running on nearly any oil that is likely part of the Cult often mentioned. Preppers rejoice. HA! I still run it on diesel-however- along with a concoction of a few ounces of Redline Diesel catalist, Biocide, and Techron mixed in 2 cycle oil every tank full. It has had this extra preventive maintainance since receiving a new “Alaska Bound” factory blue-printed stationary generator engine installed from Mercedes dealer after an “Oil Changer” forgot to tighten the oil drain plug, and paid for it. I am not sure if my great grandchildren will appreciate the vehicle. However, it WILL last that long!
I had this exact car, almost, mine was a ’79. I pulled the engine and had it rebuilt at 250k. They are indeed bullet proof!
I had an 84 TDT, bought it in ’90 with 33,000 miles, little old lady in boca raton. wrote her a check and didn’t even have it surveyed. great, great car. kept it as an occasional driver (had several other cars) for 10 yrs, a record for me. to this day I regret selling it. if I still resided in the US most of the time I would seriously consider buying this non-turbo turtle. but I don’t. someone is going to get a nice looking car.
Operative words here: “non turbo,” combined with an automatic it’s possible this attractive vehicle could very well be outrun by a turtle. I know I’d be blasted off any freeway here in Southern California driving this original “soccer mom” car. I understand John Lennon had the first of these Mercedes station-wagons, or “estate cars.” I think it was that Euro-specefic metallic “pine” green?
my fav (called Wagonman locally) right there esp w/OM617 turboed.
Just out of reach financially!
The driver’s seat is incorrect for the model year. It has been pulled from an 84 or 85. You can tell by the number of pleats on the seat bottom and the way the back of the seat is contoured.
Also, the chrome trim surround is missing on the back window. Small things.
And no. European bumpers would not make it sweeter. US bumpers look awesome!