The good with the bad is how I’d label this 1979 Mercedes 240D. The W123 platform cars, of which this 240D is a member, are, subjectively speaking, some of the finest-looking and best-engineered cars produced by M-B. It’s the “D” part that I’m not wild about – I’d much prefer a 250 or a 280 – one minus the D. Anyway, that’s not an option here so let’s look this 64K mile example over – it appears to be in fine condition. It’s located in Stamford, Connecticut and is available, here on craigslist for $29,950. Thanks to Domenic S for this tip!
The W123 platform cars were offered between ’76 and ’86 and covered several different body styles including a four-door sedan and station wagon, as well as a two-door hardtop. The total production over the eleven-year term was north of 2.5M copies and featured various different gasoline and diesel powerplants. The seller of this 240D states that “we” are the original owners so I guess that means it has been all in the family. Also claimed is continual garage storage, with a lack of snow exposure, and that helps explain this northeasterner’s clean condition and sharp appearance. There are a couple of images of this garaged sedan, partially tarped, which I guess is meant as a means to telegraph the car’s stored surroundings. I get it, but I’d rather have more images, both sides, front and back, etc., sans the cover.
The previously noted powerplant is a 71 HP, 2.4 liter, in-line, four-cylinder diesel engine connected to a four-speed manual transmission. And that’s good to know as the 0-62 MPH time is reported as being 22 seconds – can’t imagine what it would be like with an automatic gearbox. The seller mentions some basic maintenance items that have been facilitated but gives no insight into this car’s operational characteristics.
The interior of these Benz models is usually a taut and Germanic experience – very functional and no-nonsense. That could well be the case here but we’ll never know – no images were included other than one of the odometer, and this one of the trunk. I usually don’t spend a lot of time in the trunk so I’m not too concerned with how it shapes up. Excluding an automobile’s interior image is a faux pas in my book. The seller does mention that the A/C needs a recharge to which, I’ll once again ask, why not just do it and then “working A/C”, a helpful facet in making an auto sale, can be claimed. More than likely, the system has a leak and if it’s something like the evaporator, the next owner will be staring down a big repair bill.
In conclusion, the seller states, “Price is firm“. And to that, I’ll ask the always pertinent question, what do you think, priced right or not quite?
For that price it should be perfect. And it should be an ‘85 300D Turbo with full dealer service records and under 150k miles. As it is, try dividing by four.
Its a nice clean car with the I don’t really want to sell it price
Both manual and automatic transmissions had essentially the same ratios and the 0-60 times are identical between both cars. I’ve owned both and would probably prefer the automatic, TBH.
Priced to be one family owned forever and ever . Put the cover back on and spare the real world .
Ok..It’s a 4cyl Diesel.. non TURBO no thanks.. Even the 300D was a snail.. if you don’t see a TD after the number don’t buy it …unless you want to piss off other drivers pulling on to the highway! 😂
I bought a gem in the same condition as this one for $5500, it was kind of a steal as it should have been 10-12k but definitely not 30k like this one.
For a 240? Reaching……………….Priced too high.
Very nice car. The manual transmission is a big plus, and rare. I have several MB of this era, including a ‘71 220D with a stick, and a ‘77 240D with an automatic. They are well built cars, nearly bulletproof. (There is a running-driving ‘79 300D currently advertised locally with 920k on the clock) Great slow cars to drive fast! As for the asking price; if you’re gonna dream, dream big.
Talk about a shaky grip on reality: 30 k for a pokey 240 D?
For 20 k one can buy a lightly used 300 SDL of the W 126 series, which means a 126 inch wheelbase, powered by a 148 horsepower six cylinder turbo diesel and being cradled by an elegant leather interior. No MB Tex in sight.
low mileage mercedes can be less than attractive when one considers the amount of parts replacement that is usually necessary to age alone. and at this price there are 300s on Ebay with the same mileage, same condition with turbos. if you have ever driven a 220/240d, you know they are painfully slow. pass.
Interesting car. I’ve had one. I’d consider another but not at a price higher than when it was new. These are sought after cars, but they are not collectible and certainly they are not commanding that sort of price. Its a nice car. Thank you for sharing.
These are the cars that one had to clean the dead bugs of the rear window.
Nice car, but not anywhere near that price.
I’d take this over a gasoline model any day. My great great great great grandkids would still be using this as a DD.
I would say to the price – it’s not gonna happen. Great car , no doubt about it. If I were to consider a “long term car/ investment” I would definitely be looking at a Mercedes Benz diesel, turbo or not. If you want a forever car to keep “ just in case”, I would choose one of these. Just not this one. If you take half of the price of this one you’re probably in the right ballpark, but who’s fooling who? Everything sells for what someone will pay for it. For me, I’m out. Nice article! Good luck to all.