Diehard Diesel: 1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD – Sold?

September 28, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

September 12, 2021 Update – The private seller of this W123 300TD just lowered their asking price by a substantial five grand from $21,500 to $16,500.  We will keep an eye out to see whether that helps this car find a new home.

Try to pitch a classic car with over two hundred thousand miles on the clock and most buyers and sellers alike will run.  Not, however, when the high-mileage car in question is virtually indestructible W123 Mercedes-Benz 300TD such as this Champagne Metallic over Beige MB Tex 1983 example originally listed on Craigslist in September 2021 in Hanover, Maryland (Baltimore) earlier this week, we immediately added it to our queue. Presented as an excellent condition example with no rust visible, the current caretaker has their W123 now listed for $16,500 (the original ask was $21,500).  Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their 300TD priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $16,800 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $40,100.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool is simply not keeping pace with how quickly these W123s are rising in value as this index indicates the asking price is nearly double this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of only $11,000.

Mercedes produced the W123 series of full-size cars for model years 1976 through 1986.  The W123 models replaced the W114 range and surpassed that series to become the most successful Benz ever with nearly three million over its ten-year production run.  The wagon version of this line, the S123, was the first factory-built Mercedes-Benz Estate as previous versions were custom-built by external coachbuilders, such as Binz. While early versions of the S123 featured a non-turbo four-cylinder diesel, American consumers were not sold on the idea of a heavy wagon with only 77 hp.  Consequently, in 1981 M-B introduced the famed OM617 inline five-cylinder turbo diesel.  This engine is considered to be one of the most reliable engines ever produced with engines often reaching over half a million miles without being rebuilt and is one of the key reasons for Mercedes’ popularity in North America in the 1980s, as it was powerful and reliable compared to other automotive diesels of the time.

The Classic Cars Today Online YouTube Channel features this ’79 Vintage Mercedes W123 300TD Estate Commercial:

This color combination was easily one of the more popular choices when this W123 was new, and of the similar cars we’ve featured to date, this one stands out as the best example. If you’re looking for a classic car that will likely outlive both you and the Zombie Apocolypse with minimal maintenance, we suggest you buy this 300TD Estate.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Beautiful 1983 300TD Turbodiesel station wagon in champagne metallic with matching hubcaps and brand new tires. The drivetrain is in excellent condition – engine starts quickly, very high compression test numbers, and no oil leaks; transmission shifts very smooth with no flares or hard shifts. Beige MB Tex interior in very nice condition – firm seats, no tears or wear marks, wood trim, and dash in great shape. Comfort features all work – auto climate control, cruise control, all 4 power windows, door locks, power antenna, etc. Mechanicals and suspension including self-leveling suspension in good working order.

Please contact me for more pictures, information, or to schedule a time to come see this classic W123 car! I am not a dealer.”

Show or go: what would you do with this Mercedes W123 300TD Estate?  Comment below and let us know!