1978 Mercedes Benz 300 CD - Rare 2 Door Coupe Diesel - Classic & a daily driver!

1978 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series Description

For Sale is our 1978 Mercedes-Benz 300 CD.
This is the harder to find two-door Coupe model, with the classic 123 style trim. Best style Benz, ever.It runs and drives fantastic! Engine and transmission are sound, and besides a little bit of oil leakage (like most old Mercedes diesels), I've had no issues with the engine or transmission. It has been my daily driver for the last couple of years, and I will be sad to see it go.It was last owned by a diesel mechanic who was preparing to convert it to Bio-diesel before his job forced his relocation. Included in the sale will be the tank he custom built to hold veggie oil in the trunk (see pics). No other Bio-diesel modifications have been made, though that was my original intention.Michelin Tires are in fair+ condition (with a full size spare), but they are old and should be replaced due to age (all tires over 6 years old should be replaced, and these are at year 7). The passenger front tire has a lot of toe-in wear. Apparently this Benz has a bad Idler Arm which causes it to pull to the right whilst driving, and this causes excessive inner wear on the tire. I have purchased a Idler Arm Bushing kit that will be included in the sale of this vehicle.Most everything functions on this vehicle as it should, and it passed the Missouri State Safety Inspection with no problems in 2014. Check MODOT for details on what is required.The following are issues, however: The Cruise Control does not work, the Odometer (it stopped years ago at 268K), and the electric lights on the dash. Sometimes the dash board lights work, and sometimes they don't (it is not the fuses, I checked! And replaced every one of them "just in case"). When the lights don't work, the climate control Also Does Not work (heat & a/c). The blower works when the dash lights work, but only on High (or "DEF" - Defrost or Compressor). The A/C compressor does work when it has Freon in it, but there is a leak and it is empty now. Basically assume that if you buy this car, you will have to replace/fix the climate control, and possible something electrical in the dash. I was getting ready to tackle this very problem, even bought a couple of relays (included in sale), and found that it is one of the most common faults of this era of Benz's. And kind of a headache, full disclosure. You'll be looking for a slightly newer climate control system from an early 80's Benz, most likely, to replace this ill-designed 70's one.Of note is that all the Gauges on the Dash Do work fine (gas, oil, electric, etc.).Other issues: It has rust on the rockers/underneath, and some spots here and there up top. But nothing huge, and nothing that can't be treated/fixed by the right person. It will also need a paint job to make it shine again. It will likely need new windshield seals soon. The windows roll up and down (motors work), but the back ones are really slow and the rear passenger doesn't like to line up quite right. It will also need a new trunk seal (water gets in there after a heavy rain or car wash). The hood release latch broke off at the handle, so I have attached a vice grip to open the front hood (not pretty, but it works - see pics). Dash board is cracked from the sun (I'm guessing). Sunroof motor works, but it won't open all the way, and then you have to manually close it. A pain. I leave it alone. The headliner is not in the best of shape either, nor the visors. It may need a starter in the next year or two - it will whir on every 7th or 8th attempt at start-up (be sure to plug in it in during the winter, and slightly depress the gas pedal on start up, and you'll be good to go). Passenger door handle from the outside likes to stick, so you have to be careful closing that door. But it shuts, no worries. It has a Salvage title, but it is clear. The newer CD player and radio work great, but my Belle & Sebastian CD is stuck in there and won't come out. So I hope you like Scottish alternative music :).Repairs I've done in the last few years: Brand new Sear's DieHard Battery (receipt will be included - free 3-year replacement, purchased in January 2016). Vacuum checked throughout and I replaced a number of those little blue/black vacuum connectors, some hoses, and tri-tipped rubber connectors. Window switches in the front (an old one will be included for parts). Some of the chrome trim pieces, a headlight, a couple of other incidentals, but nothing major.This, frankly, has been a great little car to work on, and except for the Climate Control issue and the Idler Arm, I've no complaints. I also did a bunch of basic maintenance, such as a brake fluid flush, oil changes with 15w-40 Shell Rotella, air filter, radiator flush, etc. I bought it as a fixer-upper, and have upped and fixed it. So it runs dandy. Just has all the quirks I mentioned above, and probably a few other ones I've forgotten.Also included in the sale will be a handful of spare parts, including: Set of New Front Brake Pads (I thought it needed new pads - it didn't - it just needed a brake fluid change/bleed. I used a high quality Dot 4 fluid, as per spec), Mann oil filter, a handful of relays, vacuum hose connectors, seals, arm rest, another original seat cover (the passenger one has some patches on it - see pics), extra mats, and a handful of other Benz related items. The original glove box manuals are also included, as well as a spare chauffeur key.
It has been my daily commuter car for the last couple of years, because it gets such good mileage (around 35-40 mpg), but our family needs a bigger car.Not a Turbo Diesel, so it is sluggish. I mean, it is slooowww. By design. I like that, though. Keeps me meditative and calm while the world rushes by.I would drive this anywhere, anytime. And to prove that, I am willing to drive it to you if you are willing to pay the mileage (.65 cents a mile) and a train ticket or car rental back to Kansas City, Missouri. Within reason, I suppose. I really don't want to drive it to Florida or Alaska, but you know, a few hundred miles is no big deal, especially for a Benz. It would give me a chance to listen to that Belle & Sebastian CD again and see the country in the Spring. Otherwise, shipping is on you, the buyer.Of course, it is sold AS-IS. Because it is old. And cranky. And a little rusty. And Slooowww.Please ask questions. I like them. And if you win, email me ASAP so we can work out delivery details, etc.Good luck, and happy days!