1987 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbodiesel Station Wagon Estate W124 S124 1 of 1500

1987 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

Up for auction is my 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300TD station wagon, finished in Smoke Silver over Palomino MB-Tex interior, just turned 296,000 miles. For those in the know – yes this is the one-year-only W124 series station wagon (technically the S124) offered with the inline-6 OM603 turbodiesel engine in the US. It is said that fewer than 1,500 of these wagons were imported to North America. Fitted with the 4-speed automatic transmission, the usual creature comforts (automatic climate control, power accessories, cruise control, sunroof and yes they all work) and the rear-facing third row seat. This car does NOT have the optional cargo cover, but it does include the roof rack cross bars.

Two original owners in the same family (daughter sold to father) prior to my purchase, always garaged. Service records going back to 1997 at 135,000 miles. Over $27,000 in receipts from original owner (actual costs, not adjusted for inflation) – including the dash-out replacement of climate control vacuum pods and virtually all other AC parts, recent rear suspension accumulators and earlier replacement of shocks and struts, regular transmission services, new tires with only 4,000 miles on them.The family was unable to locate any service records prior to 1997; however, the hard copies of all records since then are in a binder, as well as compiled into a spreadsheet. Some of the most asked-about items for replacement, performed by the first owners and the mileage:

• · 290k – New Tires
• · 289k – Replaced rear suspension accumulators
• · 277k – Replaced rear shocks
• · 268k – Replaced left rear window regulator; rear brake calipers, rotors, pads and brake fluid
• · 259k – Replaced starter
• · 250k - Replaced front struts and sway bar bushings
• · 246k – Replaced alternator; rebuilt rear differential
• · 236k – Replaced AC compressor and drier
• · 223k – Replaced front brake rotors, pads and sensors
• · 222k – Replaced AC evaporator, drier and all vacuum servos under dash
• · 204k – Fuel sending unit and in-tank filter
• · 199k – Replaced cruise control amp and motor mounts

The car was sold new in October 1987 at MB of Oakland (California); the original owner sold the car to her father in July 1991 in Jacksonville, Florida with approximately 62,000 miles. The second owner passed away in 2010, but his widow continued to drive the car, and had it serviced regularly until I purchased it in August 2024. The car has been serviced by the same mechanic since 1997 at two different shops; I met with him, and he assured me this car performs as it should. I drove 1,000 miles home from Florida to east Texas without any issues.

My timing for this purchase has unfortunately been bad – once I had the car back in Texas, my local independent MB mechanic informed me that he’s retiring. The next-closest one (an hour away) is also retiring soon. This will leave me in a “service desert” in which I’d have to seek out another mechanic in either Dallas or Houston, about 3 hours away. I had both mechanics inspect the vehicle, and their only immediate recommendations were to replace the coolant hoses and vacuum lines, but there are a few other issues I chose to address (so far around $4,000):

• · Cooling system – upper and lower coolant hoses, fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, coolant tank cap; flush and refill with Zerex G05 MB/HD Diesel coolant (light yellow) per spec
• · Vacuum system – New Pierburg upgraded vacuum pump, hard vacuum lines, and associated fittings
• · Climate control system – Programa remanufactured ACC head unit, new heater control valve, heater hose and cabin temp sensor; recharged AC (uses R134a refrigerant)
• · Intake manifold gaskets; manifold was removed and cleaned to remove soot buildup
• · New Continental serpentine belt; new belt tensioner pulley, lever and shock
• · New timing chain, tensioner and guides (2 of 3)
• · Oil, fuel and air filters; oil changed using Shell Rotella 5W40 per spec
• Replaced left front wheel bearings
• · New right rear window regulator and motor
• · Driver and passenger seat springs reinforced (newer W124 passenger side springs with factory foam blocks)
• · New shifter bushings
• · New brake light switch and bulbs
• · Bosch wiper blades front and rear; new headlight wiper blades
• · Hood pad replaced
• · Replaced all fuses with new Flosser units from Germany

Known issues (will attempt to correct prior to sale, status below):

• · Power radio antenna not working (aftermarket radio installed)
• · Third brake light housing and passenger vanity mirror cover cracked
• · Lower rear bumper cracked – trying to arrange for a replacement but shipping is a challenge – dealers can still order new ones from Germany

The car is in remarkable condition overall (apologies for the snapshot quality photos), but being that this is a 37-year-old car, it does have some minor cosmetic issues – for instance, the clearcoat is thin along the edge of the hood on the left fender; there are a few minor dings along the roof (presumably from loading cargo on the rack); the driver’s seat does have a few hairline cracks in the vinyl; vinyl trim on the map pockets is starting to peel away, etc. I have been asked about the white marks in the exterior photos - those are reflections of the clouds and the building the car was parked next to, not imperfections in the paint.

There is one minor accident showing on Carfax from 2004 (rear impact, owner did not recall details as it happened when her late husband was driving) and another damage report in 2014 (right side front door has been painted after parking lot damage).

I feel that this would be a great opportunity for a MB collector who has the skills and resources to maintain and restore this car – unfortunately I’m lacking in both – as previously mentioned, this area is extremely difficult to find mechanics with the knowledge of these older cars. I have set the reserve weighing overall condition, service history, recent service and rarity against its age and minor issues. Hagerty shows the potential value of this car at around $29k in #2 Excellent condition and even $13k in #3 Good condition (the car is registered as a classic and insured by them) so with a little love someone will have a fine and valuable classic to enjoy as either a daily driver or a weekender. She’s got great bones! I’ve named her Berta, in honor of the wife of MB co-founder Carl Benz…she was an automotive pioneer in her own right. Vehicle also includes factory tool kit, first aid kit, sales brochure and owner’s manual. Clear Texas title in my name.

The car is in Palestine, Texas; the nearest major city (and airport) is Tyler, Texas – beyond that, Dallas (about 2.5 hours) and Houston (3 hours). I would encourage you to either inspect the car in person or have a mechanic of your choice (and your own expense) do so. I can arrange to meet with buyers at the airport. Please contact me with any questions you may have prior to bidding. If you are an international buyer, please contact me prior to bidding to advise me on how you will arrange transport. Vehicle is sold as-is, where-is with no warranty expressed or implied. Buyer is responsible for any shipping costs, vehicle taxes and registration fees in their home area as well as to ensure it meets your local safety and emissions requirements (diesel passenger cars of this vintage are generally exempt, car is labeled "Non Catalyst"). $500 deposit required at auction close, with remaining balance within 7 days by cash, bank wire or certified funds. Thanks for looking!

On Oct-31-24 at 07:13:36 PDT, seller added the following information:

Been asked about the white spots in some exterior pics, those are reflections from clouds and the white church building the car is parked next to, not a blemish in the paint!

• Make: Mercedes-Benz
• Model: 300-Series
• Type: Wagon
• Doors: 4
• Year: 1987
• Mileage: 296000
• VIN: WDBEB93D0HF045904
• Color: Silver
• Engine size: 3.0L Inline 6 OM603 Turbodiesel
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Fuel: Diesel
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Palomino
• Drive side: Left-Hand Drive
• Safety options: Anti-Lock Brakes, Back Seat Safety Belts, Driver Airbag, Fog Lights, Immobiliser, Safety Belt Pretensioners
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!