The story
This car had quite a few owners before I acquired it right after Thanksgiving in 2022. Early in 2022, after many owners, the car found itself on Craigslist. A local physician saw it and fell in love with it. He purchased it from a rather eccentric owner and dropped about $2,000 into it. Brake work, tires, fluid changes, etc. He initially thought his teenage son would want it, but his son expressed little interest. It sat, with a few oil drips on the driveway (as we expect) and it sat more. He no longer wanted it so he tossed it up on NextDoor, I saw it and drove over to take a peek. Within 30 minutes we struck a deal and I had it towed up to the building (Jason and Jack’s) the same day.
Given this 1985 Mercedes Benz 300D changed hands quite a bit, I lacked paperwork. I literally have a title, a key, and a lot of unknowns. Luckily, I know the owner of the shop where he had it serviced once he bought it and I trust Chris a lot. He rarely will service a vehicle that is beyond what he thinks is worth it.
Now, this super cool Benz is next to my W124 and I can say I’m the proud owner of a W123 and a W124. They are not concourse d’Elegance quality, but they are drivers and they are mine.
Specs
- Engine: 3.0-liter 5-cylinder diesel engine
- Horsepower: 123 hp
- Torque: 177 lb-ft
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Suspension: Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a semi-trailing arm rear suspension
- Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes
- Tires: 14-inch steel wheels with radial tires
- Fuel economy: Approximately 25 miles per gallon
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D was a luxury car produced by the German automaker during that year. It was part of the W123 series of midsize executive cars, which was produced from 1976 to 1985. The 300D was a diesel-powered variant of the W123, and it was one of the first luxury diesel cars available in the United States.
The 300D was powered by a 3.0-liter five-cylinder diesel engine that produced 123 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine was known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and longevity. The car came with a four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
The 300D was built with a solid and sturdy body, making it a safe and reliable car. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seats, a high-quality sound system, and an array of power features. The car also had a high level of standard safety features, including power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and a suspension system that provided good handling and a smooth ride.
The 300D was well-received by car enthusiasts and the general public, who appreciated its combination of luxury, comfort, and reliability. The car was known for its durability and longevity, and many 300Ds are still on the road today, decades after they were first produced.
In conclusion, the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D was a landmark car in the luxury car segment. Its combination of diesel power, reliability, and luxury made it a popular choice among car buyers during its time, and it continues to be a sought-after car by collectors and enthusiasts today.