1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 SD

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

With the twin oil crisis of the 1970s and the resulting skyrocketing of gas prices, many automakers began to offer diesel engines as a fuel-saving alternative. Few were successful, but one was downright legendary: the Mercedes-Benz 300 SD.  

The 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 SD was part of the W126 S-Class series, which was produced from 1980 to 1985. The 300 SD was powered by the 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine known for its exceptional durability, reliability, and performance. The W126 body also featured aerodynamics and fuel efficiency enhancements, boasting a 14 percent improvement in drag coefficient over its predecessor.   

In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, the interior design of the 300 SD reflects the luxury and attention to detail that the company is known for, along with safety innovations such as driver airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and traction control. The dashboard and door panels are trimmed with genuine wood accents, the climate control system was advanced for its time, providing efficient heating and cooling, and there is a sophisticated sound system.  

All this enriched the driving experience, causing Car and Driver magazine to exclaim, “… the 300 SD was a charmer. It’s hard to describe the thrill of actually blowing off other late-model cars away from stoplights in a diesel!”  

Highlights 

• Famous Mercedes-Benz diesel fuel-economy and durability 

• Finished in factory Champagne Metallic paint (473U) 

• Henna Red leather (257) interior 

• 3.0-liter OM617 five-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine  

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Factory options on this 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 SD include: 

  • 410 – Sliding roof, electrically operated 

  • 440 – Tempomat (cruise control) 

  • 451 – Tachometer 

  • 467 – Central locking mechanism and instruments with English lettering 

  • 491 – U.S. version 

  • 504 – Outside rearview mirror, right; electrically controlled; left 

  • 519 – Becker radio Mexico Grand Prix, electronic (USA) 

  • 524 – Paintwork - preservation 

  • 531 – Automatic antenna 

  • 543 – Sun visor with vanity mirror, illuminated, left and right 

  • 570 – Folding armrest, front 

  • 588 – Automatic climate control and electric window lifters (front and rear doors) 

  • 592 – Heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane, band filter 

  • 611 – Courtesy lamps for front and rear doors 

  • 639 – Elimination of first-aid box and warning triangle 

  • 640 – 15-hole light alloy rims 

  • 673 – High-capacity battery 

  • 803 – Change of model year, the last figure showing the new model year 

• Recent maintenance includes: 

  • Air conditioning retrofit with new compressor, receiver/drier, expansion valve, pressure switch, engine mount, and drive belt 

  • Air conditioning converted from R12 to R134a refrigerant 

  • All door strikers have been replaced 

  • New window regulators and motors 

  • Brake master cylinder replaced 

  • Diesel primer pump replaced 

  • Fuel filter and fuel filter brass insert replaced 

  • Oil filter and O-ring replaced 

  • Automatic transmission shift linkage bushing replaced 

  • Vacuum hose replaced 

  • Oil cooler hose-lower replaced 

Known Imperfections  

• Normal wear on the seats 

• Tear in the driver's seat bolster

• Radio is inoperable 

• Rubber gasket on the back window is leaking into the trunk 

Included 

• Original owner's manual 

• Original Vehicle Data Card 

• Original Maintenance Booklet 

• Mercedes-Benz Engine Service Manual 

• Mercedes-Benz Chassis and Body Service Manual 

• Two sets of keys plus an emergency key 

 Ownership History  

The CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows this four-owner 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 SD in Texas from new until 2024, when it moved to Tennessee.