Mercedes-Benz’s OM617 turbodiesel engine is legendary for its reliability. The problem? Many of the cars powered by this engine have been driven as if the owners were trying to set a mileage record. Whoever previously drove our Pick of the Day had nothing to prove and only put 36,105 miles on it. You can find this 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 CD Turbodiesel listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Mesa, Arizona.
Between 1977 and 1985, Mercedes produced nearly 100,000 123-series coupes (C123) with a variety of powerplants, ranging from gas four-cylinder and I6 options to diesel engines with five cylinders—with or without a turbo. A total of 15,509 300 CD coupes powered by one of two I5 diesel engines were built as export models for the North American market. Both used the OM617 3.0-liter SOHC I5 but, as its name implies, the 300 CD Turbodiesel of 1981-1985 used a turbocharger. Given that this particular 300 CD Turbo was built before the power increase in October 1982, it left the factory with 121 horsepower at 4,350 rpm and 169 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. A four-speed automatic transmitted that output to the road at a leisurely, economical pace.
The OM617’s relative simplicity (no computers, no diesel exhaust fluid required, etc.) and durability means drivers typically spin the odometer to numbers that would make other cars blow a head gasket. Luckily, this 300 CD avoided being turned into a road warrior. Its low mileage alone makes it a great find, but its Maple Yellow body and Palomino MB-Tex interior have been just as gently used.
According to the selling dealer, this coupe is “a super clean one-owner example and is very solid and rust free showing its pampered life here in Southern California. The car lived its whole life in the Ranchos Palos Verdes area and has never been driven in poor weather and always garaged and out of the sun. The car is an outstanding survivor and is all original and unmolested in any way!”
Inside, the lights, gauges, switches, power windows and sunroof, and air conditioning work as expected. Of course, after more than 40 years, certain things will need to be replaced—and they have been: this 300 CD now has new actuators for the central locking system and a new power antenna for the aftermarket radio (the original Becker Europa unit will come with the purchase of the car, along with the original jack, spare tire, and manuals).
If you see a diesel Mercedes of this era out on the road, just know that it’s probably been driven the distance between Earth and the moon (and back!). This 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 CD Turbodiesel is different from the rest of the 123s out there. For $34,900, you can decide whether you keep its mileage low or try to break a record with it.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
