1990 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL

20 CommentsPosted as: ClearPOST COMMENT April 5th, 2024 at 7:01am ESTfaufreluche (1) 1I’m the person who won the auction and since I couldn’t find a place on this site to rate or review the seller(most likely such a feature doesn’t exist here but would be a good thing to have) I’ll just leave a comment here. It’s been three months and the car finally arrived to the snowy northern Europe yesterday - which is also the reason why I’m writing this now. The car is in good condition and as described in the auction listing - it is not a show car but but such a thing could hardly be expected for this money. I’m happy that I finally have the car and can start fixing the few minor things that need attention - such as Euro headlights and other miscellaneous things. The seller was very responsive to all my inquiries and patient as it is not easy to work out all the details considering the time difference and this being my first time buying a car from the US. I hope this review will be useful to someone who in the future might want to buy a car from the seller, @Gold3434 Note: this is not a sponsored review, I’m just glad that everything went smoothly and wanted to express my thanks. January 2nd, 2024 at 5:33pm ESTwahip (3) 0@KingKitty Not sure where you're getting your valuations, but $4500 is lower than any 350DSL sold recently, either privately or at auction. And the OM603 is completely interchangeable from the 300 SDL, with more of those available.January 2nd, 2024 at 4:55pm ESTKingKitty (69) 0@wahip I would take exception to this, as a well-appointed example with provenance and the same miles isn't worth a lot more, certainly not $2500 more. A lot fewer of the later OM603 engines out there, since many of them cratered, so the availability of a spare (good) engine is far less than on a 300SDL. @hopOnIt - I don't think there was anything sketchy here as might be suggested, just that the seller was unresponsive about oil consumption. If they drove this car for any distance, they would know if there were oil consumption issues. You have to look at a car collectively. In this case, while it isn't bad-looking and in decent condition, a non-operable odometer with no supporting documentation can be a scary thing for a lot of potential buyers, and I get why, especially on a car like this with known concerns. The seller isn't shy about being a flipper and knows little about the car or its history, which is fine since they're giving full disclosure. So the question begs, how much risk do you want to accept, and for how much?January 2nd, 2024 at 4:37pm ESTwahip (3) 0All in all, a well-bought example, with enough financial headroom to address the inevitable surprises. The car appears to be in good condition cosmetically and has had reasonable maintenance. I have a 300SDL with 278k and was able to source a running, spare motor for $2500 complete. These will easily last 3-400k with proper maintenance, so I guess I'm good til at least 2050!January 2nd, 2024 at 4:29pm ESTGold3434 (1) Seller 0Congratulations January 2nd, 2024 at 4:26pm EST$4,500 bid placed by @faufrelucheJanuary 2nd, 2024 at 4:25pm EST$4,250 bid placed by @ReallyCheapGeekJanuary 2nd, 2024 at 4:25pm EST$4,000 bid placed by @faufrelucheJanuary 2nd, 2024 at 4:24pm ESTGold3434 (1) Seller 0I have no information other than what I wrote, I shared the information I received. The car is nice, neither the seller nor I will lie about a car. thanks.January 2nd, 2024 at 4:21pm ESTMedianMB (4) 0I guess we’re not going to hear from seller…January 2nd, 2024 at 3:11pm ESTHopOnIt (1) 1FWIW I've been quietly watching this car (I'm probably obsessed with anything analog at this point) and considering the odometer is shown as TMU and noted to be inoperable I'm not sure what else everyone wants to see. We all know it's inop and inaccurate. Maybe I've just been doing this to long but I see nothing wrong here. January 2nd, 2024 at 3:01pm ESTKingKitty (69) 0On this model, provenance is EVERYTHING. If you don’t know if the engine has been replaced, or the proper repairs performed, run away as if your hair is on fire. Without some sort of information to address concerns of oil consumption you are rolling the proverbial dice on this one. These engines are known to fail and fail consistently until the head gasket is replaced and and bent rods or damaged pistons are replaced. Oil consumption is the tell - if it’s using more than a quart every thousand miles or so, you’re looking at a bent rod in your future. Add to this the lack of verified information the seller has offered, and you’re looking at a big fat world of hurt for the new owner in my opinion. I’ve owned these, they’re great cars, just be sure you know what’s coming and be prepared for a BIG repair bill or engine swap if you can find one. @wahip you have pretty much nailed it.January 2nd, 2024 at 1:47pm ESTSkid44 (4) 1I’m confused as to the responsibility of TheMBMarket site - clearly there is an odometer issue and yet, no comment from the site? Sure, sure, caveat emptor, but as facilitator, it doesn’t even beg a cautionary statement? January 2nd, 2024 at 1:44pm EST$3,750 bid placed by @Florincean1971January 1st, 2024 at 3:05pm ESTwahip (3) 0I am also concerned about any mention of excess oil consumption. Perhaps those MB experts on this site could confirm what I have read elsewhere. Although most 350 SDLs never have engine issues, instances of bent connecting rods are far higher in the 603 than other MB diesels. Once the rods begin to deflect, cylinder walls wear rapidly and result in dramatic oil consumption, then seizure. There is no preventative maintenance for this, other than replacement, upgraded MB rods. December 29th, 2023 at 2:56pm ESTFencingmaster (3) 1Appears to have over 300k miles. Why the mileage discrepancy December 29th, 2023 at 2:55pm ESTFencingmaster (3) 2Can you explain the mileage rollback indicated on the CARFAX? December 25th, 2023 at 8:42pm ESTGold3434 (1) Seller 1@Peabo I'm sorry for the lat