The 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo remains the undisputed gold standard for vintage station wagons and long-distance endurance. This Champagne Metallic survivor has spent its life in California, currently showing an impressive 307,000 miles on the chassis. While many vehicles would have retired long ago, this S123 continues to offer the bank-vault build quality synonymous with eighties Mercedes-Benz engineering. It features the iconic turbodiesel inline-five, a powerplant famous for its ability to cover half a million miles with basic maintenance. Recently serviced by the selling dealer, the wagon is now ready for a new chapter of reliable service. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire a functional piece of automotive history at no reserve. This wagon is more than just a car; it is a testament to an era of over-engineering.
Classic Champagne Metallic over Palomino Style
The exterior of this wagon is finished in its factory Champagne Metallic, accented by blue California license plates and anodized aluminum trim. Roof rails and a rear wiper highlight the practical nature of the S123 chassis, making it a perfect vintage adventurer. Silver-finished 14-inch Bundt alloy wheels are mounted with Michelin Defender tires, ensuring a smooth and period-correct ride quality. While the dealer notes some dings and a past damage entry on the Carfax, the car maintains a dignified presence. It carries the marks of its three decades on the road with an honest and appealing patina. These aesthetic details combine to create a vehicle that looks as sophisticated today as it did on a Beverly Hills driveway in the early eighties. It remains a timeless design that transcends modern trends.
Refurbished Interior with MB-Tex Durability
The cabin is upholstered in Palomino MB-Tex, a material legendary for its resistance to wear and tear over hundreds of thousands of miles. To ensure modern usability, the selling dealer replaced several vacuum actuators for the door locks and the tailgate in 2025. This wagon features essential comforts like automatic climate control, cruise control, and a manual sunroof for open-air driving enjoyment. A Sony CD stereo has been integrated into the dash to provide contemporary audio options for long-distance road trips. While the rear headrests are currently missing, the split-folding rear bench remains functional for expanding the already massive cargo area. The instrument cluster now features a retrofitted 125-mph speedometer, giving the cockpit a slightly more aggressive look than the factory 85-mph unit. It is a space built for comfort and longevity.
Hydropneumatic Suspension and Vacuum System Care
One of the standout mechanical features of the 300TD is its factory hydropneumatic self-leveling rear suspension system. This complex setup ensures the car remains level regardless of the weight carried in the rear cargo compartment. The selling dealer performed a comprehensive service on this system in July 2025 to ensure its continued performance and reliability. To further refine the driving experience, the transmission modulator and two check valves were also replaced during the most recent service interval. These updates address common maintenance items on high-mileage Mercedes-Benz diesels, allowing for smoother shifts and consistent vacuum pressure throughout the vehicle. The underside remains honest, showing the typical road wear of a California-based vehicle with three hundred thousand miles on the clock. It is a robust mechanical foundation designed to outlast its contemporaries.
Turbodiesel Performance and Drivetrain Specs
Power is provided by the legendary OM617 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-five engine, which was factory rated at 119 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This output is delivered to the rear wheels through a durable four-speed automatic transmission that has been recently fine-tuned. While these numbers seem modest by modern standards, the turbodiesel provides plenty of low-end grunt for merging into highway traffic. The inclusion of a turbocharger was a significant upgrade for the 1982 model year, providing much-needed breath for the heavy S123 chassis. This engine is highly regarded by enthusiasts for its mechanical fuel injection and simplified cooling system. It offers a rhythmic, mechanical soundtrack that is unmistakable to any fan of vintage European diesel engineering. Recent service ensures that the heart of this wagon remains strong and ready for the next hundred thousand miles.
Summary of the 300TD Turbo Wagon
The 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo is an exceptional example of what makes the S123 wagon a permanent fixture in the collector car market. Its high mileage is not a deterrent but rather a badge of honor that proves the quality of its original construction. With the recent vacuum system and rear suspension work completed, the car is prepared for immediate duty. The combination of Champagne Metallic paint and Palomino upholstery remains one of the most desirable color palettes of the era. Offered at no reserve, it presents a compelling case for the enthusiast looking for a stylish and incredibly durable daily driver. This wagon continues to prove that while technology changes, true engineering excellence never goes out of style. It stands ready to deliver another decade of memories to its next fortunate owner.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
