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Dealer Relists 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbo at No-Reserve Auction
A Dallas veteran, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel W123 with 167,000 miles, is up for auction with no reserve price, and its ownership and service history is documented.
By Edward Beaumont · 4 min read
A 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbo is listed on the Bring a Trailer online auction with no reserve price, meaning the car will be sold to whoever submits the highest bid. The vehicle, with 167,000 miles on the odometer, is notable as a preserved example of a diesel model that was once considered one of the most practical and durable premium sedans.
The car was originally delivered new to the Stephenson Motor Company dealership in Dallas, Texas. According to the listing, it spent about 30 years in Texas before being moved to California. It was first sold through Bring a Trailer in November 2021. In December 2022 it was offered for sale by a dealer, and in February 2024 the car was sold. In 2026 the dealer bought the car back, and it is now being offered again with no reserve price. The total recommended price shown on the window sticker was $36,219, which at the time of release made this model noticeably more expensive than mass-market cars of the era.
Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline five-cylinder OM617A engine, with a factory output of 123 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a four-speed automatic, and the drive is rear-wheel. The body is finished in the factory color Classic White, and the interior is trimmed in blue leather, which is a replacement for the original upholstery. This model is known for a combination of economy and unhurried performance, and owners value the OM617A engine for its reliability and its ability to cover high mileage.
The listing describes work carried out in recent years. In 2021 the seats and rear seat were reupholstered, the carpeting was replaced, and the steering mechanism was rebuilt. In May 2025 the wheel alignment was adjusted. Bilstein shock absorbers are installed, the 14-inch wheels carry tires from about 2023, and a full-size spare wheel is included. In August 2021 the air conditioning compressor was replaced, and in December of the same year the valves were adjusted. In September 2024 the oil was changed, the air conditioning was recharged, and the valve cover gasket was replaced.
The car is equipped with a sunroof, fog lights, cruise control, and climate control. Additional equipment includes a Pioneer head unit, a Hertz amplifier, and speakers installed after the car left the factory. The previous owner applied window tint and protective film to the painted surfaces. The passenger-side rear fender has been repainted, and defects on the rear bumper are visible, which the seller has shown in photographs. There is a crack in the dashboard next to the right speaker grille, which should also be taken into account during inspection.
According to the Carfax report, no accidents are recorded, and the New Jersey title is clean. There is a notable gap in the service history: no records exist from April 1983 to January 2001, nearly eighteen years. For a buyer, this means part of the car's operating history remains unknown, and its condition will have to be assessed from the surviving documents and a personal inspection.
Source: bringatrailer.com
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