He owned one in his youth and currently has one in his collection. He describes them as the most dependable cars he has owned. He has also been down to Sir Hendrys' place more than once. As mentioned, he is a collector.
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Bring a Trailer (BaT) Auctions: Worth Listing Your Car or Not?
- Thread starter ace10
- Start date
Thanks, I'll pass it along.
I can appreciate the appeal, but for me dependability means a 7.3 diesel truck (which my friend owns as well). However, everyone here knows I am not a collector. One of the attractions of these oldies is the cool period colors and I just love this one as others have noted.
OK - cool. As long as he knows what he's getting into. I've owned several 123 diesels, and while they are dependable, they are in no way enjoyable to drive beyond going to the local Cars & Coffee a few times per year. I hope to never own another 123 nor OM617. As part of a collection, this would be a nice example - especially with the rare paint color, and that it has already been sorted/detailed by His Deanness.
Anything above about $15K is too rich for any true diesel hipster.
There are some exceptions, such as those DHs with trust funds, or people like the @Zeitgeist. But ZG is on the upper-crust end of the DH demographic.
As a side note, it is fortunate that the ranks of diesel hipsters have thinned in recent years, particularly the "restaurant oil" and "biodiesel" sub-species. So many good OM617s were ruined in these hipster conversions in the early 2000s.
As 123s have climbed into more rarified territory, fewer and fewer are in the clutches of diesel hipsters, and more and more are going into collections. So much so that the @gsxr's Uncle Kent's diesel parts and kit business, which was founded on the Diesel Hipster owner bedrock, has shrunken in recent years as the gas car parts and kit business has expanded.
Haven't seen this before...
A relisted LS400 that "sold" two weeks ago
bringatrailer.com
"This is a relist after the vehicle was previously sold on BaT in January 2024 and the winning bidder failed to follow through with their commitment to purchase due to circumstances outside of their control. This was not due to any fault with the vehicle. The winner’s fee was refunded."
Seller states that there was a "medical issue."
For the record: I had been discussing this car with some land cruiser buds at the time and noted that it had NJ history and the seller appears to be a sleazy dude. Both factors would disqualify me from having any interest.
This relist only strengthens my suspicions.
A relisted LS400 that "sold" two weeks ago
No Reserve: 1990 Lexus LS400
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1990 Lexus LS400 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #134,472.
"This is a relist after the vehicle was previously sold on BaT in January 2024 and the winning bidder failed to follow through with their commitment to purchase due to circumstances outside of their control. This was not due to any fault with the vehicle. The winner’s fee was refunded."
Seller states that there was a "medical issue."
For the record: I had been discussing this car with some land cruiser buds at the time and noted that it had NJ history and the seller appears to be a sleazy dude. Both factors would disqualify me from having any interest.
This relist only strengthens my suspicions.
And, the "winner" with the medical issue is a brand new user in the past 3 weeks, who has not bid on anything else.
Couldn't possibly be a shill.
https://bringatrailer.com/member/reidmarlin/
Couldn't possibly be a shill.
https://bringatrailer.com/member/reidmarlin/
The lack of service records really sucks on a car like that. Seller has been very cavalier about it needing a timing belt service, too.
The next owner is going to put at least 3-4 grand into it getting the car baselined and the belt service done. I think my parts list was $900, excluding fluids, direct from a discount Lexus dealer.
The next owner is going to put at least 3-4 grand into it getting the car baselined and the belt service done. I think my parts list was $900, excluding fluids, direct from a discount Lexus dealer.
And, perhaps BaHaT is moderating all comments posted to the Lexus thread? I've got 4 emails with comments that didn't appear until about an hour later...? Here's an interesting one from the seller with - allegedly - the dog-ate-my-cashier's-check note from the buyer.
Note that the buyer should also be on the hook for the 5% fee, not just the $99.
Author: aSingh39 (Seller)
Not sure if this is allowed by BaT but this was the previous buyers response:.
Note that the buyer should also be on the hook for the 5% fee, not just the $99.
Author: aSingh39 (Seller)
Not sure if this is allowed by BaT but this was the previous buyers response:.
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It is a nice wagon , but $99500 , this is madness
I don't know but I'm almost certain he would have dropped out. Wow.Drew, did your buddy "win" this one?
I agree with Rick_Kn's statement, especially the part about there being a sucker born every minute........
What’s interesting is that several of his “middle range” cars have been re-listed on BaT and the folks who acquired from Dean actually had “work” to do on those darn cars! I know Gerry and others here have beat the drum for years about deferred maintenance, but many people going on BaT think a seller like Dean does a full resto (or something like that in layman’s terms) instead of dressing up the livestock for the county fair/4-H gathering. Recall a back-and-forth between Dean and a purchaser of some recent vintage BMW where Dean essentially said to the buyer, after some mechanical issues arose post-sale, “look, it’s a 15 year old car, things come up.”
Dean's superpower is locating low-mile, garage-queen cream puffs that need minimal cosmetic work, then detailing them, and presenting them VERY well. And, he will take care of basic repairs/maintenance if needed. He's also good about responding to auction comments. Basically, a good businessman who knows his trade.
This is very different than a restoration, or even Jono fully sorting out a vehicle mechanically to make sure it's running/driving like it did when new.
Sometimes I think people get the idea they're getting a restored/sorted car and bid to the moon, but that's rarely reality.
This is very different than a restoration, or even Jono fully sorting out a vehicle mechanically to make sure it's running/driving like it did when new.
Sometimes I think people get the idea they're getting a restored/sorted car and bid to the moon, but that's rarely reality.
Ironically this guy:
www.woodsandbarclay.com
Who does the most thorough reconditioning of anyone I've seen - was commenting on that sale - along with his website info...
Our Cars | Woods and Barclay Automotive
Current Inventory of Restored Classic Mercedes-Benz. Woods and Barclay Automotive.
www.woodsandbarclay.com
Who does the most thorough reconditioning of anyone I've seen - was commenting on that sale - along with his website info...
This is the shop Gerry referenced recently. My friend that was interested in the car spoke of them with the same confidence as Pierre inspires with these early MBs. I'm wanting to visit as they are local.Ironically this guy:
Our Cars | Woods and Barclay Automotive
Current Inventory of Restored Classic Mercedes-Benz. Woods and Barclay Automotive.
Who does the most thorough reconditioning of anyone I've seen - was commenting on that sale - along with his website info...
Yep, W&B is the real deal. If you want a good 123, 126 diesel or 124 diesel resto, this shop is your go-to place. I watch their YouTube channel religiously not only because they explain and show things nicely, they show a lot of tricks of the trade, and most importantly -- they do their repairs THE RIGHT WAY.
Agree 100% with your summary of Dean's business philosophy. He makes a clean car cosmetically perfect, but is not too interested in the mechanical side. He is good at finding the low mileage cars.Dean's superpower is locating low-mile, garage-queen cream puffs that need minimal cosmetic work, then detailing them, and presenting them VERY well. And, he will take care of basic repairs/maintenance if needed. He's also good about responding to auction comments. Basically, a good businessman who knows his trade.
This is very different than a restoration, or even Jono fully sorting out a vehicle mechanically to make sure it's running/driving like it did when new.
Sometimes I think people get the idea they're getting a restored/sorted car and bid to the moon, but that's rarely reality.
Where is Dean finding these low mileage cars? W&B is awesome, I hope he restores more gas cars.
It seems everything is overpriced unless you know someone.
It seems everything is overpriced unless you know someone.
The quickest "flip" I've ever seen on BaH.
Hammered on 11/3/2023. Listed by new owner on 1/22/2023.
And the current seller isn't a power dealer. Just some random schmo. Obviously the backlog on BaH has withered.
bringatrailer.com
Interesting that the previous seller is a dealer and went No Reserve. And this current listing isn't.
Hammered on 11/3/2023. Listed by new owner on 1/22/2023.
And the current seller isn't a power dealer. Just some random schmo. Obviously the backlog on BaH has withered.
23k-Mile 1997 Toyota Tacoma LX XtraCab 4×4
Bid for the chance to own a 23k-Mile 1997 Toyota Tacoma LX XtraCab 4×4 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #134,880.
Interesting that the previous seller is a dealer and went No Reserve. And this current listing isn't.
The deals are still out there, you just have to be patient and doggedly research every selling venue possible.
Agree with the comments about Dean's business model. He's been pretty straightforward about it over time. He gets decent examples, details the p*ss out of them, and presents them well. I've said this for years - it's all in the presentation.
W&B is top of the line if you're looking to buy a well performed refurbishment/restoration. There are others out there who are comparable, but not many. reminds me of the old German guy near me in SE WI years ago. He was a wizard when it came to the older stuff.
I will say that @gsxr nailed the W123 diesel description. I would pile on and also say that the last W123 I owned, probably 4-5 years ago, was a low-mile two owner, dealer-maintained car. It needed little when I bought it other than some freshening. I was never so disappointed in my life. I started out in a W123 wagon, so I know W123s, but this just seemed so - crude. I've gotten accustomed to creature comforts. That said, even a nice W126 was a far cry from the Teutonic minimalism of the W123.
They're great cars for the vintage, but I'll never own another purposefully.
Dan
My first car, as a 16 year old, was a then 8-yr old 1983 240d. Stayed in the family 10 more years until rust caught up with the undercarriage. In 2014 my brother and I found an original owner 1983 240d with only 44,000 miles in great mechanical and cosmetic condition. It’s a nice thing to drive around every once in a while. But in the spring/summer/fall, I drive my w124 all the time and take the w123 diesel out rarely. The w123, especially my 240d, feels like driving a tractor. But I’m sure the w123 will live far, far beyond me.
And then Hagerty throws this zinger out there:
From the "5 cars that lost the most value in 2023"
1981-85 Mercedes 300TD -19%
Older Mercedes have the reputation of being absolute tanks that just keep going, and going, and going. One of the cars key to establishing that reputation was the venerable W123-based Turbo Diesel wagon. Simply put, those with fewer than 200,000 miles are considered to be “just broken in.” However, it hasn’t been until recently that these cars experienced a sort of renaissance, as enthusiasts began viewing them as collector items rather than mere thrifty economy machines.
As a result, and much like we seen with the Volvo 240, these 300TDs have shot up in value. Chief among them have been lower-mile cars, with buyers willing to pay in the $50,000–$60,000 range for select examples. But what goes up must come down, and these 300TDs have settled, with the very best ones dropping by 19 percent. It is uncertain if this is a one-time fall, or if the rapidly expanded market for the 300TD is coming back to reality. Time will tell.
From the "5 cars that lost the most value in 2023"
1981-85 Mercedes 300TD -19%
Older Mercedes have the reputation of being absolute tanks that just keep going, and going, and going. One of the cars key to establishing that reputation was the venerable W123-based Turbo Diesel wagon. Simply put, those with fewer than 200,000 miles are considered to be “just broken in.” However, it hasn’t been until recently that these cars experienced a sort of renaissance, as enthusiasts began viewing them as collector items rather than mere thrifty economy machines.
As a result, and much like we seen with the Volvo 240, these 300TDs have shot up in value. Chief among them have been lower-mile cars, with buyers willing to pay in the $50,000–$60,000 range for select examples. But what goes up must come down, and these 300TDs have settled, with the very best ones dropping by 19 percent. It is uncertain if this is a one-time fall, or if the rapidly expanded market for the 300TD is coming back to reality. Time will tell.
I happen to be in the market for a new/newer car, so I was curious what that activity looked like on BaH.
2023 Model year listing in the past six months:
Sold: 227
RNM: 167
Withdrawn: 5
If the success rate is that craptastic, why are they doing it?
2023 Model year listing in the past six months:
Sold: 227
RNM: 167
Withdrawn: 5
If the success rate is that craptastic, why are they doing it?
This low-mile 300E sold on MB Market in October 2023 for $12,500:
https://thembmarket.com/1989-mercedes-benz-300e-3
Then, it was listed 2 months later on BaHaT and sold for $12,750 in December 2023:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-mercedes-benz-300e-15/#comments
This comment appeared today...
Feb 4 at 2:56 PM LarryM
This car is now for sale on a different auction site [Cars-n-Bidz]; the seller says the deal was never consummated here because the buyer was unable to come up with the funds. @bringatrailer could you please update us?
And, now the car is listed on Douggie's Deals... by the same dealer in Miami, FL. 4 days left. Third time is the charm? Maybe? I'm shocked Doug let this in with a reserve.https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3vVkODak/1989-mercedes-benz-300e-sedan
To gsxr's point...
This 992 Targa currently running through CnB (with Reserve)
carsandbids.com
Went RNM on BaH in October. Same seller
bringatrailer.com
It probably should have gone on to a new owner via that BaH auction.... $164+5K vig was at least market.
This 992 Targa currently running through CnB (with Reserve)
2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4S - 443-hp Twin-Turbo Flat-6, AWD, Sport Chrono Package
This 2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4S is for sale on Cars & Bids! Auction ends February 5 2024.
Went RNM on BaH in October. Same seller
2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4S
Bid for the chance to own a 2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4S at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #123,525.
It probably should have gone on to a new owner via that BaH auction.... $164+5K vig was at least market.
Not worth a FULL punch list - but for that price, it's definitely got some things they should fix
This low-mile 300E sold on MB Market in October 2023 for $12,500:
https://thembmarket.com/1989-mercedes-benz-300e-3
Then, it was listed 2 months later on BaHaT and sold for $12,750 in December 2023:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-mercedes-benz-300e-15/#comments
This comment appeared today...
Feb 4 at 2:56 PM LarryMThis car is now for sale on a different auction site [Cars-n-Bidz]; the seller says the deal was never consummated here because the buyer was unable to come up with the funds. @bringatrailer could you please update us?And, now the car is listed on Douggie's Deals... by the same dealer in Miami, FL. 4 days left. Third time is the charm? Maybe? I'm shocked Doug let this in with a reserve.
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3vVkODak/1989-mercedes-benz-300e-sedan
View attachment 183679
- On the grille, someone needs to push that bottom right horizontal molding over so it's flush against the vertical piece
- There's some kind of aftermarket LED installed by the headlamp switch?! Listing says no mods, but prior owner definitely did something.
- The rear view mirror is toast - chunks of plastic are broken off it.
- Wood is UV worn - needs refinishing.
- Outer antenna grommet missing.
- Nobody bothered to fill in the holes from the previously installed car phone.
- Later model year carpets put on top of the stock carpeting. Would be nice to show the ACTUAL carpeting which is underneath.
- Paint drops or grease / etc on the door sills.
- Dirty or discolored dead pedal. Someone get this person a Mr Clean Magic Eraser!
- Wheels are either dirty or scratched up. If dirty, this person is lazy.
- Missing the protective cover (also helps reduce sound) that should be under the body. 300E / 400E / 500E would have 1 I believe; diesel has a second one. Those are NLA as far as I know.
- Rust not terrible underneath - but definitely needs to be addressed (at least to assess how bad it is).
Unlike the punch list on a 500E, I'm not sure these items are worth fixing on a 300E. Unless you really love the car and do it yourself (like me and the 300D). Good news is - the auction shows it coming with all the shop manuals
It would cost a fortune to have a shop fix everything that honestly needs fixing - and fixing them wouldn't really increase the value of the car IMO.
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For the past couple of years, any links to this site posted in auction comments have been grounds for censoring said post. Usually people just say something like “look at the 500E board” or something to that effect to get around the censorship.
I believe this is because multiple sellers had complained HaT in the past about punch lists and historical threads about cars for sale, posted on this site.
Remember, the “sunshine” historical commentary on various cars, posted on this site, sometimes going back decades, is often antithetical to the narrative that sellers want to build up about their cars and how perfect they are. Sunshine always disinfects and provides light and transparency.
PunchLists provide an informed guide on a car’s condition, modifications and flaws to uneducated potential buyers.
So yea, this site is viewed by HaT as a threat to their ability to maximize sales revenue for the E500Es they list.
Of course, any buyer who has half a brain is going to Google the VIN of any car they are considering bidding on or purchasing. And this site’s excellent SEO properties guarantees they will find the car on this site, if it’s ever come up for sale in the past.
15+ years of this site has given this site coverage and history on a very high percentage of these cars, and it grows higher by the year.
I would say that there are very few cars out there (especially MBs) that are tracked so closely by VIN number.
I believe this is because multiple sellers had complained HaT in the past about punch lists and historical threads about cars for sale, posted on this site.
Remember, the “sunshine” historical commentary on various cars, posted on this site, sometimes going back decades, is often antithetical to the narrative that sellers want to build up about their cars and how perfect they are. Sunshine always disinfects and provides light and transparency.
PunchLists provide an informed guide on a car’s condition, modifications and flaws to uneducated potential buyers.
So yea, this site is viewed by HaT as a threat to their ability to maximize sales revenue for the E500Es they list.
Of course, any buyer who has half a brain is going to Google the VIN of any car they are considering bidding on or purchasing. And this site’s excellent SEO properties guarantees they will find the car on this site, if it’s ever come up for sale in the past.
15+ years of this site has given this site coverage and history on a very high percentage of these cars, and it grows higher by the year.
I would say that there are very few cars out there (especially MBs) that are tracked so closely by VIN number.
Yep - the odometer doesn't align with overall condition on this one.
The recent exchange (below) is humorous. There's visible, significant corrosion on some areas of the exhaust and FlipperDealer® is trying to brush off the questions. Read from bottom up. I didn't know surface rust isn't rust! Who knew?
Motorsport1821 Seller
Re: saneni123
On 189-192, the gold color on the exhaust coming out of the engine is the actual color of the exhaust, not rust.
Motorsport1821 Seller
Re: atlcnb01
Suspension isn’t rusted. Just some of the hardware has surface rust. Car has spent all of its life in Texas and the last 6 years in Florida.
saneni123 Bidder
Does anyone have an idea of what it might cost to fix the rust on the exhaust system / replace it? Looking at the photos from 189-195 it looks like it could grow to be a real problem.
saneni123 Bidder
Re: atlcnb01
I can see in photos 189-195ish there does seem to be some rust on the springs. Unless I’m looking at it wrong
Also, the hood is missing the passenger side rubber seal, AND the center rubber seal. There are no good photos showing the VIN decals on the front fenders... but the hood makes me wonder if the front-end sheet metal is original. Upper radiator support decals are present though, which is good. Oh, the rear subframe bushings are totally collapsed. Perhaps the last 2 buyers saw the car in person and walked away?
The not-rusted 300E that just has rust, which had failed sales on MBM and BaHaT at ~$12k, went RNM at Doug's place... bid to $8700.
Where next? PCar market, or Barn Finds?
carsandbids.com
Where next? PCar market, or Barn Finds?
1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan - ~51,300 Miles, 3.0-Liter 6-Cylinder, Mostly Unmodified, Southern-Owned
This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan is for sale on Cars & Bids! Auction ends February 9 2024.
Why would this car even come close to these bids? Are people just bidding blindly?The not-rusted 300E that just has rust, which had failed sales on MBM and BaHaT at ~$12k, went RNM at Doug's place... bid to $8700.
Where next? PCar market, or Barn Finds?
1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan - ~51,300 Miles, 3.0-Liter 6-Cylinder, Mostly Unmodified, Southern-Owned
This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan is for sale on Cars & Bids! Auction ends February 9 2024.
View attachment 183882
'99 E55 AMG goes for $7800 + BAT fees.
Ratty and needs paint but original Socal car...
bringatrailer.com
Ratty and needs paint but original Socal car...
No Reserve: 1999 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1999 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #137,462.
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