Is this 1995 Mercedes E 300D for $7,600 a rock solid deal? – Jalopnik

Although it’s touted in its ad as “not a perfect car, but solid and fun to drive,” the presence of a rare five-speed gearbox could make the current Nice Price or No Dice Mercedes a keeper. We’ll have to see how much cash you’re willing to part with for this.

According to Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, the holiday tradition of the ugly but festive sweater can trace its roots back to the 1850s and British military Captain James Thomas Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan. A century later, Jingle Bell knits began to become popular and set the tone. Over the past decade, things have really exploded with the advent (see what I did there?) of ugly sweater contests at office parties and the rise of people seeking their 15 minutes of fame via social media.

I find it disgusting to suggest that VW’s multi-coloured Harlequin models are the automotive equivalent of the ugly holiday sweater. I think that connection speaks for itself. Priced at $10,000, the kitsch of the 1996 VW Polo Harlequin that challenged our aesthetic sensibilities yesterday came across as less cheerful and more money-sucking. The Scrooges among us all thought that price was too excessive, giving the Harlequin a huge ‘No Dice’ loss of 80%.

As proof of Mercedes’ seriousness, we can consider the naming convention for today Mercedes-Benz E300D from 1995. It’s as cold logic as you can imagine, with the E indicating the model’s size class (Executive), the 300 indicating the 3.0 liter displacement and the D indicating that engine’s preference for diesel. It just couldn’t be simpler. That simple nomenclature also ignores one of this W124’s more noticeable features: an extremely rare five-speed manual gearbox behind the smoky six-cylinder.

Despite the somewhat plebeian power, this is a relatively modern engine, with a four-valve-per-cylinder DOHC head made of aluminum and bolted to a cast-iron block. Its presence under the hood is evident from the simple DIESEL emblem on the trunk lid and the five-stage air intake on the right front fender.

The seller says that both the engine and transmission “work fine” and that the car “starts and drives without any problems.” They also highlight the recent replacement of the brake discs, but note that the tires are nearing the end of their life. Another consideration is the W124’s single wiper, which hinges on a cam to impressively reach the corners. That alone should be worth the price of admission.

The cabin is in much better condition and the MBTex upholstery is holding up in Hercules fashion. There’s some significant wear on the center armrest, and the wood on the console in front is dull and a bit wonky, but otherwise there shouldn’t be any complaints here. An aftermarket stereo pretty much ruins the whole factory vibe, but how hard would that be to rectify?

Very few of us have probably been looking for a car like this, but now that we’ve found it, let’s decide if it’s worth the $7,600 asking price as it sits. What is your opinion on this manual W124 diesel engine for that question? Does that feel fair, given the specs and description? Or is it the dents that make you think about ‘hammering out’ a better deal?

You decide!

Nice prize or no dice:

Facebook Marketplace from Rancho Cordova, California, or go here when the ad disappears.

H/T to Rob Jones for the connection!

Help me with a nice prize or no dice. Contact me at robemslie@gmail.com and send a fixed price tip. Don’t forget to include your comment handle.