1991 Mercedes 350SDL for parts

Make:	Mercedes-Benz
Model:	300-Series
SubModel:	350 SDL
Type:	Sedan
Year:	1991
Mileage:	261,638
VIN:	WDBCB35D6MA560706
Color:	White
Engine:	OM603 6Cyl. 3.5L Turbo
Cylinders:	6
Fuel:	Diesel
Transmission:	Automatic
Drive type:	RWD
Interior color:	Tan
Vehicle Title:	Clear
Item location:	Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

1991 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series Additional Info:

Please read this ad carefully, as most questions you may have are probably already answered.
I have been a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast since owning my first turbodiesel back in the early 1990s and came across this car during my recent search again for this era (mid-80s to early 90s) Mercedes. I bought it intending to use it as a parts car for my once and future projects (or to part it out to others) as many of the parts can be used on other W126 and W124 300-series Mercedes spanning several years.
This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL turbodiesel at the time represented the pinnacle of Mercedes luxury and opulence. This is the last year for this model using the W126 chassis which in my opinion is perhaps the most beautiful of all the Benz designs over the years.
This car has the 3.5 liter OM603.97x 6-cylinder diesel engine, often called the "rod-bender" due to some issues early on. Most of those stories live on as wives tales in my opinion, as by now there are plenty of these engines that never exhibited problems. This car was one of the "good ones" proven by the fact that it has well over 260,000 documented miles with no engine issues during its life, it appears, until recently.
After getting the car back home I went over it thoroughly to see what I actually bought. The car does not run and apparently the engine has a blown head gasket. I can easily tell that this car was loved and pampered by its early owners (the first 20+ years) as the car is rust free and the interior is good condition. Apparently, the last owner or two (since 2016) were complete morons and added some minor body damage (repaired as a moron would do it, see pics).
Overall the interior and exterior components are in very good condition. The dash panel has no cracks or scratches of any kind, rather remarkable if you know older Mercedes like this one. All the wood trim on the dash, door panels and center console is intact and looks good. The thick leather seats are all in very good condition with no cracks, rips or tears. The driver's seat shows little wear and is very firm and does not sag or feel worn out at all. All the dash and door switches are as expected and appear to be in good condition. All the windows appear to be original Mercedes glass without cracks or scratches. All four doors work as expected (except one, as noted) and have the unmistakable solid Mercedes feel and sound (like closing a vault door). The driver's side passenger door has the window stuck in the down position (most likely the regulator) and the door check strap appears to be sticking, not allowing that door to fully open. All doors, trunk and hood separations appear correct and evenly spaced. All four interior door panels look good and are fully intact with no issues. The brake calipers are not frozen and the brakes work fine (even without power assist). The previous owner removed the radio from the car so it's not included.
Before buying the car I pulled a CarFax report which shows two minor fender benders early in the life of this car which were not enough to affect the title or value at the time and were professionally repaired. Please note that the CarFax report I pulled shows Mercedes service records for this car which are omitted from the AutoCheck report included with this listing. I can email the CarFax report on request.
In addition to original Mercedes maintenance records which come with this car, the CarFax report shows the car was often serviced by a Mercedes dealer in the Atlanta area. The last time this car was serviced at Mercedes, showing it was actually running, was January 2017. By then, idiots owned this car and contributed the minor body damage shown in the photos, and they spray painted the original Mercedes wheels white -- clearly done by someone who disrespected this car. Otherwise the wheels appear to be in good shape, and the car has a full-size spare included. The aluminum hood unfortunately has some minor recent denting. As I said: morons. It's sad to see a car like this disrespected so much.
This car was originally bought in Atlanta, GA and remained in that area its entire life until I acquired it for parts. Being a southern car all its life, I could find no rust issues anywhere on the car beyond minor surface rust mostly in the trunk gasket area.
I have a clear and clean SC Title in-hand.
Included with the car is the original owner's manual and all detailed service records for its first 150,000 miles as performed by Mercedes-Benz, all contained in the original zip-up leather binder. The car also includes one Mercedes-branded ignition key. And, as with all Mercedes, this car includes free Lifetime Roadside Assistance from Mercedes-Benz for the life of the car. Not that you'll ever get to use it :)
After going over the car I decided not to part it out because as an overall unit, it is one of the nicer parts cars I have ever come across. There remain literally tons of usable and serviceable engine, body, chassis and interior parts on this car. Or, for someone who has a spare OM603 engine laying around, could maybe bring this car back to life (doubtful, but possible). All of the engine components, including the vacuum system, appear to be in place and look as they should. Since the car was documented as running fine in January 2017, I assume the transmission may in all likelihood be working and serviceable.
I have shown the car what love I can give it and have cleaned it inside and out to show what it has to offer, and have cleaned and conditioned the leather seats (with Lexol) as they should be done in these cars. I have also lightly cleaned the engine compartment (for what it's worth, even a dead Mercedes engine deserves some respect). This car still has something to offer ... I don't believe it's quite ready for Mercedes heaven yet LOL. It can give new life by way of donor parts to other Mercedes to help keep them going for a long while.
Car is offered AS-IS without any warranty, express or implied. I am representing it as a parts car only. I am asking $1200 cash but feel free to make a reasonable offer. I've attempted to be open and honest as I can about this car, but feel free to ask any questions you have and you will receive serious answers from me. If you want specific photos taken, just ask.
I am located in Spartanburg, SC and am a real, live human being. I am NOT a car flipper or a dealer. I am simply trying to recover what I have spent acquiring the car and transporting it to South Carolina. I could easily recover that in parts and crush value alone but prefer to leave it intact for others who have ongoing restoration projects.
Whoever buys this car must be prepared to come with a car carrier. There is no battery with the car so if you wish to check out the electric components you will need to bring your own battery. As mentioned, I will be happy to answer any questions or to take any additional photos on request from any serious interested person.
Many thanks for looking, and Blessings to you.
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UPDATE: I was asked by email if I had attempted to start the car and if the air conditioning works. I had determined the head gasket was blown by no coolant being in the reservoir, and a very strong odor of burnt oil and exhaust fumes coming from the reservoir. To me that is NOT good and a sure simple sign of a blown head gasket. I have not attempted to start or drive the car so can only represent this as a parts car. Perhaps this engine is rebuildable but I have my doubts but anything is possible. Also, I looked for any indication the air conditioning had been updated but all I see is the original sticker showing the car was still using the old R-12 coolant. Please feel free to ask any more questions and I will do my best to answer. Thanks.