Just found dads 95 E300D with only 10k Kilometers
08-20-2008 | 10:30 AM
#1
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9
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Just found dads 95 E300D with only 10k Kilometers
So the story begins like this on a sunny island in the caribbean; in 1995 my dad ordered an E300 Diesel manual from Germany to replace his 1973 280. I'm not sure of the color but it looks like a midnight blue or some other dark blue.
On the island there are not many places to go with such a car and he mostly drove it to weddings and other special occasions, or took house guests to the local casinos or resorts in it.
In 1998 he went through a messy divorce with his wife at the time and had the car stored in an undisclosed location to avoid being taken. In 1999 he became ill and came to the states for better medical coverage where he remained until his passing earlier this year. We took him to be buried in his homeland. During the funeral his godson came to me to tell me the divorce story and that the car has actually been stored at his mom's house for the last 10 years and what did I want to do with it. I told him just leave it there until I had time to come back in the summer. So recently I went back and he took me to the car. He said he used to start it occasionally but left home 2 years ago so no-one has looked over it in over 2 years. All of the original tires were flat and the exteriour although in good condition was dull in color. The interiour was like new and the dash had barely over 10k kilometers. The engine was dirty and had a few cobwebs but looked decent. I checked the oil and it was real black but didn't look like it had broke down. We went to buy a gallon of diesel and borrowed a battery to see if it would still just start. I said lets just see if it will start to know it theres any major work it would need. after turning the key to on waiting a minute after the glow light went out I gave it a crank and Voila on the first crank I heard the wonderful sound of the diesel. I turned it off after 10 seconds since I just wanted to verify there were no issues.
So now I have to decide what to do with it. Its being flatbedded back to my dad's home where I plan to give it a good work over and detailing. I would love to bring it back to the states but I'm not sure if it will pass US DOT specs since it was never intended to be sold here.
So I had a couple of questions for the forum.
1) I watch these car auction shows and was wondering if I store it here could it be collectible after another 15 or more years.
2) I plan to change all fluids and belts and was wondering what other items should be replaced. I know the motor is solid and they run forever but what basic maintenace steps should I take.
3) If I do decide to sell because I can't ship it over what could be a fair price. I don't normally go with KBB values since I've owned a supra and the demand shows they sell for more than list prices. a local already offered us 15k the way it is.
Sorry for the long reading but thanks in advance for your comments and interest.
On the island there are not many places to go with such a car and he mostly drove it to weddings and other special occasions, or took house guests to the local casinos or resorts in it.
In 1998 he went through a messy divorce with his wife at the time and had the car stored in an undisclosed location to avoid being taken. In 1999 he became ill and came to the states for better medical coverage where he remained until his passing earlier this year. We took him to be buried in his homeland. During the funeral his godson came to me to tell me the divorce story and that the car has actually been stored at his mom's house for the last 10 years and what did I want to do with it. I told him just leave it there until I had time to come back in the summer. So recently I went back and he took me to the car. He said he used to start it occasionally but left home 2 years ago so no-one has looked over it in over 2 years. All of the original tires were flat and the exteriour although in good condition was dull in color. The interiour was like new and the dash had barely over 10k kilometers. The engine was dirty and had a few cobwebs but looked decent. I checked the oil and it was real black but didn't look like it had broke down. We went to buy a gallon of diesel and borrowed a battery to see if it would still just start. I said lets just see if it will start to know it theres any major work it would need. after turning the key to on waiting a minute after the glow light went out I gave it a crank and Voila on the first crank I heard the wonderful sound of the diesel. I turned it off after 10 seconds since I just wanted to verify there were no issues.
So now I have to decide what to do with it. Its being flatbedded back to my dad's home where I plan to give it a good work over and detailing. I would love to bring it back to the states but I'm not sure if it will pass US DOT specs since it was never intended to be sold here.
So I had a couple of questions for the forum.
1) I watch these car auction shows and was wondering if I store it here could it be collectible after another 15 or more years.
2) I plan to change all fluids and belts and was wondering what other items should be replaced. I know the motor is solid and they run forever but what basic maintenace steps should I take.
3) If I do decide to sell because I can't ship it over what could be a fair price. I don't normally go with KBB values since I've owned a supra and the demand shows they sell for more than list prices. a local already offered us 15k the way it is.
Sorry for the long reading but thanks in advance for your comments and interest.
Last edited by Blakmoun; 08-20-2008 at 10:33 AM.
08-20-2008 | 11:23 AM
#2
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
go to US customs,
i think should be no problem you bring it to US...
i import some car to US.. not bad.. just pay the import tax.. and may be some part you have to replace... to match US spec... thats all i think..
tks
steve
i think should be no problem you bring it to US...
i import some car to US.. not bad.. just pay the import tax.. and may be some part you have to replace... to match US spec... thats all i think..
tks
steve
08-20-2008 | 01:23 PM
#3
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park, Illinois
1994 E320 (current)
Once in a lifetime opportunity. If it were me that thing would be in my garage as soon as possible. The car itself is a gem but then it has some ties with Dad that would make the car even more valueable to me. Can you say "Sunday driver"
08-20-2008 | 04:28 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I, too live on a sunny island in the Caribbean. My wife works for a shipping company here so I may be able to find the answers to specific questions you may have about shipping. I know you will likely run into lots of red tape. Are you in the BVI? I don't know anything about the rules for shipping there but it could hardly be worse than here in St. Croix. Congrats on your find! 
08-22-2008 | 04:10 PM
#5
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 826
Likes: 4
From: Southeast PA
2010 VW Golf TDI
I feel exactly the same way, except I think I would use it as a daily driver. It will even get good mpg.
08-23-2008 | 11:08 AM
#6
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9
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Thanks guys... I wouldn't mind bringing her over if it isn't too much to transport.
And with such low miles I think I would be inclined to try and keep the mileage very low. Do you think this model will appreciate over time?
what basic maintenance should I perform.. I don't know much about this vehicle.
And with such low miles I think I would be inclined to try and keep the mileage very low. Do you think this model will appreciate over time?
what basic maintenance should I perform.. I don't know much about this vehicle.
