Basic information and history

The Mercedes-Benz L 508 D belongs to the series of light trucks and vans built in Düsseldorf, popularly known as the Düsseldorfer. The model family was introduced in the late 1960s and lived on well into the 1980s, which says something about how sound the basic design was. The L 508 D represented the top of the range with its four-cylinder pre-chamber diesel from the OM 314 family, a slow-revving and tough workhorse that would rather grind on than rev out.

It is precisely the combination of a sturdy frame construction, high load capacity, and a box body with generous interior dimensions that has made these vehicles obvious favourites among those seeking a classic base for a motorhome build. This example is a 1979 Mercedes-Benz L 508 DGE box van that has been fitted out for living, thereby combining the character of a utility vehicle with practical camping functionality.

The vehicle was sold new in Sweden and has had five owners. The odometer reading is 23,000 km, a figure the seller cannot guarantee, which is entirely normal for a vehicle of this age and type. According to the seller, the car is in original condition and is currently tax-exempt due to its age. The seller states that the vehicle has passed inspection, with the most recent inspection carried out in the summer of 2026.

Equipment and options

• Gas stove
• Refrigerator running on gas, 12V or 230V
• Electric water pump for the kitchen tap
• Fresh water tank of 130 litres
• Grey water tank of 35 litres with external drain
• Trelino toilet, purchased in 2024
• Two spotlights in the ceiling
• Airmaxx fan
• Solar panels, 2 x 140 W with an MPPT controller from Victron
• Inverter with 230V socket
• Separate leisure battery
• Connection for shore power

In addition to the living quarters' equipment, a number of measures have been carried out recently. The vehicle has been fitted with new door handles, locks, and keys, as well as a new ignition with corresponding keys. During the winter of 2024, entirely new tyres were fitted at a stated value of approximately SEK 22,000, though the images in the listing show the previous tyres. Furthermore, a new battery has been installed, and the brakes have been bled and cleaned, fitted with new brake cylinders, and given new brake fluid.

Condition

The paint and bodywork are described by the seller as being in good condition, as are the windows. The vehicle is stated to be in original condition, giving an honest overall impression for a work vehicle of this model year.

The interior is, according to the seller, in good condition, as are the dashboard and headliner. All seatbelts function.

The tyres and wheels are assessed to be in good condition, and as mentioned, the tyres were replaced with new ones in the winter of 2024.

The engine and gearbox are described as being in good condition, the clutch works, and the gearbox is said to shift without issue. The brakes, which have recently been fitted with new brake cylinders and new brake fluid, are also assessed to be in good condition. The exterior lighting works.

Service history

The vehicle is stated not to have a full service history, and there are no receipts or other documentation to substantiate the service record. What is known regarding more recent work is what the seller describes, namely a brake overhaul with new brake cylinders and new brake fluid, a new battery, new ignition, and new locks, handles, and keys. In addition, there are the new tyres from the winter of 2024 and a passed inspection according to the seller. After the next inspection, the car will remain exempt from inspection requirements for all time going forward.

Summary

A Mercedes-Benz L 508 DGE from the 1979 model year, sold new in Sweden and in stated original condition, with a living area already equipped for self-sufficient travel through solar panels, an inverter, gas operation, and a separate leisure battery. The bodywork, interior, and drivetrain are consistently described as being in good condition, and the vehicle has been fitted with new tyres along with an overhauled braking system.

For anyone who appreciates the robust construction of the Düsseldorf transporter and wants to take over a project with a completed living conversion, here is a classic workhorse with clear conditions disclosed from the outset.