Charles:

My brother has an 87 300SDL, I have an 87 300DT. His is about a foot and a half longer, at least 8 inches wider, and about 800 lbs heavier. Otherwise they are very similar.

He gets about 28-29 mpg, I get 33 or so (same engine and tranny), but he just got the trap oxidizer removed and is waiting on a new turbo, so may do better when everything is fixed.

The W126 is probably the best MB every made -- very reliable, very comfortable, a great pleasure to drive, easy to park, and have good performance. Since they are heavier than the W123, they ride a little better, too.

The only drawback to the 300SD/SDL is that they are slower than the 300D/DT.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!