Originally Posted by sixto

300D was not sold in the US in 86. Is it a Euro 86 or mistitled 87?

86 has less electronic engine control. Easier to disable EGR and ARV (for diagnostics purposes only, of course). Original head is susceptible to terminal head cracking if overheated. Fastest MB Diesel until the 98-99 E300 turbo.

91 has a passenger side airbag. Some have bad timing chains which was probably what necessitated the engine rebuild. If it worries you, it's a simple matter to roll in a new chain and replace the cam sprocket.

That said, the better deal is the one in better condition corroborated by service records.

AC could be a compressor control issue which is difficult to diagnose but easy to repair, or an evaporator leak which is a bunch of unpleasant work. If AC is a requirement, see if you can get a sense of what you're up against as part of the PPI. You are going to have them checked by a reputable independent shop, right?

My gut says that someone who lives in Mississippi and doesn't have AC either doesn't have the budget to properly care for these cars or lives an unhot corner of the state

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0 - comatose