do you think i should buy this sdl???

[calimercedes]

i just found a 87 300sdl. local newspaper.... white/tan 347.000 miles this ride is clean... it had one owner.... its been religously maintainted.... it looks like brand new..its that clean... never had any accidents.. runs like a champ.. im just nervous about the miles... if you look at the car youll think its a 74.000 mile car... she wants 5000 ..i made a offer on it for 3800 she says okay... i dont know if the engine or the trans has ever been redone... it belonged to her husband which died 3 months ago... ive never owned anything but a 81 300sd....would this sdl be as good as the 300sd 5 cylinder engines.. please advise...

[goldenbear]

It's late and no one's chimed in yet with the most helpful advice, so I will. You need to use the search tool. Search for "300sdl" and "603", among others, in the Diesel Forum. You can also search for postings by "GSXR".

There's a wealth of good information to help you make an informed decision.
The mileage wouldn't necessarily scare me away. Hopefully the seller has all the records. If so, that's a tremendous plus to help you understand what has already been done on the vehicle.

Good luck. IMO, there's nothing better than a well maintained 603 (engine number).

Generally, you don't get to 347K without maintenance. If this car was maintained properly and everything is working, and needs nothing, and it is as clean and rust/dent free as you say, I'd think it was worth $3800

Before you buy it, do this:

This is the way I was told by an MB mechanic to check for head cracks....Very important with a OM603 engine to do this.

With the engine cold---#1. Lift hood, #2. Start engine, and immediately grasp the upper radiator hose between your thumb and four fingers. #3. squeeze the hose!

A) If the hose can be squeezed by pinching both sides together for a duration of more than a minute running from cold...........buy it!

B) If the hose begines to build pressure almost immediately, don't walk, but run! You don't want this car.

A cold cooling system is not normally pressurized. If a 603 head has the usual cracks, upon starting the engine, the pistons generate compression. Compression is forced into the cracks thus pressurizing the cooling system very rapidly.

A normal cooling systems will pressurize as heated coolant will expand and this can take several minutes. BB

[Plantman]

If it's as nice as you say, the 347,000 miles are no accident. It's gotten there cause someone cared for that care.

Ask for receipts, spend 120.00 for an indy to check it out and if he says go, run, don't walk to your nearest bank for the cash.

IF IT'S AS CLEAN AS YOU SAY.

Great cars, I am in love with mine, I spent that much to purchase it and will spend at least that much to make it as close to perfect as possible.

Post pics.