Heres the deal: I have an 84 300SD, 222K, original trans, some wear and tear such as rust spots developing (small tho) on the two front doors near the center molding at the front of the door. Also a leaking trunk, and just had to replace a rear control arm due to it being completely rusted through. My dad has gained possession of an 85 500 SEL with 227K. Its mine as long as I'm willing to spend some time helping replace the trans and AC compressor. The downsides to the car are the following: 227 K miles on a non diesel engine (I don't know much about the reliability of the gas models compared to my diesel), need to replace trans, ac compressor; the dash has severe cracks compared to mine, but the wood is basically in the exact same condition (bowing up in the center behind the steering column, missing the piece over the passenger side vent on the side) but it is of the burl walnut variety instead of whatever standard fare i seem to have. There isn't any rust on the doors, but there is some on the back (I can't remember if it was on the trunk lid or below, I'll check it out again soon); the hood is dented in. Overall, if the cars were new, it'd be a big step up with features such as all four seats being heated, power headrests, longer, much faster, working alarm. I could trade trunk lids, and hoods with my current car (not sure about the trans or AC tho). What do you all think?

DAMN! THAT SOUNDS SO DANGEROUS

I feel that if you make the trade it will become a classic example of the reason why you should never break the rule (should be a law), don’t do business with friends or family.

Both of these cars lives are limited and when the first one dies the one with the car that died first is going to heavily regret making the trade, and could feel cheated.

I would point this out to the stepfather as a good reason for not making the deal regardless of the condition of his car. This way you wouldn’t be insulting his scrap yard bound SEL.

Oh wow, I must have made it sound like it was a shady stepfather sort of deal. This is my real dad, and this wouldn't cost me a cent, he owns a european auto shop and happened to have it lying around. Basically the only stipulation was that I threw some elbow greese at it. I prob should have made it clear it was basically a free thing to do, so I'm just wondering if its worth the time and effort, or should I just drive the SD until its dead (with relatively little hassle). Also, as I live far away while I'm at college, I was wondering if the 500 would cause me trouble more often than the SD (which isn't that often, aside from superficial items).

Ahhh knowing that it looks much better. It is still a hard choice. On one hand the SEL could look better and have less issues if you put some work into it, but on the other hand it has a V8 gas drinking engine that could be nearer to death than the diesel.

If this is possible and others in here should know, I would (since you have to pull the trans anyway) swap power plants. Put your SD engine and trans in the SEL along with the other things on the SD that were better.

You could make a great car with the set.

Sounds like your 300SD is a nice car. Is rust the only problem with it? How about keep them both.

You are right- if it was the year 1986- it would be a HUGE "step up", since the 500SEL is a longer car and was more expensive when new. Now though, the diesels seem to be worth a bit more when compared to the gas models.

From what I have seen, the gas models can also go well over 250K, if properly maintained. Timing chain and components seem to be major concerns. Make sure it is OK, as well as the parts that hold it in place.

Do you have photos of both of the cars in question?

I'll probably get blasted for what I am about to say on the diesel fourm.
I have an 84 500SEL and a 91 300D 2.5 turbo. I drive the 300D as a daily driver and save the 500 for special ocassions like trips and such. Both cars are in very good condition and both run great. If however I had to chose one over the other, I wouldn't trade my 84 500SEL for two 91 300D's. The 500SEL is a great car, and worth the extra fuel cost.
This is just my opion.
And I still do love my 300D, just not as much as the 500SEL.

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

It's not crazy to expect 400-500k plus miles from a well maintained 5 cylinder 617 diesel. I don't know a gasser of any brand I'd bet on going that far. My advice : don't do the trade. By the way, the diesel will get way better mileage and cost less to run, even with $2.50 per gallon diesel.

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rdsw
Salem, NH
1984 300SD, 260k miles and counting

I agree twith rdsw. You are going into another 20 year' old car and you know your's best. Hold on to it, remove all rust, protect it, drive it, enjoy it and if you can afford, get a second one. After all this time, don't let go of an automobile you have nutured up to where it stands today. 500 SEL, btw, where all 'grey' market imports and you will face another set of issues with those words alone. My 2 cents

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"Schwarzbraun ist die Haselnuss":

1979 300D 234.000 Miles "Brownie"
daily driver,
1979 6.9 Sundays to the Tavern
and car shows "Big Brownie"

Not all 84 and 85 500SEL's are gray market. My 84 is a US car, with all the emission systems. I know because it has a US serial number.

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

I wouldn't doubt if you see more high mileage 500SEL's than you do SD's. Seriously, that gas V8 will probably outlast a 617. 617's get up in the 300,000s to early 400,000 and they need some serious help to get them started as they have lost significant compression. I was talking to an MB mech and he said the only MB V8 he's had to do bottom end work was on a 500 with 500K miles and they just did rings. Yes, the 617 is robust for the 300K-400K miles that they last, but their V8's keep on trucking. I know I'll get flamed but if you foudn people with experience in both, they'll say the same thing. The down side I would see with the 500 would be engine electronics such as idle sensors, fuel injection, etc. the sort of things that break or wear out after 20 years. besides, the extra wheelbase makes it all worthwhile. I just sold an SD because I moved up to an SDL, and I don't know how I ever lived with the SWB, there is just no room!

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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i agree with the previous post i think. i have a 500sec and have had loads of mb diesels, and have four at present. the 500 engine is pretty bulletproof too if it has had reasonalbe care. it will use more gas. if i had to choose i would choose based on the condition of all the sub systems and cosmetics and whether fuel consumption was a big thing to me. both engines are very very robust.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.