I came across a 350SDL with 218K and they're asking 6950 for it. I know the model has a reputation of being a rod bender and having bad heads. From all the photos I've seen it's in great shape. The owner said it doesn't burn any oil and has no blowby. I'm leary of the 603 engine but it seems like a good price for the car for the condition its supposed to be in. I've heard the bad heads have a casting number 14. Is the 14 part of the head part number? I had the owner get the number and it was P603 016 17 01.
What do you guys think?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

It has the updated #17 head, so, you are probably OK in that regard.

You already know the deal with the rods. There is no way to know if that specific engine will ever bend a rod, or whether it will go to 500K with no issues.

If it bends a rod, you are looking at between $6K and $8K to fix it.

350s came with the -17- head.

If a PPI including compression and leak-down tests checks out, go for it. Rod problems usually occur well before 218K miles.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

That's something I would hope it would never do and is the only thing that scares me about the car. Let's say if it did, I would drop a 617 in it.
How's the price sound?
The owner is aware that his model has the reputation of being a rod bender but it isn't the reason why he's selling it.
Is this model OK for running WVO?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Should do fine with WVO.

Price seems reasonable but price varies widely by region. A running 350SDL with cold AC in this area would be on craigslist for 15 minutes.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I don't think you would be happy with a 617 in it. Plus, it's not really setup for that. I believe that you would need to swap the trans as well.

If the worst happened, you could seek out a 3L 603 from the '86-'87 SDL. You would transfer your existing head to the older engine. The cost would be not more than $2K.

The price seems about right for a vehicle with the mileage as indicated. With fewer miles, they typically run well above $10K.

lietuvai, Most likely if this car was gong to bend the rods it would have done so already, well before this mileage. I guarentee you'll love the 603 over the 617. Just about everyone else who's made the jump agrees.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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You guys worry to much, if the car is in good shape buy it and enjoy. The 603 even the 3.5 is a fine engine.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I would buy it. $7K is not a bad price for the 350. I also concur with others posting replies about dropping in the 617 engine. Don't even bother. Everyone talks about how reliable that engine is and how nothing compares to it for reliability. I used to subscribe to that - until I realized that it's all relative. My dad has a '91 300E with 290,000 miles on it and the engine runs like a champ. My 300 SDL has 222,000 miles. My point being that the non-617 engines will also last forever. There may be be more repair issues, but how many other vehicles last that long? I would never go back to a 617 engine. It's just too nice have a more powerful, quiet and refined engine.

It sounds like the rest of the car is in good condition. If the interior is in good shape, any $$ you would spend restoring that could be saved for the (unlikely) event of engine trouble. I am very partial to the interiors in the 1989+ 126s. I like the folded leather on the door panels and the seats are a quantum leap in comfort and appearance. They look like a much more modern vehicle - not a 70s throwback. I am actually converting my interior to match the later 126s.

A last item. That car very likely has a passenger side airbag. I wish I could provide that protection to my wife when she rides in the car. I love my car, but if I could do it over, I would have bought a 350 SDL, problems notwithstanding.

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Casey Cooper
"From a long line of Mercedes ownership"

'86 300SDL 250K miles (Gone, but not forgotten); best diesel I have ever driven, too bad about the Achilles heel.

'81 240D 370K miles (Sold to my brother after 9 years and 150K miles of reliable driving!)

[Five other Mercedes in family clipped for less length.]

ccooper, you said it just as I would have...

Thanks
David

P.S.
I'm still wrestling trying to get that wiring harness out of the junked 500. I have 2.5 weeks till I move away to college and I wanted this done before that. I may put it off though till next year when I'll see the car again.

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Sounds like it'd be worthwhile. I'll see if I can take a look at it this weekend.
Thanks guys!

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

I'm going down this afternoon to look at it. It's going to be about a 3 hr drive to go see it. I hope it'll be worth it. Maybe I'll come back with it.
Watch my signature.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

I'm on the edge of my seat here!

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Hey DJ, what did you think of the car? You must not have bought it as I noticed that he just lowered the price another $200 to $6750. I am going to be in that part of Washington next week and was thinking about stopping to check it out...but I don't think its the right car for me. Anyway I would be interested in hearing your report.

Perry

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1970 280SE Cab
1983 300D Euro 4-speed
past MB's:
1971 280SE 3.5 s/r
1981 300D
1985 300TD
1987 300TD