Need Advice on a 87-300sdl

[dazsa]

I am looking at an 87-300sdl turbo diesel. I own a 84-300D that I love (I am a new MB diesel guy).

The 87 looks great, no rust, everything works (including the ACC), no leaks, and the interior is good shape.

My only concern is the miles: 290K

He wants $2700.

What kind of life can I expect out this motor and tranny...if it is in good shape now? I realize that I will need to have a MB mechanic look at it, but what is the overall consensus for long range viability? And, is the price fair?

Thanks, Don
(Converted Volvo owner)

[greasybenz]

WOW sounds like a good price, and in the condition you described it sounds very well maintained.

As for reliability they arent bullet-proof as the older 617 diesels like the one in your 84 300D. But they are more powerful, quieter, and get better fuel mileage.

If well kept you should go for another 200K i would think, anoyone else want to chime in?

[TX76513]

It's all about what kind of maintenance it has had - and what kind of maintenance it will get. You will love a 126 comming from a 123 and your experience with the 123 should guide you well in evaluating the 126. It's a great price - suppose it's one of those desired color combo's like Black and Silver also?

[dazsa]

Thanks for the info. I can't be sure of all of the maintenance, but it outshines any of the other used MB's I've seen lately. It will get close attention and maintenance from me. I got into MB's because I wanted another vehicle that I could do most of the work.

The color is the dark blue with light gray interior.

I just want it to last for another 100-125K with a minimum of MAJOR rebuilding. The normal stuff I expect. Am I being naive and overly optimistic?

Thanks again, Don

[TX76513]

Dark Blue - sweet
Go with your gut - the mileage you want is obtainable. My SD has +350K and very strong. The engine should get most of your attention, compression test, valve adjustment, etc. Blowing an engine can hurt the maintenance budget. Are you buying with your heart or head - and there is no wrong answer to that question. It just helps you deal with the unexpected if you are buying with your heart.

[dazsa]

TX,

Good insight and info. I want to buy something nice for my wife (and I don't have a lot of $). She likes driving the 84-300D and is looking forward to one of her own. But, I also need to be smart with any purchase. So, the head and heart divide is blurred. I have an oppurtunity for an older 300sdl (an 81 with 214K) and in good shape but that guy wants $2500 (very well maintained).

The 87 just seems like a smarter buy except for the miles...what to do...what to do.

Again, any wisdom on these choices for my selection is appreciated.

Don

[Hatterasguy]

No such thing as a 1980 300SDL

They were made two years 1986-87 about 6,500 examples per year, strickly a North American model as well.

290k is getting up their, is the trans original? If it is I would be surprised if you didn't have to do it at some point.

603's are real tough, as long as it was taken care of it should run for quite a while longer. But almost 300k is a lot, all bets are off really. If you plan on keeping it for awhile it owuld probably be a good idea to do the timing chain, tensioner, and a few of the rails.

As far as the car has the front end been rebuilt? W126's typically require the front ends to be redone at around 200k miles or they start to get a bit sloppy.

If you can find someone who really knows these cars to go over it, it may be a good buy at that price. The trick is to find someone who knows what to look for.

[dazsa]

Hatteras Guy,

It is an '81-300sd. My bad. Thanks for the 87 info. I like the low miles on the 81-300sd, but it is an 81. It has been cared for. The 87 is newer but an unknown and a lot of miles.

Right now, unless I can be more comfortable with the miles issue, I will probably go with the 81.

Correct my thinking, if it needs to be.

Don

[Hatterasguy]

Well they are different cars. Personaly I think the later diesel W126's are all around better driving cars.

I also dislike the way the 617 is laid out, much prefer to wrench on my 603.

At this point they are both old high mileage cars. I'd buy whatever one was in the best shape that you like more.

Also MB odo's break constently, so just because it says XX miles on the dash doesn't mean it isn't twice that. This is where service records and condition come in.

Really with these older cars its very often mileage unknown.

[bud640]

Originally Posted by dazsa

TX,

Good insight and info. I want to buy something nice for my wife (and I don't have a lot of $). She likes driving the 84-300D and is looking forward to one of her own. But, I also need to be smart with any purchase. So, the head and heart divide is blurred. I have an oppurtunity for an older 300sdl (an 81 with 214K) and in good shape but that guy wants $2500 (very well maintained).

The 87 just seems like a smarter buy except for the miles...what to do...what to do.

Again, any wisdom on these choices for my selection is appreciated.

Don

I would go for the 81. Have a 81 Wagon, must have 360K on it runs like a top.

[sixto]

For me it would boil down to history and condition. The SD is a better bet for the money based on my interpretation of what you've shared. The SDL is a great deal for the price because it would still be a good deal if you had to put a couple thousand dollars into it. In this case you have to balance the absence of records with unexpected expenses. Are you and your wife ready for such expense and associated downtime?

Your wife's habits and expectations may provide other considerations. SDs typically have more off the line punch but run out of breath quickly. SDLs need more pedal to get going but continue to pull well beyond freeway speed limits. The SDL rides a little better because of the longer wheelbase and there's no handling penalty over the SD that I can discern. The trouble with the wonderful rear cabin of the SDL is that most afficionados never get to enjoy being back there :/

Sixto

[sixto]

IMO $2500 for a well maintained 81 SD with 214K miles is a deal as well.

Sixto