i may have asked this before somewhere else. if so i appoligize.

I'm just trying to find out what the differences are between the 300D and 300SD.

how much longer is it?
how much heavier than the 300D?
does the 'diesel' mileage differ between them?

thanks,
Austin

Both cars have the same OM617 Engine
-The 300SD is bigger and 100 pounds heavier
-The 300SD and 300D have different transmissions and rear differentials
-The 300SD is faster than the 300D due to its transmission and differential (at least between my brothers 83 300d and my 82 300SD)
-The mileage is "about" the same
-The 300SD is more luxurious and has a better ride
-The 300D is simpler and thus less prone to repair
-The 300SD comes in a standard body and a long body
-Both are great cars although my bias is obvious based on my signature

I believe only the tailhousing (speedo housing) is different because of the electronic sender insted of cable drive. The diff is the same, it's just different axle spacers.

Adsit Co:
Used Differentials - 300DT TO 84 : RATIO 1:3.07
Used Differentials - 300SD TO 85 : RATIO 1:3.07
Transmissions - Rebuilt - 300SD : 1981-85 Part Number: RT-722.303
Transmissions - Rebuilt - 300D Turbo : 1982-85 Part Number: RT-722.315

The SD might be faster due to different tuning or different wear amount between the engines. Or, simply timing. You may just have a faster reaction time.

The 126's are more aerodynamic... the MPG just depends on the engine, i've seen some 300SDs get 25 mpg consistently and some 300Ds that cant crack 20 mpg.

__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

There's a couple of statements I don't agree with.

The transmissions were virtually identical, the rear differentials on both models were exactly identical.
See above, they have the same transmission and differentials. I think your 300D may be slower because it is not as aerodynamically shaped for speed as the W126, or possibly your banjo bolts need cleaning.
No, all 300SDs were the short wheelbase optioned W116 and W126s.

__________________
'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

Thanks for the replies guys... keep em comming.

right now im trying to debate what car i should go for.. heck.. i might just buy a SD and then later on get a 300D. Then i could have the best of both worlds!

ok,,, while we are asking questions what are "banjo bolts". Just curious.

thanks!
Austin

(p.s. forgive my spelling as i am from Louisiana. Our education system sucks.)

the question cannot be accurately answered unless you say what years you are talking about.

300d can be anything from 1976 to 1985 and can be turbo or not. 115 body and 123.

300sd can be anything from about 1979 to 1995 or so. all are turbocharged.
116 126 and 140 body.

and this is talking of us models only.

tom w

__________________
[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.

dont forget a 300SDL w126 chasis. i drove a 420SEL same body with a 4.2 litre v-8.. man it handled like a dream. but it was missing that diesel clatter

Don't forget the 124 300D's in 1987 (603 engine) and the 300D 2.5T 1990-1993 (really 250DT outside the US, 602 engine)

__________________
Dale

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...MG_2277sig.jpg

1990 300D 2.5 Turbo -155k
2000 E430 - 103k
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel 4x4 - 11k
2014 VW Passat TDI SE - 7k Bro's Diesel
2006 E320 CDI - 128k Pop's Benz

Pre-glow - A moment of silence in honor of Rudolph Diesel

If you have the space to keep them, get them both.
By having two, there is always one to drive, even if
one is in for maintenance.

__________________
80 300D 340K Owned 30 yrs
83 300SD 440K Owned 9 yrs - Daily Driver 150mi/day
02 Z71 Suburban 117,000
15 Toyota Prius 2600 miles
00 Harley Sportster 24k
09 Yamaha R6
03 Ninja 250

This is the previous thread:

300D question... what year is best?

Actually, you need three.

One to drive.

One to do deferred and extended maintenance.

One as a backup in case the daily driver breaks down...........

Well I think I am less prone to repair my car, although I agree that the 300D may be less prone to need repairing

Just buggin' yah!

__________________
-----------------
1980 300D 300K KM - parting out
1979 300D 375K KM - parting out
2 300Ds for sale

How true.

You really need two MB's and a Toyota!

MB 1 is in for an extended refit, so you drive MB 2. Then just keep swapping them, as 1 comes out of refit 2 goes in ect.

Then you need the Toyota because they will always start, if the MB currantly in use decides to give you trouble.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

How about two MBs, a POS Jeep (for snow and trips to Home Depot), a motorcycle, and then there's that 914 that's still in pieces all over my garage .