My new 300SD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

VegiBenz · #1 07-09-2006, 08:46 AM

Good Morning All. After selling my 300D grease mobile and taking a little profit, I bought an '82 300SD with 281k miles. I flew to Philly from Columbus, took a train then a cab to get to the car. Although it is not perfect and needs a little work, it looks great and performed awesome. I can't believe how much power it has on the road. I drove through all those hills through PA and the car just wanted to do 85 mph. I tried to keep it at about 70-73 but maybe the engine was in its power band there or the turbo started boosting more at that RPM, I don't know, but there was about 10 times that I looked down and I was doing over 80 and couldn't even tell. And I don't mean downhill, it absoloutely did it up hill too. It drove straight and smooth too. Do all of these cars drive so nice? My 300D was nowhere near that powerful on the road. Well I just had to share that. I'm off to get breakfast in the new car. Eric.

Jmana · #2 07-09-2006, 10:09 AM

My SD has a lot of smooth power too. It didn't when I first bought it, it used to slam into gear, but the climate control vacuum pods were shot and leaking, so once I plugged up the lines it shifted like a new car. But unfortunately the ride isn't so smooth, even after replacing rear shocks, ball joints, control arms, and tie rods. You can easily drop a lot of money in a suspension, so you are lucky to have one that still rides smooth.

Jim B. · #3 07-09-2006, 03:39 PM

You would really be amazed at the difference between a '77 240 Diesel automatic and and an '81 300SD automatic. I tried out both a long time ago and the by comparison the 300SD runs away from it, both starting out and at speed. I didn't like the turbo lag on the SD though, after being used to American V8 cars too much.

I am really glad you like your new car. I hope it serves you well. Obviously you know your diesels, but I am glad you're pleasantly surprised at the pickup.

I have the urge to get one of these myself, either a W123/126 240, 300, 300D turbo, or a 300SD turbo

I never understood why the 300SD was never sold in Germany when new, they love diesels over there. Their loss I guess

PanzerSD · #4 07-09-2006, 08:12 PM

when I bought my 300SD I knew before I even took it for it's first drive that I'd like it, I knew that being a luxury sedan that the ride would be fabulous and I already knew about the economy and power of a turbodiesel, I'm only 28 years old and already i've left behind the love of american V8 power for the reliability and economy of the German diesels. Love my car

Maybe I'm getting old