I have been looking for a 300sd for some time now and have read the forums regarding rod, head failure, evaporator problems and electrical issues, but I just love these cars. I have found a 93 one owner with service records in GA. The vehicle has 139000 miles and they are asking 9950.00 for the car. Please chime in and help this newbie out. Am I crazy should I be looking for an earlier car with the 5 cyl? Is this too much to pay? Thanks for any and all input.

Kevin
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05 - Jetta TDI
99 - E300 Turbodiesel
84 - Jeep CJ-7 Rock Crawler
79 - Porsche 930 Garage Queen

If you must have a diesel W140 then unfortunitly thats your only choice in this country.

Now let me ask you this, do you want a W140 or a diesel car? Because if you want a W140 an S320 beats the S350D in just about every catigory. But if you want a diesel then yeah I'd either buy an E of that vintage with the 606, or go back to a W126.

Sorry I'm just not a fan of the 603 in the W140, real shame they never imported them with the turbo charged 606's.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks for the advise. I am now looking at the S models (no diesel) and the 126's. All of my other vehicles are diesels and I would like have a diesel but I am just looking for a comfortable daily driver. The Jetta is just too small for me. I will just be using for in town driving and occasional trip to FL.
Thanks again

There is nothing wrong with buying the rod bender. That is as long as the purchase price reflects your possible cost in having to get a used or rebuilt 3 litre short block and it's installation cost is pre calculated in the buying price. What has really started to disturb me about this company. They could have replaced engines that failed with the 3 litre trouble free short block. Also made it the approved replacement. Instead they chose to play around. With cars in that new price range. To do so is inherently damaging long term to themselves. Funny thing is the cost of doing the right thing was not a reason. I might buy one at some point but first will price the short block in a quality rebuilt to establish the price. Or better yet buy up one with an engine on it's last legs and change the engine immediatly upon purchase to the reliable 3 litre block. That way that particular concern is history.. One should see how little material there is between the cylinders in the 3.5 versus the 3 litre for an eyeopener. It does not take a genius to figure out this equation.

I would not take the risk with the 3.5L engine in that vehicle. An S320 will perform better, the fuel cost will be identical, and there is no risk of engine failure. And, it will probably cost less.