I recently purchased a 1981 300sd, because it has no body damage and looks very good. I already had a 1979 300sd, but was in an accident and has major cosmetic problems. However it runs like a champ - low miles, good tranny, and good engine. The 1981's engine and tranny has over 100k more miles on it, and just does not run as good overall.

My question is this, the 79 runs great, just is not pretty. I think I can get 1000 out of it because it has the great engine and interior, and it has a veggie oil conversion on it. Should I sell it for 1000 or keep it for parts for my new 81? I know they are 2 different body styles, but does the rest of the car match up like the engine, tranny, ac equipment, and so on? what do you guys think?

Thanks!

I'd take the '81 over the '79 - personal preference. And, yes, I'd sell the '79 and use the money to get the '81 running like a top. What does the '81 need to get it there?

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

Just my opinion........keep them both and buy a third car for parts

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81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project

Well I am not deciding on one or the other, going to for sure keep the 81.

For sure will not be driving the 79 because it is really banged up, and live in a townhome where I have 2 spaces. Currently have one for my wife's car, one for the 81, and am parking the 79 down the street a little ways away.

The reason I would keep the 79 is for major components like the tranny and engine, because the engine\tranny in the 81 is not running close to as well as the 79.

I guess im asking will the parts transfer to the 81? I cant really sell the 79 to make the 81 run like a top, because in order for me to do that I would need new engine and tranny 81 = blowby and the 79 = no dancing cap, and no vapors commin out.

IIRC, there are some fairly substantial differences between an 80 and earlier W123 and an 81 an newer W123.

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

These are two totally different cars are they not? 79SD is a 116, 81SD is a 126. Are the parts really all that interchangeable?

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Keep it, Store it somewhere, Engine and trans are worth more than the car.
Plus you might want to use the veggie kit.

The 617 engine should will work just fine, Little things like oil pressure senders and stuff can be transferd if you ever did the engine swap.

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1984 Euro 300SDC, (4spd standard)
1986 Toyota Landcruiser Diesel HJ60 5spd X2

Gone but not forgotten (some sold, some stripped)
1983 300 SD, 1985 300 SD, 1983 240D, 1986 300 SDL, 1985 300 SDL, 1983 300 D, 1984 300 D, 1985 300SD, 1987 300 SDL, 1983 300 SD, 1985 300 TD Euro, 1983 380SEC, 1990 300 D, 1987 300D, 1982 300D, 1982 300D, 1994 E420, 1987 300 TD, 1987 300 D, 1984 300 D

Could you post some pics of your W116?

hmmm I can try. if I can find my digital camera. why, you want it? lol jk.

What part of the country are you in MRWVO? I am trying to find a black interior parts car for my 79 SD. As in a few other posts, I feel like a vulture circling someones injured mercedes.

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Second owner 1979 300SD 250K miles.
1995 Ford Lightning
66 Mustang
87 5.0 Mustang
08 Ford Edge
46 Willys Jeep
89 Transalp
97 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins..

yes but are the engine and tranny worth $60/month storage for 5 years until you need it?

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

Is it that bad??

Sooooooo far my wifed has let me go and buy the Mercs that I want, but now if I get another I better be prepared to get her a CE, SEC, or SL.

Hu? am lost.

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2000 430 ML
2005 S500
87 300 D
61 300 restoring

go down 3 lights and make a right

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81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project

still looking for my camera lol. Im in the phoenix arizona metro area, far away from SC

The car is not THAT bad.... i used to drive it every day to work and back. Love the car. Problem is my new job requires me to be "professional" lol. Most of the cars in the parking lot are NEW mercedes, the CEO came rolling up in a jaguar limo - side by side with my 79 sd, it didnt look too hot