Is this a good engine? Will a 300SD give me a lot of problems? I have found one that is one owner and low mileage and am dying to buy it but thought I would put a post out to see if anyone had anything good or bad to say about '85 300SD.

Do you happen to know the VIN number?

The 81-85 300SD is a very good car. Very luxurious for the 80's, the OM617 is bulletproof, expect 22-28mpg, it's very home-mechanic friendly and has a long lifespan of 250-400k miles with good maintenance.

I like 'em. However, they SD's seem to have inferior interiors. More rattles, squeaks and window regulator problems. Love the ride, 27.5mpg.

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83 SD

84 CD

Inferior to what? My 123 is a tin can in comparison.



Anyway, I am pleased with my '85 SD. Adequate power, decent economy, okay in town, hell I put over 22000 miles in one year on the ol' boy. Just keeps on ticking.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I do not own one, but I have driven a 1985 300SD that I worked on for a diesel newbie. The car had horrible prior ownership and it looked terrible, but when I took it out for a 20 mile drive I was stunned at how it drove and handled...it was sweet and very addictive. I also was surprised how agile it was for only have a 617 turbo to power such a land yacht.

I like that it has anti-lock brakes, unlike the prior years. Still no airbag yet though. You need to go to the 1986 for a standard install. I've only seen a very few 85 or earlier with it as an option and even then I'm not sure it wasn't just the streering wheel. Out of the 617 engine options I like it the best.

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http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...aman/Fleet.jpg

Peach Parts W124.128 User Group.

80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic

I think the 85 SD sold new for approx 35,000. in 85;

which is approx 70,000. in today $$$$.

SO it is a good car. Oh by the way if it is still on the road that also confirms it is a GOOD car.

I have an 81 SD ; and also an 82 300CD.

I love the ride in the 300SD, but there is something different in a CD that just makes it more fun to drive than the SD.

It could be the giant unpadded steering wheel. ????




...

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'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

I agree with that. My 300D's interior was always more solid than our 300SDL which had 100K less miles. The 300SDL would rattle and creak thanks to the door panels and all the leather.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi