as a owner of a 300cd turbo, ( a car which i really love), it is my observation (& I wonder why?) that a 1979 sd (116) turbo in the same condition does not seem to bring the same $$ on ebay etc, as a like condition 300d (turbo)?. is it that the sd is so much harder to get parts for, & of course i think it would cost alot more to keep the sd going than the 300d?.( of course i am compairing a 4-door 300dt.) as far as 4-doors go the sd has got to be alot more luxerious (beautiful d ash, etc.), more room etc than the 300d, of course I know the sd is slower, more of a boat etc. i am thinking about bidding on sd, but am concerned about the repairs on the sd. maybe I should just stick to the 300d's (turbo). for instance i got my heater controls & cruise actuator rebuilt at a rebuilder in CA., however I know they won't repair earlier years in the 300 series, can one get stuff repaired for the w116 series?. the reason I bring this up, is that I want to expand my collection to include a 4door, and like the classic styling of the w116. i have looked at the w124 2.5 turbo, but prefer the older styling. appreciate your thoughts on this.... thanks

I have not seen this trend, the 116's usually command more than the 123's... but the chances of finding a high quality 116 are low. due to rust damage and such. the 123's are much more plentiful, so they usually are cheaper, again, unless premium condition examples are for sale, then they command crazy high prices...
get what you want, don't worry about particulars. yes the 116 has the old style climate control that is nigh impossible to get repaired, but replacements are not hard to get online. so just choose one that makes you happy.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I've owned a W116 for two years and haven't had trouble getting parts when the few problems have come along. 78 300SD in miny fresh condition, $2500.
I'll be getting a W123 here next week, but you should get what you like.

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Ginny in Denver-ish
78 300SD, 265K (mine)