Buying a 300SDL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GregoryV022 · #1 12-09-2008, 06:37 PM

My grandfather has had his 86 300SDL since it was new and it only has 174K on the odo. it has always been parked in the garage so i can't inspect it to see what the usual problems with the car are.

what should i look for when buying one of these sweet rides.

ARNOLDLewis · #2 12-09-2008, 06:59 PM

Look underneath around the rest of the car. Look for leaks around the fuel tank and filler pipe - check for rust, dents and welds in the sills and floorpan, and look at the exhaust. It's bound to be pretty dirty with some light rust, but heavy rust indicates it will soon need replacing.

Cr from Texas · #3 12-09-2008, 07:02 PM

You need to talk your grandfather into selling his car to you. That one sounds like a dream to find - one owner, garage kept, low miles, California? car.

LUVMBDiesels · #4 12-09-2008, 08:07 PM

Check the AC compressor and the entire climate control system.

Also check the power windows and the sun roof.

Check the cylinder head to see if it has a 14 stamped on it. That is the head that can crack if the engine overheats. Run the car, it should move out quickly from a stop and accelerate smartly. As you are driving, check the water temperature. It should not go over 85.

That should do it...

sixto · #5 12-09-2008, 08:44 PM

Check the maintenance records.

Go through the owner's manual page by page and take note of what doesn't work.

There are two or three SDLs on sfbay.craigslist.org. Check those for comparison. I can think of one Peninsula forum member with an SDL who might have some time for you to check his car for comparison. What to note = how do the seats feel, how does the steering respond, how does the car track, how does the suspension feel, how does the transmission shift, how do the engine temp and oil pressure gauges behave, what noises do you hear, etc.

If you're not in a hurry, wait for the summer when you can properly test the cooling and AC systems before buying. This is particularly true of an R134a conversion that might not be up to the task. Shouldn't be that big of a problem if you drive around the San Carlos area. You will feel a deficient AC system in San Jose. I'm not suggesting there's a relationship between engine temp and cabin temp but you can't properly test either system this time of year.

Sixto
87 300D

GregoryV022 · #6 12-09-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cr from Texas

You need to talk your grandfather into selling his car to you. That one sounds like a dream to find - one owner, garage kept, low miles, California? car.

i wish. that would be sweet. but i don't think thats going to happen. its in mint condition. all original except for the AC. it had some problems over the last summer. but know it works fine. yup, its lived in California all its life. the hills of San Francisco.

i saw the cars on craigslist.
the 87 with 250K and chrome rims looks nice.

could someone over the bridge check it out for me

GregoryV022 · #7 12-09-2008, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

Check the AC compressor and the entire climate control system.

Also check the power windows and the sun roof.

Check the cylinder head to see if it has a 14 stamped on it. That is the head that can crack if the engine overheats. Run the car, it should move out quickly from a stop and accelerate smartly. As you are driving, check the water temperature. It should not go over 85.

That should do it...

only 85, i have to disagree, ive driven one and ive gotten it much faster. where did you get your info

sixto · #8 12-09-2008, 11:19 PM

LUVMBDiesels means the temp gauge shouldn't get to 85*C

At least not while cruising. Charging up 92 between El Camino and Ralston could get you into the 90s but you shouldn't see 100*C. Certainly not this time of year.

Sixto
87 300D

GregoryV022 · #9 12-09-2008, 11:23 PM

oh, wow, now i get it. i thought he meant MPH.

ya, thats true,