124 chassis - SDL vs D questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

a2t · #1 01-25-2009, 12:19 PM

So I have a 124 300D at this point. Im very happy with the car but it is going to need a few thousand dollars in mtc before much longer.

We are planning to have a 3rd child within the next year or 2, so Ive been hesistant to put too much more into the 87 300D. It needs a trans rebuild (dripping at front), vac pump, lwr rad hose, res, fan/clutch, and new shocks/struts, probably some other misc suspension needs. I'd say about 5 grand when its all said and done, most of the mtc I can do myself. This would keep the car going for another 1xx,xxx thousand miles.

Before I spend too much, Im wondering if a 300 SDL would fit 3 car seats across, or if I will need to sadly depart the MB world in favor of a suburban diesel. Im hoping the 300 SDL would be wide enough for 3 car seats (toddler, 5 yr old, and baby seats).

If I find a good SDL, I wonder how many parts I mentioned would transfer over ? Also, Ive come across a good 99 E300D turbo, but from what Ive gathered its no bigger or more powerful than the 124 3L and smaller than SDL.

How do I stay in an old diesel benz with 3 kids?

LUVMBDiesels · #2 01-25-2009, 12:32 PM

It should work. Let me know how wide the seats are and I will measure the backseat of the SDL (W126 with a stretched wheelbase and more back seat space). It can seat three adults comfortably. However, if you need to drag the amazing amount of stuff kids need these days a Suburban or a Tahoe is a good hauler. My 'burban has taken my kids plus friends plus sports equipment all over the place.

As far as parts from the W124 go, most if not all of the engine parts will fit as they both use the OM 603.

daw_two · #3 01-25-2009, 12:46 PM

I hate to "confirm" your suspicions; however, I doubt that you will be able to get all 3 in the back seat. The 5 year old (depending on weight and your state laws) will need still need a booster seat and there's no shoulder harness for the center seat (IF I recall correctly).

It's tight looking for the seat belt latch for the middle seat when you have car seats or booster seats on either side. The back seat is HUGE from front to back, but probably only 2 inches, at most, wider than your 87 300D.

The best thing to do though would be to hook up with someone close to you that has any w126 and try the seats.

Jeremy5848 · #4 01-25-2009, 12:49 PM

I'm not sure that an SDL is that much wider (we need someone to measure). It does have more leg room which would be nice for getting kids in and out. One you have the inside width, you can shop for new car seats that will fit the space you have.

Actros617 · #5 01-25-2009, 01:09 PM

300D Sport like handling, Medium Range comfort, A little lighter and faster, Smaller 3 Kids MAX.

300SDL Drives like a tank with sport suspension, High Comfort, Heavy Little slower, Bigger , Will fit more than 3 little kids in the back (20+ If you include the trunk for kids seats

JK JK)

TMAllison · #6 01-25-2009, 01:23 PM

The W210 is going to be bigger than the W124; its also going to blow the doors of any MB diesel built before it if its a 98-99 Turbo.

With the 99 W210 you get 6 (front, front door, and front to rear side curtain) airbags more power and better fuel economy.

The extra leg room in the SDL might be handy getting kids in and out; from a safety and creature comfort standpoint the W210 wins hands down. Newer is always safer.

IMHO of course.

sixto · #7 01-25-2009, 02:18 PM

BTDT. The SDL is wider enough than the 124 D that you can get 3 child seats across but you'll skin your knuckles doing it. One advantage of the SDL is you can put a rear facing seat in an outboard position without compromising front seat comfort. You can also have mom in the back and the 5-year old in front sufficiently aft of the dash. An 86-87 SDL won't have a passenger airbag. Might not be a legal seating arrangement where you are. The 3-across compromise is the toddler might scratch the infant or put things in his/her mouth. Hopefully the 5-year old is an observant tattletale

There are a couple of really nice SDLs available on the forum. A silver/blue one in Texas lowered to $2500 and Hattie's navy/gray velour for $3000/BO. I have an eye on Hattie's because of the velour. Half a squeeze from pulling the trigger but hoping someone will beat me to it so I can continue the hunt for a 140.

We have a 97 'burb 6.5. Hoisting kids into a C2500 is a chore for pygmies like us so we take the Caravan for short hauls. I'm investigating C1500 suspension bits to lower this beast since we don't tow.

A 140 is wider enough than an SDL that you can manage buckles with less wear and tear on knuckles.

People who don't like minivans should read P.J. O'Rourke's write-up on his experience with a Flex. Here's one of his quips, "And if what you really wanted was a minivan but you lacked the social humility to buy one, get a Toyota Sienna, bolt a spare to the hood, install a brush bar, put a safari rack and a row of Baja 1000 halogen lamps on the roof, and see if any NASCAR dads talk smack to you."

Sixto
87 300D

a2t · #8 01-25-2009, 03:03 PM

Thanks guys.

It measures 55.5"-56" from inside of door sill to inside of door sill. Which is right where the bench ends.

All good points about the seating configuration. I think we would need all 3 in the back. Hopefully my 4 yr old boy would be disciplined enough by then to not mess with the baby. That might be a stretch though!

The good news is the booster doesnt take much room, and the toddler seat doesnt need a shoulder belt, we can just use the lap belt and a mity-tite to sinch it tight. For that matter the baby seat could also be in the middle.

So...this could work. And once the car seats are in place I doubt I will remove them much. I guess I can put up with a little knuckle scratching from time to time.

Yeah a burban makes more sense but I cant imagine driving it downtown Atlanta where we live. Its called a suburban for a reason

But the C1500 is tempting!

So whats the measurement on the SDL, and if anyone has a 98-99 300D turbo, whats that measure as well? I thought the late 90s version were same width as 124. If its any wider that might be a good choice to. I agree with the newer is better mentality.

TMAllison · #9 01-25-2009, 03:26 PM

My 99 measures ~53.5" from arm rest to arm rest. The rear seat cushion itself would be a tad bigger.

All 3 belts in the rear can be fully retracted which sets a rachet so that you can attach the belt and then cinch it down very tightly whihc is helpful with some types of car seat. Don't think my old W124 did that but it may have as its been awhile since I owned one.

daw_two · #10 01-25-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2t

Thanks guys.

It measures 55.5"-56" from inside of door sill to inside of door sill. Which is right where the bench ends.

All good points about the seating configuration. I think we would need all 3 in the back. Hopefully my 4 yr old boy would be disciplined enough by then to not mess with the baby. That might be a stretch though!

The good news is the booster doesnt take much room, and the toddler seat doesnt need a shoulder belt, we can just use the lap belt and a mity-tite to sinch it tight. For that matter the baby seat could also be in the middle.

So...this could work. And once the car seats are in place I doubt I will remove them much. I guess I can put up with a little knuckle scratching from time to time.

Yeah a burban makes more sense but I cant imagine driving it downtown Atlanta where we live. Its called a suburban for a reason

But the C1500 is tempting!

So whats the measurement on the SDL, and if anyone has a 98-99 300D turbo, whats that measure as well? I thought the late 90s version were same width as 124. If its any wider that might be a good choice to. I agree with the newer is better mentality.

Paul -- I'll be happy to measure Coda's back seat for you. What measurements do you want?

pawoSD · #11 01-25-2009, 04:20 PM

Sounds like its time for GL320 Cdi or R320 Cdi!!

Just kidding....

Jeremy5848 · #12 01-25-2009, 04:59 PM

Our '96 E300D (W210, OM606NA) measures 53-1/2" across the rear seat from armrest to armrest so that confirms Terry's measurement. The NA-engined 210s are slugs compared to the turbo version but will be less expensive to purchase. Operating costs should be similar.

Although the 210s have more rear seat room than the 124s, the 126 (SDL) should be even larger. The "fewer airbags" comment affects only the passengers in the front seats, there are none in the rear in any of them. The SDL is close to a foot longer than the E-class cars and so will be more of a challenge to park or garage. Finding a nice W126/300SDL may be harder since they are older and more have gone to the boneyard. As a top-of-the-line car, however, more folks may have hung onto them and treated them nice (no kids allowed inside). The car may go into shock!

Jeremy

TMAllison · #13 01-25-2009, 05:22 PM

Jeremy - In 98 the W210 added front head curtain airbags in addition to the front and front door bags inlcuded in previous years.

In 99 the curtain was enlarged to cover front AND rear occupants. This was the main reason I waited to find a 99 vs the 98 because I tote a child around in the rear seats daily.

Bio300TDTdriver · #14 01-25-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Sounds like its time for GL320 Cdi or R320 Cdi!!

Just kidding....

Or a TD or TE.

redassag00 · #15 01-25-2009, 07:22 PM

Just measured the SDL, 56-57" Across.

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2t

Also, Ive come across a good 99 E300D turbo, but from what Ive gathered its no bigger or more powerful than the 124 3L and smaller than SDL.

How do I stay in an old diesel benz with 3 kids?

Isnt the W210 OM606 Turbo like 201 hp?

Easy, get a Wagon with a 3rd row seat!