I'm pretty darn close to getting my dad to sell his truck and buy an MB diesel. I think I'm more excited than he is!

I really want to see him get an SDL, mostly b/c it's different from my 300D and I"ve always wanted one (selfish, I know). The good condition SDLs seem pretty tough to come by, so an SD might be more realistic.

There's a pretty nice SDL on Autotrader right now that is fairly close to me...I think it's an '87. I'd certainly be willing to travel to get a nice one (actually, that would be a fun trip with the old man), if I was reasonably confident in the condition of the car.

Talk to me about the maintenance of the w126 chassis versus my w123, and how much of a learning curve it will be going from my OM617 to the OM603 (is this the correct engine for the w126?). pawoSD, I KNOW you're going to chime in!

Can't wait...

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1984 300D: 275,000 miles (soon to be for sale)

In search of my 1987 300D in anything but white.

If you're willing to travel a little bit for a good vehicle, crazedlist.org will help you search multiple craigslist sites simultaneously.

The SDL has the OM603. Earlier castings of the head (#14) are prone to cracking if overheated - make sure the cooling system is working well! There are certain things you can do to help avoid a cracked / warped head or blown headgasket when shopping.

One is feeling for excessive pressure in the upper radiator hose either right after starting the vehicle (if it gets firm quickly, walk away). Another is feeling the same hose after the car has been sitting for a while (if it is still hard, walk away). Oil in the coolant, or antifreeze in the oil are both probable indicators of the same problem.

Here's my thread about stepping into the world of a W124 300D. The chassis is different, but the engine related posts contain several things to look for. Some are not necessarily reasons to walk away from the vehicle, however, something to keep in mind after purchasing the vehicle (like the vacuum pump - I have several links in the later part of the thread posted above).

Compared to the 616 and 617's I've seen, the OM603 is much quieter, and more efficient. Over the short mileage I've driven the car (about 1000 miles), I've averaged 30.7 mpg. The diesel Mercedes with the OM60x engines (in proper running condition) will definitely get better mileage than a truck

With the supposed shortage of nice rust-free diesels up North, perhaps looking further south to find a keeper might be worth your trouble. Often, other forum members in the area are willing to go look at cars for you (and can usually inform you of competent mechanics in the area should you wish to have a pre-purchase inspection done).

I wouldn't mind having a simple car again, like a 240D, however, I've made the transition to a newer vehicle without any reservations. Have fun, and take your time shopping and be thorough with your inspection of the cars. Pleasant surprises are good, however, finding rust on a 'rust free' car isn't pleasant.

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1982 240D, sold 9/17/2008
1987 300D TurboW124.133 - 603.960, 722.317 - Smoke Silver Metallic / Medium Red (702/177), acquired 8/15/2009
262,715 and counting

The chassis, under carriages, are very similar in design. The interiors are more prone to failures and rattles, IMO.

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83 SD

84 CD