I know I am new to MBs and diesels in general, but I picked up a 1990 350 SDL from its original owner, and other than normal wear and tear, it seems fine. Anecdotal evidence, but nonetheless.

He does not !!! , trust Brian and ME on this one ...

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Avoid type two and three Air Conditioner systems....
Get the type one if you need AC..... on a car in the time period which the AC's were designated by One,Two or Three.....

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

tell me what you think about this one then.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994-S350D-Diesel-350SD-Rare-Find-Runs-Great-Loaded_W0QQitemZ140376267964QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item20af13dcbc

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1985 300TD Turbo Diesel Wagon
273,000 miles

Oh, dear...let's hope the high mileage indicates this vehicle may not have the typical 3.5L problems.

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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

which were?

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1985 300TD Turbo Diesel Wagon
273,000 miles

Here's a recent thread to read about another member considering a W140 3.5L diesel...

Should I buy a 92 300SD w. 156k miles ?

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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

wow, smells, looks, and walks like a duck...

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1985 300TD Turbo Diesel Wagon
273,000 miles

The mechanic claimed that the main problem with the 350 SDL is due to head gaskets.

If you've been a frequent (or casual) reader of this forum, you'd already know that the head gasket on those engines is rarely the issue. The main problem is a deficiency in the design of the connecting rods and the potential of any one rod to bend without any notice to the owner until damage to the block occurs thereby rendering it worthless.

The lack of knowledge on the part of the mechanic is so blatantly obvious that I didn't believe I needed to expound on it.

Thanx for all the various inputs .

When considering buying a used Mercedes , first thing is , think about what model appeals to you then reseach it .

Example : the '81 ~ '85 W-126 Diesels are the S Klasses and are very good cars indeed , I wouldn't have one for free , I much prefer the W-123 chassis .

'77 ~ '81 W-123 & W-116 chassis have a wretched Klima I HVAC system that will give you fits .it can be upgraded but this is Spendy .

The Klima II system in the '81 > cars is vastly better but still has it's weak points .

The good people here really *do* know thier Mercedes stuff , I've been a German car Mechanic for 40 years and I'm still learning , if these folks tell you a 350D is trouble , believe it .

I know some people who own and love the 6 cylinder alloy head Diesels , I'll keep my cast iron OM617 cars until I'm dead , I don't mind the slight loss in power or fuel economy .

Take your time in choosing and test drive as many different Mercedes as you can so when a nice one pops up , you'll know .

BEWARE the " cheap ' Mercedes , it'll be the very most expensive car you'll ever own ! .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

this guy and the main mercedes tech at his shop doesnt use the internet to fix cars goes by experience and repair manuals. The guy can work on ferraris. You would see how good he is if you gave him a try. he has a 350SDL that needs fixing that has high mileage that just needs a headgasket.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

If you have any sense about most mechanics, they operate on the principle that they have the answer to the problem............well before they have sorted all the questions.

Most of them will make a sweeping judgment such as "the 350SDL suffers from bad head gaskets" when their data consists of one vehicle.

You are free to believe anything you wish about this "mechanic". Clearly, from all the data available on this forum, he's not the brightest bulb in the industry.

It looks like an excellent buy.

Run. As fast and far as you can.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

because of the engine?

the w140 body?

or both?

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"The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread."