Greetings All,

Seeing as I currently own a 123 chassised diesel and a 300E I'd like to compare a few apples among diesels. What are the major if any, differences between , let's say a '84 300D or a '84 300SD? Besides there being different chassis, which I'd like to know the difference between as well, which is larger? Is there any major differences between the 951 or the 952 engines? If you have a 300SD, tell me what you think of it.
Any input would be well appreciated.

Charles

__________________
"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan

Charles:

My brother has an 87 300SDL, I have an 87 300DT. His is about a foot and a half longer, at least 8 inches wider, and about 800 lbs heavier. Otherwise they are very similar.

He gets about 28-29 mpg, I get 33 or so (same engine and tranny), but he just got the trap oxidizer removed and is waiting on a new turbo, so may do better when everything is fixed.

The W126 is probably the best MB every made -- very reliable, very comfortable, a great pleasure to drive, easy to park, and have good performance. Since they are heavier than the W123, they ride a little better, too.

The only drawback to the 300SD/SDL is that they are slower than the 300D/DT.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Peter is right about that. I have a 83 300SD and a 91 300D. I like the SD road handling but I don't like the slow initial pickup. the 300D has quick response and fast pickup but cornering is not as stable than 300SD. 300SD is a lot more comfort for long drive.

300D 35mpg on highway, 28mph city
300SD 28mpg highway and 25 city(EGR Plugged)

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BJ

09 GL320 Bluetec 65K+
07 E320 Bluetec 43k+
05 Nissan Frontier NISMO 4X4 72K+


07 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 5k+ gone
87 300SDL 158k+ gone
91 300D 113k+ gone
83 300SD 220K+ gone
89 300E sold
87 190E sold
83 380SEL sold
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you can't compare a 91 300D to a 84 300SD. Thats like comparing apples and oranges. The 91 300D is the newer 124 chassis, the 84 300D which he looking for a comparison against is the older 123 chasis. The main differance i know of(only owning a SD, not a regular D) is that the SD is a bit longer, and i beleive has a softer ride. THe SD is also an S class mercedes, so along with that you have 8 way power seats on both driver and passenger, power sunroof, power windows/locks(with a seperate electric vacuum pump for locks, compared to a resivoir run off of the engine on the D). THe SD rides like a newer car and is a very comfortable highway cruiser. I think the D might handle better due to it's smaller size, but i've never driven one so take that opinion as you wish. The SD also handles well for it's size. When pushed it just drifts, it doesn't fishtail or push, it just simpy slides very controllably(if there is such a thing). I'd personally go with the SD based on it being an S-class(more luxury), but it also has more to go wrong when compared to a 300D. The SD is simple to work on as well. GO for the SD
Ryan

Love my SD most of our driving is on 2 lane mountain roads ,for a big comforable car its tight and agile....
William Rogers....

The 126 is a amazing handling vehicle. You are right about the car not fishtailing, it kind of very gentily slides on the pavement when going around a turn fast, and if it is about to fishtail it will give you plenty of warning. They sure did put some thought into the suspension on that barge! Best handling car i've ever owned, put any 123 to shame!

Greetings All,

Thanks for all the relpies recieved for this post. I bought the car in question and will be picking it up tommorrow. Here's a pic to drowl over. Never thought I'd buy three Benz 's in a years period of time. I must be nuts or got orange antifreeze flowing through my veins. I will give particulars on the car later. You think I spent too much with 191,000 on the clock, rust free and running like a champ for $2,000?

Thanks,

Charles

Mercedes cars are a hobby, not for the drive and go type of person.

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__________________
"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan

thats a sweet looking diesel! NO WAY did you pay too much. I payed 2000 for my 83 300SD with 150k. Mine was rust free and running well but it needed a new interior(more or less), the sunroof fixed, two windows fixed, the cruise fixed, speakers replaced, a dash cover(still hasn't been done), odometer fixed(another project to work on) all the door check straps replaced, and some other misc things. I've got about 3200 in it w/ a new radiator and alternator, valve cover gaskets. I think you got a steel. BTW, how much play does your steering have?
Ryan

__________________
83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Charles:

Looks like a superb car -- very good price! I just saw a 126 sitting and the "junk" car lot next to my favorite liquor store for $2995, was thinking of offering 2500 for it if it started and wasn't trashed!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

i just notice the interior is the same color as mine!!! it's a unique color, kind of hot in the summer, and quite hard to find parts for, but it's unique factor makes up for it( i guess). nice looking benz, wanna trade??? j/k
Ryan

__________________
83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Greetings All,

Just doing an update on my new Baby the '84 300SD Seeing as I seem to work 24/7 and my shift yesterday was 8-11 the wife got to pick up my new toy. Of course the weather called for sleet, snow and blowing **** all night long, so by the time I got home around 11:45pm it had done all of the above and I just go to look and sit inside my new ride. I took it out tonight after I got home, around 7 pm and it seems to be a whole lot different than a non-turbo diesel. I do have a question about when the turbo kicks in etc. Seems like it depends on how you accelerate as far as how the turbo reacts. Steady pedal pressure cause quite sudden thrust forward while medium pressure seems to cause the wastegate to close and shifting from let's say second to third there is a shift then slow like turbo not reacting motion then small amount of acceleration. Does this sound familar to anyone? If you keep steady pressure on the pedal it seems like just acceleration till you get to your given speed. I'll have to take it out again tommorrow for a road trip, (I'm off work) and see how this thing really performs. I know going up the steep hill out of our subdivision it kicks butt at half throttle doing 45mph compared to just barely over 25mph on the non-turbo model. I think I can get use to this real quick. I'll keep you posted on this beauty. It was nice that the PO included the four piece floor mat set, nice $100.00 kick.

Charles

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__________________
"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan

if i understand what you are saying, my 83 does the same thing. I think the reason is that 2nd gear is still kind of low, and 3rd gear is much higher, so untill i get into the 3k range in third i don't have much "go". If i leave it mashed the whole time it does alright. You may not be noticing it under light pressure b/c your not trying to accelerate quick. NOt sure if i understood, but hopefully this provides some help,
Ryan

__________________
83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Check to boost lines from intake manifold to ALDA and from ALDA to vacuum amplifier on fender -- if these are leaking, you will get boost but no extra fuel, and hence very little more power.

The turbo usually doesn't do much under 2000 rpm -- then if you have the throttle open, blasts off. My 300D tends to upshift too fast under light throttle, feels like it has serious turbo lag as is shifts from second to third and immediately to fourth. Otherwise, lots a papa!

You get used to it -- only time it is a problem is in heavy traffic when the car in front suddenly slows down after a jack-rabbit start and you have your foot down and the turbo is wound up.....!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Greetings All,

Yes, I took the golden Benz to work today. It gave me time to acquaint myself with it during my 40 mile commute. What a difference from a 123 model as well as a non-turbo diesel. I can't get over the difference in power, acceleration and driving experience. This beauty just begged to be driven with quick response on the pedal even at 65mph + Glad it still has that diesel sound at idle, otherwise the wife would want it in exchange for her 300E. I do have a question about one thing, seeing as this is the first turbo I've owned. I hear this hollow humming sound that starts around 45mph and is sometimes present beyond that speed. To me it sounds like either the turbo working or a air leak into the filter housing from a leaking or non-existent filter housing to manifold gasket. The sound isn't a squeal but a dominant droning hum from the engine compartment. The pitch doesn't seem to change with acceleration or deceleration but steady. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? I hope to tear into the air cleaner assembly this Sunday if the weather holds out and see if there is something that is missing like a gasket. Other than what I've just mentioned, the passenger window and drivers rear window don't seem to operate using either the console or door switch. Any ideas on that one would also be greatly appreciated. I do have to say that the PO did review these conditions before viewing this car, and was totally on the up and up as far as what he knew did or didn't work. So far it's been a great car to drive and would definitely be a welcome member to my Benz family. I just need to familiarize myself with turbo engines and this chassis designed car.

Charles

__________________
"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan

So then, what are the differences in the 123 and the 126 engines?
I have a 123 chiltons manual and i was wondering if that will help me on replacing the head on my 1982 300sd 126 body style...

Andrew