1982 300SD vs 1987 300D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Magnus · #1 08-17-2010, 04:48 AM

Hello everyone, I am a 19 year old college student looking for my first diesel car. It is my understanding that diesel cars get much better gas milage and the engine life is top notch. I have no experience with diesel cars at all. Maybe you guys could help a kid out so he makes a smart decision?

Both cars are in great shape inside and out and both have claimed to have been well taken care of (well see). Both cars have 200k on them and are around the same price 1800 OBO. I plan on test driving both on the same day. What are some things to look out for on both cars mechanically wise? I don't want to by a lemon. What are the pros and cons of each car? Can you put a CD player and speakers in like a normal car? What are the "rules" or tips on how to maintain a diesel car? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

layback40 · #2 08-17-2010, 05:19 AM

Welcome to the forum !!
We all hope that you will find all the information you need on here.
You can put a CD player in a diesel Mercedes no problems.
There are many threads on here about what to look out for when buying a w123 or w126.
It would be useful if you could put your location in your signature, your location will have an impact on what to look out for when buying a car.
As these cars have unreliable odometers, dont take any notice of the mileage. Reliable maintenance records are far better.
Depending on your location, there may be a member that is local and knows the cars or is willing to take a look at them.
All things equal, I would be more inclined to go for the newer car, while the motor in the 82 (om617) is one of the best ever, the 87 (om60x) is good as well & is a little more refined. You need to check the head casting number though.

Good Luck !!

Magnus · #3 08-17-2010, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

Welcome to the forum !!
We all hope that you will find all the information you need on here.
You can put a CD player in a diesel Mercedes no problems.
There are many threads on here about what to look out for when buying a w123 or w126.
It would be useful if you could put your location in your signature, your location will have an impact on what to look out for when buying a car.
As these cars have unreliable odometers, dont take any notice of the mileage. Reliable maintenance records are far better.
Depending on your location, there may be a member that is local and knows the cars or is willing to take a look at them.
All things equal, I would be more inclined to go for the newer car, while the motor in the 82 (om617) is one of the best ever, the 87 (om60x) is good as well & is a little more refined. You need to check the head casting number though.

Good Luck !!

Thanks for the quick reply! I have updated my location for all to see. What size speakers come with the 82 SD and the 87 D? Where are they located? Is the head casting number the main issue?

t walgamuth · #4 08-17-2010, 05:56 AM

If you want a simple car to maintain you would be better off with a 240d. Lots less stuff to maintain.

Or a 123 body 300d, built from 77 to 85.

If forced to choose from the two you mention I would always choose the 82 because the engine is more durable and that body style is much easier to work on. But it is an SD which is the top of the line and has more power stuff to take care of.

I don't know about the speaker size.

Either way I recommend getting it checked out by someone who knows mercedes Diesels.

Magnus · #5 08-17-2010, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If you want a simple car to maintain you would be better off with a 240d. Lots less stuff to maintain.

Or a 123 body 300d, built from 77 to 85.

If forced to choose from the two you mention I would always choose the 82 because the engine is more durable and that body style is much easier to work on. But it is an SD which is the top of the line and has more power stuff to take care of.

I don't know about the speaker size.

Either way I recommend getting it checked out by someone who knows mercedes Diesels.

I don't have any issue with maintaining a car. I will change all the filters and fluids regularly. Can these cars run on flex fuel?

Magnus · #6 08-17-2010, 06:08 AM

I am leaning towards the 82 300SD just because it is a bit more roomier. Is it possible to get an High Output alternator built for one? Car audio is kind of a big deal to me...lol

NJ300sdl · #7 08-17-2010, 06:14 AM

Regarding your flex fuel question. I recommend using 100% diesel fuel.

Magnus · #8 08-17-2010, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ300sdl

Regarding your flex fuel question. I recommend using 100% diesel fuel.

Can you tell me why? I planned on using mostly diesel but I just wanted to be sure.

t walgamuth · #9 08-17-2010, 06:34 AM

I have heard of folks swappin in a 129 am alternator from (I think) a saab. Try searching for that. I don't imagine it is too hard.

By maintenance, I don't count changing fluid and filters, I mean actual repairs and such. Changing the fluid and filters will be the same on any diesel pretty much.

JamesDean · #10 08-17-2010, 06:43 AM

Yes, you can install a larger alternator, 115amp I believe has been installed in many SD's see this thread: "Alternator" 115 Amp Bosch AL129X works in 123s!
I have the stock alt still in my SD but we replaced it with a brand new one before I was aware. I do have a 143amp in my 190E though.

As for speaker sizes, you have 4" or 4x6's in the front dash and 4x6's in the rear deck. You can always get the rear deck out of a later model car, that way you can put 6.5"s in..I did this with my SD. Additionally, you can always source door panels from later model 126 chassis cars, they have door speakers, I believe 5.25s" but they can be made to take 6.5s"

JamesDean · #11 08-17-2010, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnus

I don't have any issue with maintaining a car. I will change all the filters and fluids regularly. Can these cars run on flex fuel?

If you are talking about the FlexFuel tags that you see on Ford/GM vehicles, no. Thats an ethanol/gasoline mixture.

The diesels can run on other mixtures though, just be sure to do your homework before embarking.

pawoSD · #12 08-17-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnus

Can you tell me why? I planned on using mostly diesel but I just wanted to be sure.

I am in Grand Rapids. From some of the stuff you have mentioned, I can see that you really have no idea about one of these cars. Unless you have big $$$ to maintain it, I'd find a Honda. Seriously. An $1800 300SD or 300D here locally is going to be a pit and likely very rusty. I sure hope you know what you're getting into.

And they don't get much better mileage, at least not the two cars you mentioned. Around 24-27mpg, and the fuel is currently 20 cents more per gallon. If you run anything but diesel, you're going to be instantly stranded come fall/winter and will probably ruin the engine. You can't just dump any old junk in the tank and drive.

Magnus · #13 08-17-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I have heard of folks swappin in a 129 am alternator from (I think) a saab. Try searching for that. I don't imagine it is too hard.

By maintenance, I don't count changing fluid and filters, I mean actual repairs and such. Changing the fluid and filters will be the same on any diesel pretty much.

What kind of repairs are we talking here? I am under the impression that these cars are tanks.

Magnus · #14 08-17-2010, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I am in Grand Rapids. From some of the stuff you have mentioned, I can see that you really have no idea about one of these cars. Unless you have big $$$ to maintain it, I'd find a Honda. Seriously. An $1800 300SD or 300D here locally is going to be a pit and likely very rusty. I sure hope you know what you're getting into.

The 82 300SD have no rust whatsoever. I guess it has a rebuilt engine. I am thinking about just getting a Jetta tdi.

pawoSD · #15 08-17-2010, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnus

What kind of repairs are we talking here? I am under the impression that these cars are tanks.

Its a 30 year old car, MANY things will go wrong. I have had an '82 300SD for 7 years, and I've spent about $12,000 on parts. Let that be a warning!

A diesel is really only worth it for the fuel aspect if you are driving long distances every day. Mileage will be no benefit and it will probably cost more to drive a diesel if you just drive it around here. I drive 100 miles a day, so for me it is beneficial. My wife's car is gas, as she has an 8 mile commute daily.