Hi everyone. Is an '80 SD diesel any more or less reliable than say a W123 diesel? Anything in particular to look out for on these models? Just kind like they way they look and how roomy they are inside.

George

I have a gas 116 and I love it. They're prone to rust more than the 123s, so check that out thoroughly, and the auto climate control as always is a weak point. Otherwise they're similar to the 123s, except bigger.

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kalpol
79 280SE
82 Fiat Spider 2000
81 Fiat Brava
04 BMW R1150RT
96 Jeep Grand Cherokee

EVIL SERVO!!!! Otherwise these are the best driving Mercedes you will find. The servo prevents you from having heat and AC. It is also costly and prone to crack. The 116 is also bad to rust unless you keep your thumb on it.

i just bought a 79sd one month ago with 145k,i really like it,has good power,noiser than my 85 300d,servo climate system is a pain-im sorting through that,old rubber,and rust as mentioned previously,handles well,feels light for such a big car,hopefully getting it back will not cost a fortune.some parts are hard to get minor items.

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95 e320,87 sdl,79 300sd

We have a W116 79 300SD. I really like it. My wife who was driving it, thought it made her look like an old real estate agent so we're selling it. Mine has the updated aluminum bodied servo. There is also a computerized replacement for the servo.
No egr on the 79.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The W123 diesel is the better play.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

Matter of opinion. I've had both and I prefer the W116 by a wide margin.

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Joe

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1980 300SD - 495k miles - 'The Ambassador'
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Former Family Members
95 C280
73 280SEL
90 300D
87 300SDL (X2)
86 560SEL
84 300D
80 300SD

Rust, rust, rust, and the climate control servo. Other than that they are a better road car than the 123, and just as reliable.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Some years are more susceptible to rust than others. There was a steel strike in Germany for a year and MB sourced inferior steel for a period of time. Mine for instance, has virtually no rust at all on it, apart from a little brown at one place on the edge of the sunroof.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

So would I, if I wanted to keep up with the added expense of one.

For the money difference only, I wouldn't even consider owning a W116.

Do I love the 'look' of the W116es? Absolutely, without question to me it is a gorgeous car!

The W123 (although somewhat homely looking to me) would cost less to own and operate on average.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

That may be a function of where you live, rather than the car itself. Since cars don't rust in Denver on average.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

I have a gas W116 280SE and have owned a W126 300SD in the past. I prefer the "look" and ride of the W116 to the W126 but that's a purely subjective opinion.

I agree that the climate control servo on the W116 is a pain but the unWired Tools upgrade works well. My servo locked up internally and drained the battery. Once you replace the servo with the UT kit you still have vacuum pods and connectors to leak but that is easy to troubleshoot.

Probably. My 116 spent most of its life in NC.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13