what model is this?
 

The ad states 1984 300 td which we all know is incorrect.
Is this a SD or SDL?
Is there much more leg room in this model vs the 123?
Does this model have a tilt wheel? Air bags?
Is the fuel mileage better?/same? than the 123?
What are the advantages disadvantages of this model vs the 123?
Opinions helpful
thanks

Looks to me like a W126 300SD. SDL's weren't made in '84, but somebody might correct me.

I'd suggest this one over a W123, but than again, it's really just a different option. Same drivetrain. The gearing in the transmission may be a little different. W126 have a different frame design which helps cut down the weight of the vehicle compared to it's size. You'll have some resonance from the hollow frame vs the W123. Those are really minor things.

Others may point out other details.

The larger body size is nice, yet I really prefer my W123 going around town, it maneuvers a little more flexible, parking lots etc.

The W126 S-class is about 6 inches longer than the W123 and the SDL/SEL another 6 inches for a full foot longer than the W123. The smaller car is easier to maneuver and park, the longer car is a more comfortable road car, or so I have read. Most of the extra room is in the rear seat and trunk. The S-class has more goodies (that you have to fix when they break). I don't know for sure but I suspect an '84 S-class will have power seats, ABS, possibly a tilt or extendable steering wheel. The S-class definitely has a rear seat outlet for the climate control. It might have rear seat reading lights.

The other two posters have correctly identified the car as a SD. Another dead giveaway besides the model year and headlights is also the rear window pane. On LWB model W126s, the pane is thick and has a sliver of body color to it. On SWB models, there will only be a skinny chrome pane.

Note the rear center console outlet is only for vent, not for full climate control, but heat (A/C too?) have vents under the front seats for rear foot vents. The w126 is an excellent car, especially for the money (most of the time). Also that car does NOT have stock wheels so check for rubbing on the fenders and if you can turn full lock to lock. Appears to be later MB wheels but tough to tell from the picture.

The 126 in 84 did not feature any adjustment on the steering wheel that I am aware of, had power front seats and will get about the same fuel economy as a 123 turbodiesel. about 20 around town and from 25 to 30 highway depending on wind, speed and altitude.

What is the possibility of switching out the steering wheel for a newer model that has a tilt wheel?

I don't think the later models of W126 had tilt wheels. My '86 SDL only had telescoping adjustment, power of course!

The 300SD is pretty bulletproof!
Just check for rust and read this
http://www.s-klasse-club.de/gb/kaufberatung.html

My 91 does not have tilt, just power telescoping.

Telescoping wheel could be helpful....my legs get hung up under the steering wheel when entering the vehicle .....on the 123

The 126 was an amazingly advanced car for its day. they are the last really well built automobiles.

The headlights also identify it as an earlier W126, so its just a 300SD 5cylinder. The owner is doing the classic T - for - turbo.

My friend is getting around 24-26 combined on his 1981. Granted I put new everything on it when he first got it.

Have you tried lowering the seat bottom? They are adjustable from the lever on the side toward the door.;)

The SDL is 3 inches longer then the SD. All the room goes into the rear seat footwells. The power telescoping steering wheel didn't arrive until 86 with the Gen2 cars. No tilt wheel was ever offered. ABS was optional in 84, as was memory on the driver's seat. In 85 a driver's side airbag was optional.

I would image the telescoping column could be retrofitted, but I image it would be a lot of work. I don't know what is involved.

-Jason

If I remember right, the wheel is tied to the driver's seat memory so I wonder if you could retrofit this without upgrading the seats and their electronics too....