Your preference: 1980's 300SDL or early 90's 350?
 

Friends,

My wife and kids aren't happy when they need to ride in my 1982 300D, which is unfortunate. They prefer my wife's far-less reliable Audi.

But I need to buy something newer (and slightly nicer) anyway for work.

I've got my eyes on some nice 1987 SDLs and a few early 90's 350's.

Any preferences amongst the readers out there? I've searched and read the rod-bender threads on the 350s, but they sure are damn nice cars to ride in.

I'd like a few opinions from those more knowledgeable than I.....

The updated styling is nice of the 350SD/L cars. Interior is modern, better stereo, monotone body panels, extended glow, etc.

If you can find a deal on one, I would take it and run it until (if) the bottom end craps out... then just swap in a good 3L bottom end.

That is not to say I do not like my 300SDL. It is just fine. I purchased it for nearly free and runs great.



Buy for paint, then interior, then mechanical issues.

The 300sdl has the number 14 head issue and the 350 is known as a rod bender and destroys the block. I prefer the 300sdl with a newer head as that is the most reliable. Swapping in a new sound system with Bluetooth is easy. Honestly I would take either and am currently looking for a good deal on either. I routinely use search tempest to check craiglist for a 350 or 300 sdl.

Try to find a 350 that's had the engine replaced. That's what I did... they are out there.

Are you sure a 126 is new enough to get you out of the woods? A 25 year old car won't feel a lot newer than a 30 year old car.

Sixto
87 300D

A nice 25 year old car will. My 300D looks like hell (bad paint, stained headliner) but it had a new engine and pump put in 90,000 miles ago, all new hoses, a rebuilt front end and it runs like a top. I welded in parts of the new floorplan and took it completely apart and cleaned it from top to bottom

I'll drive it forever but I need a "nicer" car to tow around the family and clients.