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  #1  
Old 06-06-2011, 02:06 AM
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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.....

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  #2  
Old 06-06-2011, 08:28 AM
Hit Man X's Avatar
I LOVE BRUNETTES
 
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Location: FUNKYTOWN
Posts: 9,087
Thumbs up

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.
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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

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  #3  
Old 06-06-2011, 09:25 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2011
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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.
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Old 06-06-2011, 09:57 AM
compu_85's Avatar
Cruisin on Electric Ave.
 
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Location: La Conner, WA
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Try to find a 350 that's had the engine replaced. That's what I did... they are out there.
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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
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2013 Fiat 500E.
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Old 06-06-2011, 12:11 PM
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smoke gets in your eyes
 
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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
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  #6  
Old 06-06-2011, 03:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sixto View Post
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.

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