85 SD v 86 SDL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

eelsfoot · #1 08-12-2011, 09:56 PM

I like the concept of the '85 300SD's and how there are minimal "electronic" systems to mess with.....am looking at a '86 300SDL and am not really too sure if I want to make the jump to that model.

What are the up & downsides to the 300SDL cars....and are they as easy to work on as the earlier SD's??

Thanks,

Lance-

sixto · #2 08-12-2011, 10:03 PM

Aluminum cylinder head doesn't like to be overheated. The original head casting is particularly intolerant. If you find one with an updated head casting, it'll probably not be a problem.

The only vital function under electronic control is engine idle. If the electronics fail which is very uncommon, the engine idle speed will be lower but you can drive home safely. The rest is emissions. Well, maybe that's vital to you

There isn't much more complexity than that.

Sixto
87 300D

benzguy300 · #3 08-12-2011, 10:33 PM

And the 603 has an extra 25 H.P. and better fuel economy

Zacharias · #4 08-12-2011, 10:36 PM

The 1985 SD will have the emissions portion of the electronic controls as well.

babyjames · #5 08-13-2011, 01:25 AM

More legroom in the rear of the L. Otherwise a toss-up. Nicer seats in the 86+ cars, though.

Jay

compu_85 · #6 08-13-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eelsfoot

I like the concept of the '85 300SD's and how there are minimal "electronic" systems to mess with.

The electronic systems between the 85 and 86 are almost identical. The 86 does use the computer to control idle speed, but those rarely have problems.

Every 85 I've seen has the same ABS and memory seats as an 86, and some have a driver's airbag.

The 86's climate control is computerized just like the 85, but unlike the previous generation it is able to give fault codes to help you fix it when it's not working properly. It also has fewer parts.

-J

sixto · #7 08-13-2011, 01:25 PM

SDL has headlights that struggle to light movie theater steps. Plan on a set of Euro headlights or night vision goggles.

Sixto
87 300D

eelsfoot · #8 08-13-2011, 07:27 PM

Thanks for the opinions!!! Appreciate the inputs....

Lance-

compu_85 · #9 08-13-2011, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

SDL has headlights that struggle to light movie theater steps. Plan on a set of Euro headlights or night vision goggles.

Ya, Hella and Bosch 9004 fixtures seem to be universally terrible. Good news is even cheepie Chinese knock off euro lights at ~$180 are a huge upgrade.

The DOT sealed beams on the 85 aren't a ton better, and by now the headlight doors are probably trashed, so upgrading the older car to euro lights is also a sensible step.

Travis_k · #10 08-14-2011, 01:39 AM

The main differences I could see would be less expensive stuff to go wrong on the older car (like ABS), the older car doesnt have airbags (IMO a good thing), and engine parts are available in the junkyard for the 300sd but not for the sdl. I would look for an 81-84 though, there is no reason to have that stupid catalyst thing bolted to your turbo if you have the option of getting an older car.

compu_85 · #11 08-14-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis_k

The main differences I could see would be less expensive stuff to go wrong on the older car (like ABS), the older car doesnt have airbags (IMO a good thing)

Federal 85s don't have the trap cat. ABS and Airbags are lifesaving technologies, Mercedes pioneered them for a reason. They are worth having.

-J

-=DeanstuD=- · #12 08-14-2011, 01:23 PM

ABS and airbags may have become standard equipment sooner in Mercedes, but the technologies were developed by American companies. I love my Benz but I am not brainwashed.

ashedd · #13 08-14-2011, 01:39 PM

An airbag '85 will have the telescoping wheel... very important if your very tall like me. Most people prefer the '85 for the lower rear diff. I will say it's a big improvement on highway driving. The short 126's also seems more nimble, I also think they look better. But a long one is best for passengers.

Travis_k · #14 08-14-2011, 03:15 PM

I have never wished I had ABS, and I can live without 30 year old explosives 2 feet from my face, so I chose an 83 300SD. I also wanted the option of buying used engine parts if necessary, which doesn't really exist with the SDL. Of course they are both good cars, I can just see the SDL potentially costing a good deal more.

JCSC2 · #15 08-14-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashedd

An airbag '85 will have the telescoping wheel... very important if your very tall like me. Most people prefer the '85 for the lower rear diff. I will say it's a big improvement on highway driving. The short 126's also seems more nimble, I also think they look better. But a long one is best for passengers.

Wish my 85 300SD had the telescopic wheel. It has ABS but no airbag. IMO my 85 300SD has plenty of get up and go. I grew up in 240D's and a turbo 617 engine is a rocket compared to those. LOL!