PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Just acquired 1987 300sdl with problems…. Need advisement

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton (Post 2912651)

Sadly, this vehicle has reached the end of its economic life. The cost to restore it to a reliable daily driver is absolutely prohibitive if performed by a mechanic. You're looking at a minimum of $6K in just the transmission and engine, alone. If the head is cracked, which is a definite possibility, you're looking at an additional $2K just for the part.

As you stated, you do not have the time to perform the work yourself. Even if you did, and did it for the love of the vehicle, you'll still invest more than $5K by the time you're finished (others have spent considerably more on the exact same vehicle).

And, when you get finished, you'll have a vehicle that is worth, at the very most, about $4K.

It's worth next to nothing in the current condition. One of the forum members might take it for the scrap value ($500 or so).

It's worth noting that most of the members who posted on this thread never owned one of these vehicles and have no clue as to the costs associated with fixing them. My experience is based on the two that I currently have and the one previously possessed by "Hatterasguy". He has a litany of posts from about five years ago regarding the repair of this vehicle. He spent over $10K on repairs to this vehicle and he DID NOT need to remove the head.

The members here tend to look at the bright side when it comes to other people's money. Don't let them do it to you.

I agree 100%...if you want a W126 as a second car in addition to your Nissan go and find one in good shape with low miles. Engine and transmission are huge and there are plenty of other little things that can go wrong after that. Not worth the time, effort and $$.

Hi all,
Been busy this past week, haven’t been able to come on and post…..

Here’s my responses back to everyone….. thanks again for chiming in:

@brandlj… the vent itself in the center stack doesn’t open due to a cracked vacuum pod gasket…. It only blows out the left and right vent =( ….. thanks for the tips on the kickdown switch and vacuum lines….. when and if I get time, I will be sure to check these…

@Dave Donaldson…. $500, wow…. have fun…. Thanks for the well wishes

@Jeremy5848…. Thanks for the info, didn’t know about the separate vacuum pumps…. Yes, I have a sense that it is vacuum related also…. Will try my best to inspect the lines

@Brian Carlton….. Thank you for your candid response and sharing the observations from your experience and looking out for me especially as it comes to the money aspect…. I hear you….. I’m still not sure what route I’m planning to do with the car….. right now, the car is just parked, and my dad has come once to take her and drive her around town….. as it does still drive….. maybe we’ll take
@ah-kay ‘s advisement regarding taking our time with her…. Not sure yet

@ah-kay…. Thanks for chiming in and offering your assistance with pointers….. much appreciated…. You’re right, we have time as its not my daily driver….. hopefully it is a ‘cheap fix’ as you say

@davidlee…. Thanks for your post and for offering your assistance on helping me to find a non-gouging san diego shop….. I’ll be sure to get a second opinion of the assessment from a mechanic before totally giving up on her…

@barry123400… I actually do respect my dad’s mechanic’s opinion…. But he told my dad to go ahead and continue to drive and enjoy the car as is with the headgasket leak….. I just don’t agree that it should be driven in this state, but my dad has gone with his mechanic’s word and he thinks its ok…. (he did drive it around town once last week)…. As you mentioned, I do have some sentimental attachment and the fact that my parents were the original owners does make it a nice thing to have and fixup and keep…. I’m in my 30’s and think that it would be neat as long as I have the means and space to keep it going until maybe up to my own old age…. But only if it could be kept up in good driving condition at minimum….thanks for your advisement on not making a rash decision and regretting it later…. I’ll be sure to make an informed decision with all your guyes help.

@mbzjag8090…. Thanks for being straightforward and candid…. I really do need hear the reality of this. Thanks for your honesty.

So, for now, I guess I’ll just let her park on the street…. My dad seems to be ok with driving her around town….. he came and picked the car up last week to drive to the golf course…. I’ll continue to seek out a San Diego shop…. I do have a lead that I need to check up on with a shop downtown…. And I will try to keep you posted as developments arise.

Thanks again for reading and contributing.

Happy Easter All!!!!

jayq