I have found a super nice local 1992 Mercedes 300SD diesel that I think I can get for about $5000. Its a stunning car. I have owned several W126 Mercedes, but they were gassers and I have owned two diesels, a 1974 240D and a 1984 190D. I have never owned a W140, nor a big diesel. I have heard horror stories about the 90-91 350SD/L, and some about the 92+ 300SD, but wondering if the 92-93 models were as bad?

I have read about some people having issues with the W140 diesels, something about bending rods? This car has 195K, but they say it runs like new. Should I avoid this car? I really want a long wheelbase car, but that was only an option for the gas W140 models.

Also, do the diesel W140s also have the engine wiring harness issues or did that only effect the gas models? My uncle has a 1992 300SE (gas) with the original engine wiring harness and he has never had an issue.

I have also found a nice 1993 Mercedes 500SEL for $3500 that I am seriously considering. May be the better way to go (especially since I really want a long wheel base model)?

Thanks in advance!

I have owned gas and diesel W140 models and a W126 diesel. Gas W140 is recommended unless you enjoy diesel engines or need better city MPG. Cost per mile is lower with my S320 LWB vs the S350 on the highway.

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Present
1987 300SDL 373,200
1991 300SL, 140,000

Past
1969 200D, euro, 4 spd on column (1976-79)
1983 300SD (1984-85)
1972 250C (1982-02)
1995 S350 (2011)
1997 S320 (2012)

I could not give away my grandmothers 98 w140 S500 that they purchased new. It had 88,000 and had been dealer maintained since new. Everything and I mean everything went wrong with that car while I was trying to sell it. They are such an over engineered car and because they are so heavy the suspension wears out all the time.

Bottom line they are nice cars but they will break your heart.

__________________
1985 300D - 87k
Manganese Brown/ Palomino Leather
2005 E55, 50k
Flint Gray/Black

What's the service history on the SD and SEL? Maybe the major issues have been dealt with. $5000 seems steep for a '92 SD unless it needs nothing and the wiring harness, evaporator and block/rods have been replaced.

Sixto
87 300D^2