300D vs 300SD
 

I now have a 82 300D and am going to look at a 84 300SD. Was curious if anyone could tell me if I would be able to just drop the motor out of my 300D into the SD with little to no drastic changes. Just curious if there is much of a difference in the cars other than size. I love my 300D but have two kids and think I would like the extra space I would get with the SD. Any input would be great.

You might need to swap automatic transmission tailcones
as the speedo/odometer is electric
oilfilter mount is different but is a problem going from an 300sd to a 300d
probably not a problem going the other way.
other than that same motor

Look for a 86-87 SDL and you'll really love the car. 6 cylinder and limo room.:D

I had a pair of 83s, 300D and 300SD concurrently.

If you like the W123 300D, You'll love the W126 300SD.

I think the extra room is subjective.
The width of both cars is very close, the rear is slightly better for legroom, and the trunk is larger for the W126. The OM603 SDL has a lot more room in back.

There's just something about the way a W126 drives that's sooo much nicer than the W123.

Jim

Oil pressure sender is electric... Need to swap over the filter assemblies to fit right.
Water pump pulley is smaller, swap that also. Also the motor mount arms stay with the vehicle.

Can you have 1 of each? I have SDs and would like a 123 - just because.

... just one?

Thanks for all the input. I would love to have one of each but my wife is not happy with the one sitting in the driveway let alone having two sitting out there. I am trying to find a house out in the country with a few acres and more garage space. Then I will have room for more. : )

Thought from what I have read its best to stay away from the SDL with the 6 cyl unless you have good mx records and have proof of (cam or crankshaft replacement) can't remember which it was.

I love my 300D just have 2 little ones that are in the back and they are getting bigger and the leg room would be nice. I drive mine back and forth to work and running errands and average about 15,000 miles a year.

probably remembering the warnings of the SD350 (rodbender)

+1, the 3.0 liter sdl only has the problem of head failure, if the motor is overheated. No cam or crank issues... And a LOT more power and economy vs the SD's OM 617 iron head 3liter power plant.

There's not enough of a size difference to go to all that trouble, IMO.

We had both at the same time in my family.

If you want an SD, then buy one you like, and sell the D.