Difference between SD and SDL? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

esm6869 · #1 06-19-2002, 02:38 PM

I have been considering a diesel for some time now and have looked at several 300SD's. I have not been able to find a SDL in the area to test drive, so I am wondering what the difference is between the two models?

turnne1 · #2 06-19-2002, 04:04 PM

There is also quite a drivability(ride,transmission shifting) and quietness issue also......also I have seen VERY few Sd's with an airbag...I think it was an option in the '85's......the SDL will have driver side airbag,and a few more amenities:a better stereo(although still not very good),a sunroof that has a tilting mechanism and the rear seats(I believe) will also power tilt...not 100% sure about that rear seat deal...that may have been just a 420/560 feature

Warren
1992 300SD 142K
Columbus Ohio

#3 06-19-2002, 07:05 PM

The SDL is even more of a luxury automobile than the SD. This being said, it is quieter and has a six instead of a five cylinder. It also has a larger wheel base. SD: Sedan Diesel. SDL: Sedan Diesel Long? Not sure if that is correct, Bill knows

#4 06-19-2002, 07:15 PM

Re length, you get about 6" of additional legroom with the SDL. Foot rests included? I know they are on the 560SEL.

psfred · #5 06-19-2002, 10:18 PM

The SDL is a longer wheelbase (about 6", all in the rear floorpan). Else the SD and SDL are identical for any given year of production. The L does stand for long (also true for the SE SEL -- same stretch).

I believe both were available at the same time, but I'm not sure.

Peter

esm6869 · #6 06-20-2002, 10:08 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I have been targeting an '87 SDL, but it is so difficult to find a clean one that I am considering the SD's now.

#7 06-21-2002, 03:08 PM

I'm a relative newcomer to the SDL series but there is no comparison between the ride of my (recently purchased) '87 300 SDL and my '82 300 CDT.

The '82 with the 5 cylinder iron head feels like a panzer tank to drive.... noisy, but relatively responsive and it 'feels' very reliable. The '87 SDL has the 6 cylinder aluminum head and this car just floats down the road. Acceleration is quicker, the transmission shifts silky smooth, and fuel ecomomy is better. Of course the '82 has app. 300k while the SDL is presently at 136k.

Robert W. Roe · #8 06-22-2002, 01:06 AM

TXBill, you have me intrigued, and I'm wondering: what is the

Quote:

CHMSL on the back parcel shelf

? Is it the third brake light? Trying to guess what it stands for but coming up blank.
BTW, I was just reading the brochure for the 1984's and it mentioned SRS was optional in the 1984 model year SD's. Not sure when ABS became standard on the W126, but it was probably in 1986, the first year for the US W124's and the first year of the flat cladded W126's.
One more consideration: rear seat legroom. If you're going to put a kid's car seat in the back, it's a lot farther they have to kick to reach your elbows....

#9 06-22-2002, 03:27 AM

In 84 the airbag and ABS became an option on all the S-Classes. In 85 it became standard in the 500SEL. In 1986 Every Mercedes made got ABS and a passenger side airbag.

sixto · #10 06-24-2002, 04:50 PM

CHMSL = center high-mounted stop light?

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL

Ducati · #11 06-24-2002, 11:29 PM

That six cyl 607 motor that was referred to as being the SDL powerplant - is that a 3 liter or the dreaded 3.5?

Also, have the factory warranty shortblocks that Mercedes installed as the fix for the 3.5's reliability problems proven to be reliable? There is a mid nineties S model with the 3.5 & factory warranty shortblock replacement for sale locally, and the price seems reasonable. However, I am leery of the 3.5.

#12 06-24-2002, 11:35 PM

"In 1986 Every Mercedes made got ABS and a passenger side airbag." This can't be true because I have an 86' with NO passenger side airbag. Maybe they missed mine?

Robert W. Roe · #13 06-25-2002, 12:20 AM

I think it should have read "driver side air bag." The W124's without a glove box have the passenger side air bag. I'm guessing 1992 or 1993 for the second air bag.

turnne1 · #14 06-25-2002, 08:22 AM

Ducati in reagrd to your message about the short blocked 3.5 litre...the MB zone rep told me they have NEVER had a reoccuring problem on a car that has been repaired....not sure how much his statement is worth but thats what I was told....so if you find one that has been repaired.."correctly" I would think tht its a safe buy....but you mention the prices seem reasonable...I have found quite the opposite...the 140 diesels I have seen that are clean with good service history(and in many cases new engines) seemed to be going for a premium....and if you find a say 1995 starmarked car at the dealer...expect to pay over book for it...

in regard to the passenger airbag I think the oldest car I hace seen with that is an '88 560SEL...most of the 420/560 's off that era had them I believe...but curiously many of the 300SE's and SD/SDL's did not...ditto for the early 90's 124 body style....some had passenger side airbag's...mainly the V8's...but my 1992 300D 2.5 did not have the passenger side airbag...nor did it have leather or headlight washers for that matter either

Warren
1992 300SD 142K
Columbus Ohio

#15 06-25-2002, 10:39 PM

Turbodiesel, I am assuming your 87' has an airbag, true? Does it also have a glovebox in front as well? just curious, thx.