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  #1  
Old 08-03-2002, 11:06 PM
ebaybrad
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Newbie Q - what is the best "s" diesel...????

I am looking to buy a sd, sdl, etc... Money is not an object (i only want up to year 1991)

My question is...what is the best model/year to purchase..

I have heard to stay away form the 350sdl...orig my first choice as usually the newest models are the best ones...

That said, is the sdl different from the sd>? The engines are not the same?

What do you all reccommend as the most trouble free and most "choice" model

any and all suggestions woud be greatly appreciated...

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  #2  
Old 08-04-2002, 02:26 AM
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I'd vote for a well-maintained 300SDL (late model W126). I thinkt he later model 126's look nicer and the engine sounds less industrial

If money isn't an object, a 1995 S350 would be an amazing car to have! I believe the '95 has the updated connecting rods.
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  #3  
Old 08-05-2002, 08:53 AM
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Quote:
I am looking to buy a sd, sdl, etc... Money is not an object (i only want up to year 1991)
if that is true why are you only looking up to 1991?...if you want all the creature comforts etc..then you need a 140 chasis...will it cost you more for up keep?...absolutely....but has a lot more to offer....many enhanced features,great stereo,dual airbags...etc..etc..etc....but if you buy a 140 only buy one that has had IMMACULATE care and be prepared to pay more for a well cared for example...even if its above....trust me the 2-3K you may pay upfront will easilly be eaten in repairs(in the first year) on a car that has had marginal or even average care

good luck

Warren
1992 300SD 145K
Columbus Ohio
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  #4  
Old 08-09-2002, 09:51 PM
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For the most bulletproof engine, you want 1981-1985. However, the OM603.961 engine used in 1986-1987 SDL's is waaaaaaaay more refined, quiet, and efficient. I recommend the 86-87 SDL as the best one to get.

The 1990-91 cars with the 3.5L have the OM603.971 grenade... ooops, I mean engine. The guys on the MBZ.org diesel list like to say "keep an extra $12,000 handy for when (not "if") the motor blows up." There is a serious issue with the 3.5L engines, they like to bend rods and "oval out" the cylinder walls. They can't be rebuilt, the fix is a NEW engine from Mercedes. I'd avoid a 90-91 like the plague. The warning sign is increased oil consumption, to the point where it's up to a quart per 500-750 miles. Unfortunately by the time you notice the increased consumption, the damage is already done, and it's too late! D'oh!

Now, the 1992-1995 diesel W140 is truly an awesome car, but has the same engine flaws as the 90-91. As far as I know, the 95 did not have the updated engine parts (rods, etc), and Mercedes only discovered the flaw after the production run was complete. They never did admit there was a flaw, though, which is very cowardly of them. There is a detailed page on the 3.5L engine flaw on the MBZ.org site, which seems to be down right now... I was going to post to URL but I can't access the site. I know they were having trouble earlier this week with the servers, so keep trying. If you want a 140 chassis, I'd recommend getting the S500 (funds permitting), since the diesel and S320 versions are a little underpowered, IMO, for such a heavy car. I've only ridded in one - dual pane glass, rear A/C, little motors that suck the doors closed, etc - the thing really is incredible!


Good luck,
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  #5  
Old 08-10-2002, 09:31 PM
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Recommendation:

Find last year of W126 (1991) with 3.5 .... BUT, look only for one that has had the engine REPLACED ... I don't think I would even go for one that has been locally rebuilt.

They have to be out there, since so many failed, right?

Alternatively, buy a 1991 350 SDL at a suitably discounted price (I would allow about $6-8K at this point) and then get intake tract removed and cleaned of carbon and oil from the EGR and valve cover exhaust. Then, run synthetic oil and pray. Ya might get lucky ... not ALL have failed.

Me? I'm praying, still.

ps W140s are awesome cars ... I came very close to buying a 3.2L straight six version - what a machine! However, the number of absolute horror stories about relatively non-substantive failures across a broad range of system types (fans, a/c, electric switch, etc) that cost so much to get fixed scared the bejesus out of me ... so, I decided to keep the 350 SDL.
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  #6  
Old 08-11-2002, 12:08 AM
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If it were me, and money were no object I'd get a pimp ass 560SEL. Newest one I could find. And keep it running perfect.
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  #7  
Old 08-11-2002, 05:11 AM
turbodiesel
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300SDL. Nothing else quite like it.
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  #8  
Old 08-11-2002, 05:49 PM
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Depends on what kind of driving experience you're looking for. Between the 116 and the 126 chassis, I prefer the 116s because they just feel more "mechanically direct", for lack of a better description, and "hands-on" to me. More of a "driver's car", as much as a diesel-engined car can be, anyway....If you're looking for a more "luxury" ride, and all the more modern gadgetry and bells and whistles, then the 126 would be the car of choice.

I prefer the simpler approach of the 116s. I think of it this way: If I'm buying an MB, I plan to keep it for a LONG time, so the more fancy gadgetry the car has to begin with, the more things I will have to fix eventually. That does not appeal to me.

Either way, for durabililty and ease of maintenance, you can't beat the old 5-cyl. all-iron MB diesels. I agree with what was said before about the 350 engine cars...ONLY go with one of those if you can VERIFY that the engine has been replaced with the updated MB factory-built engine. One of those cars with the original engine is a big gamble...a very high percentage of them had big problems.


Mike
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  #9  
Old 08-12-2002, 10:08 AM
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It comes down to a question of $$ and how much refinement you want to have I guess....I have had my share of problems...trust me...but most of it fixed under warranty..inclusive of door/trunk closers,engine and AC evap core....BUT in terms of refinement I think the 140 is a winner.......in regard to the diesel and 3.2 liter version being underpowered stated ...compare them to the 81-85 SD or the 86-87 SDL and stage a race and see whats prevails

but I do agree if you buy a 3.5 liter diesel...be VERY careful...but I have seen some "bargains" out there...when you knew the car had engine probs...but when you do find one in pristine shape...engine replacement etc....they are always asking top dollar....and btw the way I have heard that MB made changes to this engine about 4 times and the 1995 models seem to have much better records
my personal cars replacement engine(I was told by the MB tech) had a myriad of changes from the old one that came out of the car...a completely redesigned head...different mounts etc..etc

according to one of the sales managers at an MB dealer in town he thinks the 1995 E300 diesel was about the best car Benz has built...he speaks this for the most part because of the fact that there have been the least amount of those cars brought in for warranty of any of the models in the 20 years...so I guess there is something to be said for that model


Warren
1992 300SD 145K
Columbus Ohio
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