300SDL - Wha'ddya think? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

AuctorEcclesiae · #1 10-12-2002, 12:58 AM

Hello friends:

While I have no intention of selling my 190e right now, I have entertained the possibility of eventually looking into a diesel MB. I have a friend who had one and he absolutely loved it. Not to mention he had over 550k on the thing ... THAT was amazing. I got my 190e last March and bought it over the diesel for now because my car sits outside a lot and I know that diesels are not the best to be left sitting outside in the extreme cold.

I thought I would ask for your thoughts and opinions on the 300SDL. That woud be the model that I might consider switching to eventually. Are there any major problems with the 300SDL series? What might be the best years to look at when looking to buy? How about mileage -- what's a good mileage to shoot for when looking for a used 300SDL?

Maybe there are other diesel models that you would recommend that might be better than the 300SDL?

In terms of maintenance, I'm learning a lot about the 190e. How much different is a diesel to maintain than a gas model? I'm not a real handy person and have most of my work done at the dealership or an indie.

I would be grateful for your feedback.

Thanks friends!!

Take care and have a great weekend,
Michael.

#2 10-12-2002, 01:07 AM

Get a W123 Diesel, they are less expensive, much simpler in design and thus easier and cheaper to maintain.

#3 10-12-2002, 02:10 AM

I absolutely love mine. I've owned alot of MB diesels and this is - by far - my favorite diesel. Some say it was the best car Mercedes-Benz ever made. I've put over 65,000 miles on mine and it's been really good to me. Never left me stranded (only once, when I ran out of fuel). Mine currently has about 290K and shows no signs of stopping. Don't let me fool you though, this is a 15 year-old car and will require repairs to be done, and some may not be cheap. But the feel of this car, the ride and the quality put the cost behind me. Seriously, I can't say enough good things about this car, it's a shame there were only about 8,000 of them made in '86 and '87.

Ken300D · #4 10-12-2002, 09:41 AM

From what I've read here, you only want the 1986 and 1987 model years. Later 300SDL cars had a larger displacement engine that had some weaknesses such as bent piston rods and cylinder side wear.

Ken300D

Billybob · #5 10-12-2002, 03:23 PM

Under no circumstance should you ever consider approaching one of these vehicles!!!! You would be a fool to even waste your time looking or test driving/riding one!

The combination of engineering excellence, power plant capability, and the epitome of timeless styling will forever ruin you for the rest of your motoring life!!! You will spend an eternity searching to achieve that state of motive bliss that only this car can attain! The rush of endorphins that accompany such an experience has yet to be equaled buy modern pharmacopoeia! A fatal flaw is the feeling of fainting/vertigo that will often times overwhelm you on those days when your vision captures the exquisite silhouette as you approach these vehicles in a parking space! You are much more likely to be struck by a Ford or Honda in this state of euphoria than at any other time, (unless you are blind, deaf, and dumb traversing a mall parking lot on December 23)

Do not! I repeat Do Not! get behind the wheel on an interstate highway and drive above 75, 80, or even 90 MPH! Unless you possess superhuman self control the family and friends you've will have left behind will be posting your missing /wanted poster on milk cartons and diesel pumps across the nation for years!

Seriously though, if you like Mercedes Benz and you like diesel you’re going to love this/lust for, these vehicles. Every moment behind the wheel is indescribably delicious. The real deal - 86/87 300SDL 3.0 L six cylinder turbocharged diesel! 25+MPG at 75+ MPH all day and all night, 500+ miles between 20 gal fillups!
Yeah Baby!!! Highway Supernova!!

Good Luck!

AuctorEcclesiae · #6 10-12-2002, 03:43 PM

Goodness Billybob, it's almost as good as
the beatific vision ... almost!!

I'm just curious -- what was the last year that the
300SDL was manufactured in? Is it better to look
for earlier or later models.

I've enjoyed reading everyone's feedback. Thanks
again.

Peace!
Michael.

suginami · #7 10-12-2002, 06:46 PM

The 300 SDL was only made in '86 and '87.

In '90 and '91 the 350 SD and 350 SDL were sold in the W126 chasis, but these models ought to be avoided for the obvious problems with the engine.

Jay · #8 10-12-2002, 08:25 PM

AuctorEcclesiae, What does "beatific vision" mean?

#9 10-12-2002, 08:54 PM

+

jay123 · #10 10-12-2002, 11:46 PM

Damn, BillyBob..
That's better than any review or brochure I have ever read !!

However, if AuctorEcclesiae has never owned a diesel before, I would agree with 123c that he purchase a w123 diesel..240D or 300D. A 300SDL may burn a whole in his pocket if he's not an experienced diesel owner. The 300SDL does require some babying... Or it will BITE you in the ASS !!!