300SD vs. 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

edge · #1 04-04-2003, 11:53 PM

Although I don't get to drive it that often (wife's car), the 85 SD is such a nice refined, roomy and well mannered car compared to my 300D. I would advise new buyers to step up to buy a SD as a diesel alternative. I think you can pick up a good one for $1500-2000 more than a 300D. At roughly $4000, it's a great deal for a great car. Now I have to drive the 6 cylinder 300SDL and possibly the 350SDL.

rwthomas1 · #2 04-05-2003, 09:17 AM

When I was doing my car searching I found that the SD's were often ragged out, especially the interiors, really badly compared to the D's. My theory is that families used the bigger cars and single drivers/commuters owned the D's. I tried and only found two SD's worth buying and they were more than I wanted to spend. YRMV, RT

psfred · #3 04-05-2003, 09:43 AM

The W126 chassis is very nice, probably the best big benz in my book, although I've not driven a W140 or the new S class.....

They do, however, tend to have incredible miles on them, the original or second owner usually only sells them when the expense of getting them into decent condition is greater than a replacement!

They are available, though. The SDL is nicer, yet -- more power and smoother, slightly better milage, but only 86 and 87. The 350 has more power yet, but that engine......I know of several examples that have run 250,000 miles or more without trouble, but there are several listers who have had one blow, so there it is.

The W124 chassis is nice, too, but I prefer the W115 or W123, really. My 300D is lovely to drive, but much harder to see out of.

Peter

#4 04-05-2003, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rwthomas1
I tried and only found two SD's worth buying and they were more than I wanted to spend. YRMV, RT

I would have to agree with you on this. I have looked at a few SD's, and everyone I have looked at has had a torn up interior, even if they do have low miles. I did find a W116 300SD that I look at once, and it was in good shape, but it was also in Southern Oregon...

dmorrison · #5 04-05-2003, 12:24 PM

Yes a huge difference between the 2 cars.
I have the 300TD. I really like the car. I am reconditioning it to be a daily driver.
My daughter is driving my wifes old 86 300SDL. We used to use that as a daily driver utill we got the E300. In some ways I like the SDL better than the E. The SDL is larger, wider and drives in a more solid way than the E. The E is more high performance. It had a lot of neat bells and whisles, Those things that I foulnd could break and require service.
When we were looking for a replacement for the SDL I found a 91 350SDL with 75,000 mi and a 2 year Mercedes extended warrentee. This car was perfect. Not a scratch, teal worn spot on it. I got there 20 mins to late. The car was sold. I really wish I could have bought that car. Even with the known 3.5 liter diesel problems. I really like the 126 body.
We will start to drive the 300Td on a regular basis. So that is why I am rebuilding those items that effect the ride and comfort. Well be going from a E300 as a regular car to the 82 300TD. Quite a change in automobiles. The SDL "could" be driven but to make it "reliable" I would have to replace the Tranny and torque converter, and replace the Short block. The suspension probably needs work also. The tranny is starting to slip at times. 275,000 miles. And the #1 pistons compression is dropping. Still runs, just a little rough. So when you add all that up the SDL is not worth rebulding.
We will be dropping down to the 3 vehicles. The 300TD the 560SL and my son has the 65 Mustng. When My daughter goes to college in the fall the SDL will be sold.
Due to the age of the 300TD and the "toy" status of the SL anytime we go see the kids at collage we will rent a car.I'd rather put the milage on a rental and have the 2 cars last as long as possible. Besides you can rent a car here in the Metroplex for $10 a day Fri-sun. I would rather put the wear and tear on there car.

Dave