Got rid of one of my Jap cruisers today, Puts me back to only 5 cars. Actually 4 and a truck. Thinking about getting another NICE diesel, i.e. spend some actual borrowed money for a change. I was looking through autotrader at a bunch of SD's and SDL's, I'm thinking of going as new as '87 for the next car. Is there a dramatic difference between the SD and the SDL as far as power. Is there any great difference in reliability. I see the SDL is not a cast iron head which makes me a bit queasy. My last two cars were E-bay but this time I want to do a real eye-ball look and drive it before purchase. The SD, is that a 617 motor? Same as in my DT? I'm going to try to find a car that's "perfect", R-12 A/C, dry carpets, working defrosters etc etc, all the crap that makes me nuts on the D. Anyway, most here have more years experience than me so I'm asking basically should I go for an SD or an SDL or does it really matter. Thanks.

All options and years the same... the only difference between the SD and the SDL is the longer wheel base and longer rear passenger doors.(to my knowledge... to satisfy the nit pickers) the '87s will have the aluminum head. I wouldn't worry about the wheel base difference...I'd pick the best car if two were side by side. You could have some hell of a party in the back seat of a SDL
Some others can better inform you on the years of 6cyl aluminum headed 3Ltrs that were better that others. I DO know that MBZ did some modifications on the later aluminum heads.

__________________
My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

The 300SDL had the 603 motor which is a huge improvement over the 617 motor of the 300SD. The 603 is significantly smoother, quieter, and more powerful.

And yes, the difference is QUITE dramatic. Drive one and see

I stand corrected if you were comparing the 603 motor (6cyl) to the 617 (5cyl). I agree with speedy300D, the 6 cyl is faster. Now which one will run the longest.....? my money goes with the 617 motor. I assumed that you were asking to compare the long sedan with the standard sedan, same years.

__________________
My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

Also to consider are the enhancements to the W126 line over the years. Things like:

- SDL has rear headrests, optional on later SDs
- SDL has driver's airbag, optional on later SDs
- SDL has factory security system, optional on later SDs
- SDL central locking activated by keyed doors and trunk, driver's door only on early SDs
- SDL has ABS, available in 84 or 85 SD
- SDL has leather, some SDs came with MB Tex
- SDL has tilt and slide sunroof, SD has slide only
- SDL has 6.5" rear speakers, SD has 4x6
- SDL has 15" wheels which provides better tire selection, 15" wheels fit SD

And unenhancements like useless aero headlights on the SDL.

IMO, the only reasons to take an SD over an SDL are:

- can't justify another $2000
- can't park another 4"
- no faith in aluminum head
- you like adjusting valves

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

You can also go for the 603 engine in the 87 300D which will handle better than the SD and the SDL and is quicker but you get the E-Class body rather than the S-Class body.

__________________
85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

SDL also has memory seats inlcuding memory telescoping steering wheel.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

If you are considering an Ebay car get a guarantee from the seller, in writing (email), that the car is as represented. Maybe a board member wouldn't mind doing a drive-by look-see at an out-of-state vehicle for you. No shame in walking away from a bad deal. I am partial to southern cars for body rot reasons. I would have a hard time paying real money for a NE or rustbelt car. Mechanical work is easy, bodywork sucks and takes time, skill and money to do right. Go for the rust-free southern cars. SD or SDL is unimportant compared to vehicle condition and history. RT

__________________
When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K