I just read the thread on the late 80's (1987, 1988) 300D's with the weak head. Are these the ones with the 6 cylinder engine? What year did they improve upon it? I was considering getting one, now I'm concerned. Does anyone know what was the last year of the 5 cylinders? Did they have a 5 cylinder in the newer (non-126) body style.

83 300SD 172K

1985 was the last year for the 5 cyl all cast iron engine.

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Jim

1985 was the last year for 5cyl in US cars.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Then they went to an aluminum block? How do these hold up as compared to the cast iron?

1985 was the last year (in the U.S.) for the cast iron 5 cyl. turbo diesel (the 617). 1986 & 87 were the only two years (in the U.S.) of the 6 cylinder 3.0 litre turbo diesel (the 603). This was a superior engine in almost every respect. The weakest link in the newer system is the aluminum head. On occasion they reportedly crack. But when maintained decently (OIL CHANGES! and DO NOT OVERHEAT) they can last well over the 300K mark. Both are truly great systems. Early 90's (?) was the introduction of the 6 cylinder 3.5 litre turbo diesel. Bored out version of the 603. Same aluminum head with thinner cylinder walls = trouble.

Holy smokes!!! I'm glad I asked around. There's an 87 300 with 200K on it right around the corner for $6950.00. No warranty, as-is, unknown lineage.

Survey says, "Find a good 5-cylinder."

IMO the newer (86+) diesels are miles ahead of the older smokey ones. The handling and refinement of the 87 300D is far above the crude (but dear to my heart) 82-85 300D.. it's worth the extra couple bucks.

$6950 seems too much for that 87. If you can find a GOOD 87 300D with records, GO FOR IT. They are rare compared to the dime-a-dozen W123 models. They handle SO much better than their predecessors and are smoother, faster, quieter, and more refined overall.

The 90-93 300D 2.5 Turbo are also five cylinder vehicles and in my opinion incredible cars



Warren
1992 300SD 166K
Columbus Ohio

2.5 Turbo is nice and gets great fuel economy but is significantly less powerful than the 1987.

gawlbpd,
That 87 300 ,according to Edmunds true market is only worth about $3500 if it's real nice. Not too long ago I had a chance to buy a similar car for about $2500, and I'm happy to say that it didn't happen. Aluminum head on cast iron diesel engine= bad idea ! Aluminum and cast iron expand and contract during the heating and cooling cycle at different rates. Just think about what this is doing to that critical head gasket sealing surface over time ! I've driven later model MB's and I will vote for the pre-85 cars. Five cylinders/all cast iron... that 83 you have is a great car, appreciate it and get another one like it . You will probably still be driving an older D when that 87 has become a parts car or a very deep money pit! Now that I've got the late model guys worked up, let the fun begin !

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Diesel-guy

Uh oh, time for "gsxr" to chime in!

Don't listen to all these wifes tales about the 603 engine, mine has been great to me, absolutely no problems. Drive one and make your own descision.

Has anyone ever dropped a full cast iron setup in a post-86 vehicle? I wonder if it's even feasible.

I desperately need a second car now that my stepdaughter is gong to start driving in the next two months, and I personaly want to drive the current style of MBZ. SO, all in all, I want a newer diesel.

IMO, $3500 is a steal for a nice, decent mileage (under 250k) 87 300D. These are very rare cars and quite desireable.