W126 300SD : 81 vs 85?
 

I currently own a '93 300D2.5 with 210,000km. I am looking for informations on a W126 300SD ('81 to '85) or a W126 300SDL ('86 to '87), maybe as a second car.

My question is about the 300SD: What major improvements were done through the years on this car between '81 and '85? Is '85 the best buy?

Thanks,

85 has power headrests. It might also have an airbag and ABS. None of these were available on the 81. Additionally, the vacuum system was improved for better shifting I think.

The 85 will have the trap oxidizer if a CA version. Apparently, one should steer clear of those. I had an 81, my overall favorite car out of about 10 so far (8 Mercedes).

JAS

My car has the auto headrests and ABS. It does not have the airbag though. Don' t let jas2wa give the CA cars a bad rap. If you find a nice one run the VIN to see if the recall was performed. I found mine with meticulous service records. Bought in San Juan Capistrano and MB serviced up the 110,000 miles. I currently have 297,000 miles and never had any major problems whatsoever.

Just a sneek peek.

Does the '85 SD still have the 5-cyl engine? I know the SDL's had the 6. I have seen one other '85 with the 5 cyl, and was surprised. I thought they went to the 6 in '85.
The 5 vs 6 debate is about the same as the oil debate. Personally I'd stick with the 5 for longevity. But I know there are some here with the 6 in SDL's and have high mileage on them.
I THINK '85 was the first year ABS and air bags were standard instead of an option. My '84 has neither.

Didn't mean to knock the trap oxidizer...

The 85 is a 5-cyl- 86 on was the 6

85 has central locking actuation from the passenger door and trunk. More likely to have rear headrests in an 85 than 81.

Much simpler engine vacuum control system in an 81-83 than 84-85. No electronics in the IP in the 81-83 versions. Not sure about 84. Definitely present in CA 85.

Built-in anti-theft came along in 84 or 85. You'll be lucky if the door actuators work properly 20 years later.

When did memory seats come along?

Unless you're a canyon carver or park in downtown Paris, I'll bet $1 that an SDL will be your daily driver and the 2.5 will be the second car.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

I still have the 5cyl. I do not have airbag though so I don't think it was standard. My alarm was giving me a hassle so I **** canned it. My locking system works wonderfully. Everything worked great on this car. Just doing the little things now. The seat bottoms were detaching themselves so I took the seats out and fixed them.

My 81 SD had rear headrests and leather- I think the former came with the leather option? Then it was standard by 85/86?

Seems like I remember hearing something about an improved torque converter on '85.

Also, the '85 has a valve cover mounted switch that shuts off the A/C at WOT. I've been told this was also started in '85.

vwbuge, nice side markers, are they smoked or clear? Who makes them and where did you get them? I upgraded to euro's and wondering if I should change the side markers.

My corners are clear. I bought them off of Ebay for like $30. I had to swap the bulb mount with my originals and buy amber bulbs. Best $30 spent so far. They really go well with the Euro's.

ck42,
When you refer to the A/C......what is WOT??????

WOT must be Wide Open Throttle...

wot....correct

Hmmm....WOT A/C cutout switch. I like it. Hafta see if I can retro my '84 to have one of those.

It looks like it would be pretty simple. Like I said, it's really just a switch that mounts on top of the valve cover that gets 'pushed'/activated when the linkage moves far enough (WOT). The wiring to the switch goes......somewhere :confused:

In any case, the parts alone should be cheap. The installation should be pretty straightforward too.....I'm guessing.

Probably could just cut off the mag clutch to the A/C compressor. I'll look at my repair CD and see if they have the wiring diagram for it.
Oh boy! Another project!:D :rolleyes:

It's only a small pic but this '85 300SD look great.
260,000 km. One owner!

Will have to look at it closer...;-)

Have a good week-end!