W116 300SD and W126 300SD comparison?

[ericnguyen]

Dear friends:

I've read in some books about Mercedes diesel cars that
W116 300SD (1978-1980) are much worse than W126 300SD (1981-1985) because W116 300SD are very much rust-prone, and most of them have problems with water pumps, climate control, cruise control, and many more. One of their conclusions is like this: "Unless you've just got to have a W116 300SD, there is no compelling reason to own one.... The 1981 and later W126 300SD were miles better.".

What are your comments and opinions about W116 and W126 300SD cars?

Thanks a lot.

Best regards,

Eric