|
|
|
|
|
#1
08-06-2003, 09:03 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
'85 300SD versus '87 300SDL
I have been trying to locate a reasonably priced '87 300SDL with less than 175k as my first MB. Located a '85 300SD with less than 150K and an asking price of over $6k. Other than bad looking seats, the '85 appears to be very good. Should I be patient and keep looking for a '87 or would the '85 be just as good? Opinions sought. Thanks. Steve
|
|
#2
08-06-2003, 09:48 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
The SDL is a pretty dramatic upgrade from the older SD. It rides smoother, has more space in the back, looks newer, and most of all, the engine is MUCH smoother, quieter, and more powerful. Plus it gets better mileage!
Don't let the aluminum cylinder head problem scare you away. Find one that's been well maintained. Squeeze the upper radiator hose when the car is stone cold. It should be soft. Check for oil in the coolant. Run the car hard with the AC on and make sure the temperature doesn't get near 120.
|
|
#3
08-07-2003, 02:18 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
wait for the 300SDL
With the 300SDL you get a smoother quiter engine with hydraulic lifters (less maintenance). You get drivers side air bag and anti-lock brakes, its also a larger car. The 300SDLs I drove before I bought mine seemed to have more get-up-and-go than the older 300SDs I drove, but that might just be my imagination. I love my 300SDL and I'm glad I waited for it (looked for over two years). I do alot of highway driving and typically get 23-27MPG at 75-80MPH depending on if I'm running the AC or not. I don't think you could expect any better from the five cylinder 300SD. I'm not knocking the older cars. They are great cars. But if you can wait, you should. You probably won't end up paying much more for the 300SDL either.
__________________
'87 300SDL '96 F250 Crewcab PowerStroke '00 Kubota L2600 '66 Malibu ragtop (SOLD, sob) '01 BMW M3 ragtop
|
|
#4
08-07-2003, 07:31 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
BrierS,
I agree with everyone else on this.....my SDL is smooth as silk, faster, smoother, quieter, and much roomier than my 300CD. I see you're in NH. Don't know how far you want to travel but I've seen several '86 & '87 SDL's in the local bargain news in Ct. Try www.bargainnews.com if you're interested.
|
|
#5
08-08-2003, 05:36 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Waiting while searching for the SDL it will be. Thanks for the opinions and ezatu300sdl thanks for the lead. I checked and found one that caught my attention. I'll have to call today and see if it is still available. Thanks again. Steve
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Linear Mode
