Best diesel for me? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

G-Man · #16 10-21-2003, 11:45 AM

Great info guys, thanks a million.

If the SDL will approach 30 mpg, that sounds like a good choice. My drive would be mostly across the flatlands at lower altitudes. I very much like the idea of the larger car for the comfort and safety it offers. I think I would look for one with the head already done, in fact, there is one like that on ebay right now.

The other thing I noticed when looking is that the '87 E class appears to have a trap oxidizer under the hood. I assume that is what I am looking at when I see a big can next to the cyl head. Is it something that did not come on the S-calss version? Are they as big a problem as I remember? Is there a way to retrofit (easily) the plumbing to remove it?

D.Blake · #17 10-21-2003, 12:02 PM

G-Man,
The 86 SDL Cal version and all 87 SDLs had Trap oxidizers. I think the 87 300Ds did too but I am not sure. It is the large football sized thing just aft of the turbo. If you get one with it on, take it to your nearest MB dealer for free removal. They will also replace the turbo and head if it is determined that they have been damaged by it.

Scott98 · #18 10-21-2003, 12:30 PM

I've got a '97 E300D. It's non-turbo but has all the power you need. I've driven it over the Appalachian mountains without a problem (I know the Rockies are higher). I also get about 35 miles to the gallon. The car is very comfortable and rides like a dream. You should also have more than enough room in the front. You should be able to get a good one for 15k. If you are going to be doing a lot of driving I would get something that's going to be the most comfortable. I've been in an '87 300SDL, '87 300D and an '85 300D. In my opinion, the '97 is the most comfortable and a better driving car. Mine was used as a commercial vehicle before I bought it. It has 232k on it and still drives like a new car.

Scott

TX76513 · #19 10-21-2003, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Scott98
I've g.... In my opinion, the...

Scott

Key Words!

DslBnz · #20 10-21-2003, 11:16 PM

The W210 ain't for everyone, and it is significantly different than the older Benz's.

The W210's seats feel a little harder, and the leg room in the driver's seat is nothing really special(thanks to the knee bar). BUT the car handles like a dream, eats up the interstate, is smooth quiet, and has over thirty electronic devices you can fool around with over time. The back seat room in the W210 is very spacious. A first in an E-Class Benz, really.

The W126, in my opinion (key words, here

) is the best S-Class ever built. I have been in and driven BOTH the W220 and the W140 and this is still my opinion.
The thing with the W126 is, it has been portrayed in so many movies that everyone bases MB's image on the W126. Nobody ever asks what kind of car I drive. Its a Mercedes, and everyone knows it!

I found it funny when in "Tomorrow Never Dies" they used two old W126 Mercedes chasing a Bimmer 750iL (hey what about the W140?). The W126 kept up with it pretty well, too. Not bad considering the W126 was released in 1978!

Scott98 · #21 10-22-2003, 11:05 AM

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE those other diesels as well. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! Each one has its own unique personality.

Scott

Rick Miley · #22 10-22-2003, 11:27 AM

I think G-Man is smart enough to read our posts and still make his own decision.

G-Man · #23 10-22-2003, 09:05 PM

I like the 210 myself. I am just REALLY concerned about 155 lb/ft trying to push a 3500lb sedan at 8-10,000 ft elevation. Check my sig, I'm pretty spoiled by powerful machines.

I am trying to locate a 300SDL to drive and I will look at both turbo and non 210 models, though unfortunatly the '98-99 TD's are a little more than I wanted to spend.

I appreciate ALL of the opinions and I have alread learned a bunch about these cars. Thanks, Brent

edge · #24 10-23-2003, 12:50 AM

I just listed my '85 300SD in the classified section. My wife is spoiled with my '94 E320 and wants me to sell one of my diesels. My son drives the '84 300D and I'm going for a 4 wheeel drive for winter. Grey/ Palomino leather with 124K miles. CD changer in trunk, Infinity dash speakers. I've done all my own work on this baby. New brakes, new Behr radiator, adjuster valves, changed power steering filter & fliud, auto trans filter & fluid. New hoodpad, new Firestone Affinity LH30 tires, new European lights added with cityligts, new rear window regulator. Oil changed every 3000 miles. 1985 was the best year for the SD, absolutely no rust. Yours for $6900.

#25 10-25-2003, 02:25 AM

Get and SD, they are the best. Just make sure whatever you purchase has been well maintained and has ALL records

I personally almost bought an SD, but I couldn't get the price down(the car is still sitting on the used car lot). I ended up with my Subaru instead

mikemover · #26 10-26-2003, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DslBnz
The W126, in my opinion (key words, here) is the best S-Class ever built.

:p Nope, the W116 is THE best all-around MB platform ever built, period.

Just my opinion....

Mike

DslBnz · #27 10-26-2003, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mikemover
:p Nope, the W116 is THE best all-around MB platform ever built, period.

Just my opinion....

Mike

Maybe... But where I live, the body wouldn't last the winter with all our road salt!

mikemover · #28 10-26-2003, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DslBnz
Maybe... But where I live, it the body wouldn't last the winter with all our road salt!

True, the body doesn't handle the Great White North winter salt very well...that's why you guys should send them all down south for ME to take care of!

Mike

DslBnz · #29 10-26-2003, 01:12 AM

If I wanted to be crazy, I'd purchase a W140. I've NEVER seen one of those things rot.

But I don't like the W140, as I think it looks like a blown up '94 - '95 E320. The doors are not as thick and are not as heavy as the W116 and W126's are, and the dashboard is WAY too bulky. Poor vision, and feels like a REAL tank to drive. I do not care for the door assistance mechanisms on each door, and they often fail too.

A W116 would be cool. I would love an SD or a 6.9.

axlechassis · #30 10-26-2003, 08:48 AM

While running a search on tachs I found this great thread:

The best car in the world - $5,000

Now I want one too!!

Be sure to check his great web site too.
my thanks to tomspin for the wealth of info.