Hi,

I'm new to the forum, to Mercedes, and to diesel. I'm considering purchasing an 80's era turbodiesel-powered Benz because 1) of their longevity & safety 2) their relatively good gas mileage, and 3) the ability to run them on Biodiesel.

My problem is I that I can't decide between the 300TD wagon, the 300SD, and/or the 300SDL. I am on a limited budget and would ideally I'd like to pay no more than $4,000.

I like the 300TD because of the hauling capacity. I like the 300SD because there seem to be quite a few used ones available in my area (Seattle) and I hear they run forever. I like the 300SDL because they (can?) have a driver's airbag and ABS (though, like the 300TD wagon, they're rare locally). I am willing to travel some distance to inspect/buy.

I will use my car as I use my current car, mainly for weekend trips to the mountains (so driving in snow) and/or the coast, not for commuting to work.

Advice?

Thanks in advance,

Sam

I love my TD and plan to drive it until it rots to rust. Make sure all the hydropnumatic bits are in perfect shape or recently replaced, otherwise big $$$ will be in order.

Still....
If I had the cash, I would jump at an '87 SDL, 92? SD, or 98-99 E300TD in an instant if I found one in perfect shape.

...I would still keep the TD

i am a newbie to Benz's, but my hard-earned cash went to a regular 300DT sedan, for $3k. In my humble opinion, the condition it is in will end up a larger part of your satisfaction than the specific model type.

__________________
1983 300D- silver blue, tan leather, 205,000.
1975 Datsun 280Z. Stock, ready to restore.
1983 San Juan 23. Dry docked.

Thanks for the input guys. It seems to me that you can't go wrong with any of the diesel Benz's that I'm considering, that is, assuming they're in good mechanical condition.

I get the impression that you can expect equal longevity out of the 80's era tds, sds, and sdls. Can anyone speak to the relative merits/deficiencies of the aluminum head in the '87 (& other years?) tds and sdls versus the full steel getup in the 85 & older diesels?

Thanks,

Sam

Buy the one you find in the best condition, with the best records. All are great cars, but for 4k it will be hard to find an SDL in good condition. The good ones seem to go for 6k-8k. All SDL's have ABS and a drivers side airbag to my knowledge. They were only made two years 1986-87. The 1985 SD's might have ABS and airbags, they were an expensive option. I wouldn't trust any of them now, they are to old. Have you looked at the 300D's?

To a degree, I am flexible on price.

Haven't looked at the 300D's. Should I?

Sam

The 300D's are smaller than the SD's. They have the same drivetrain. I like larger cars, but the W123 and W124 are very nice. And the 1986-87 300D's were fast for a diesel. Don't worry about the head on the SDL either. They only seem to crack when overheated. If you don't overheat it you should have no problems. Do a search on autotrader.com I have had great luck there.

I noticed you did not ID your location. As to whether what body type is best; that is a personal affair. But! And UNOCCUVIALLY BUT! If you want to use biodiesel, you'd better be in a continually warm climate.

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Toblin

'79 300D, "Liesel von Diesel", 235K

I kid proofed the house....but they still get in

Welcome and good luck on your choice.

I own both a TD and an SD and love them both for different reasons.

I suggest that you go for the SD first. The reason is that if you fall in love with the diesel benz as many of us here have, then you can add a wagon to your fleet. Might seem crazy thought now, but wait until you have one for awhile.

I look forward to driving mine like I did my Corvette when I was 22. Plain and simple, they have soul and you bond with them. Out of the blue without any discussion, my youngest who is 6 asked if we could name the TD, something none of my children have ever discussed with any of our new GM cars and SUVs. So there's the proof!

Don

__________________
1980 300TD-T (82 Turbo and Trans) 159,000 Miles "Jackie-O"
1983 300SD 272,000 Miles "Aristotle"
1987 Jeep Wagoneer Limited - keeps the MB's off the ice and out of the snow
1994 BMW 530it

When I lived in Bremerton I drove a 73 220D. I never had a day when it would not start. I used my Block heater and antigel. I also adjusted the valves per 15/20Kmi .

__________________
N. Hodges
1994 S350
1987 300 SDL (for sale)

Thanks everyone for your input. All super helpful!

In response to Toblin, I am located in Seattle. So I see a good deal of less-than-warm weather (though not too many sub-freezing days). However there seems to be quite alot of biodiesel in use locally, though I believe its the processed (esterified?), commercially-available stuff instead of the home-made version.

Again, thanks all!

Sam

Early 90's 300D has far better MPG than SD or SDL.
(Just if you are interested in saving fuel cost.)