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  #1  
Old 06-18-2004, 09:31 AM
300SDL
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Question 1986 300SDL vs 1992 300SD

Hi everyone, I am currently looking into a 1992 300sd. I currently have a 300sdl and I was wondering what differences I would be noticeable in terms of ride quaility and acceleration/power. I know all the problems they have with the engine, ac evap, door assist, and bose amplifiers. Is there anything else that I should look out for?. Also when I look at it is there any signs that you can see that the engine might be going? I know that excessive oil consumption is one but are there more? I have been searching on these for a while.
Thanks for the help, Bob

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  #2  
Old 06-18-2004, 11:37 AM
Hatterasguy's Avatar
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1992 would be the first year of the W140 I think. Their awsome cars but are big $$$$ to maintain. Do a search on the engine issue, miles are good with these engines the higher the mileage the less likely it is a rod bender. Their really is no way other than oil consumption to see if it's on the way out.

You already own the best S-Class diesel. But if I were looking for a W140 (I will be someday) I would look for a 1995 with the "Fixed" engine. Or just buy an S320 or S420.
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  #3  
Old 06-19-2004, 12:01 AM
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I have one each 84 SD, 87 SDL and a 94 350S. The 94 is an awsome car. it is basically the same as the 92 SD LWB./ Engine, evap and under hood wiring harness were the biggest problems. Search this site for 140 problems.
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Old 06-21-2004, 10:06 AM
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Well I did some more searching and I know that the SDL has decent power and I was wondering how the w140 felt with that same amount of power. I know that the w140's are much heavier than the w126's does this make them feel underpowered? thanks for the help guys
bob
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  #5  
Old 06-21-2004, 07:27 PM
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I think the fair comparison is 90-91 350SD vs 92-95 W140 SD if you want to gauge the weight penalty. The W140 is so different from the W126 that acceleration and top speed are hardly points of comparison. You either like the Teutonic feel and simplicity of the W126 or the cavernous plushness of the W140. Consider that either will keep up with traffic and leave it at that.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
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  #6  
Old 06-22-2004, 04:56 PM
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Quote:
I think the fair comparison is 90-91 350SD vs 92-95 W140 SD
I think a fair comparison would be a 86-86SDL and a 90-91SDL

140 is a very different animal period.

I can outrun a 86-87SDL 0-60 in my 140...I think the torgue off the line is much higher in the 3.5 than it was in the earler engine
Interesting comment made about the S320 and having plenty of power...I have heard many people say there is now way they would buy a car that big with a 6 cylinder...those that don't like diesels that is

and if you look at the resale of the 6 cylinder variety...even in the 126..they are much less expensive than the V-8's...but curiously not much more money in the 124 or 210 chasis cars

Warren
1992 300SD 178K
Columbus Ohio
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Old 06-22-2004, 09:14 PM
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Hatterasguy,

You mention looking for a "fixed" W140 diesel that is newer than 1995.

I thought all of the W140 diesel models had rod-bender engines. Did they modify the newer ones somehow?? Did this start for the 1995 model year or happen part-way through the year?

I have an '86 300SDL and have been told never to get rid of it, even for a W140 diesel. Apparently the 300SDL is the most reliable of the bunch and the W140 diesel isn't worth the hassle from what I've heard.

Neal
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  #8  
Old 06-22-2004, 09:22 PM
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Quote:
I have an '86 300SDL and have been told never to get rid of it, even for a W140 diesel. Apparently the 300SDL is the most reliable of the bunch and the W140 diesel isn't worth the hassle from what I've heard
by the way I assume you haven't driven one?..a 140 that is


Completely different animals...if you really like the features of the 140.....then the 126 won't be enough for you...that being said the 220 is another vehicle all together also...especially handling wise

The140 can be a huge handful in repair(especially if someone has neglected it)...its not a car for people who simply drive the car and put fuel in it.....BUT...if you don't mind the upkeep...all the amenities make you wonder how you ever did without...AND make you really wonder what you could replace it with...which is my current dilema...I keep looking at the 98-99 E300 Turbodiesels...and granted I comparing an E to as S class...but still I wonder how I am going to feel giving up the stereo..the ride...etc..etc


Warren
1992 300SD 178K
Columbus Ohio
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  #9  
Old 06-23-2004, 09:01 AM
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bhatt I remember reading on this site that the 1994-95 had the "fixed" engine. Do a search their were a lot of updates in the last two years.
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  #10  
Old 06-23-2004, 10:19 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by turnne1
by the way I assume you haven't driven one?..a 140 that is


Completely different animals...if you really like the features of the 140.....then the 126 won't be enough for you...that being said the 220 is another vehicle all together also...especially handling wise

The140 can be a huge handful in repair(especially if someone has neglected it)...its not a car for people who simply drive the car and put fuel in it.....BUT...if you don't mind the upkeep...all the amenities make you wonder how you ever did without...AND make you really wonder what you could replace it with...which is my current dilema...I keep looking at the 98-99 E300 Turbodiesels...and granted I comparing an E to as S class...but still I wonder how I am going to feel giving up the stereo..the ride...etc..etc


Warren
1992 300SD 178K
Columbus Ohio
In defense of bhatt, he appeared to be stating subjective advice given to him.

Warren - I agree with all of your points re: the 140, but do realize that, by and large, the majority of the folks on this forum are diy'ers, or at least aspire to be. Given that, the 140 will not be an option for many any time soon. That said, I love the 140, but will likely never own the diesel for obvious reasons.
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  #11  
Old 06-23-2004, 11:52 AM
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Quote:
Warren - I agree with all of your points re: the 140, but do realize that, by and large, the majority of the folks on this forum are diy'ers, or at least aspire to be

good point...I don't think the 140 car ,by any stretch, is a DIY type of car...unless you were an MB tech professionally that is...and had thousands of dollars worth of tools to use


Warren
1992 300SD 178K
Columbus Ohio

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