1987 300sd - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-09-2004, 03:56 PM

Looking at an 87 300SDL. 367K, runs good, looks great (good paint, good leather interior, nice dash, everything except the sunroof works). A/C does not work right, (not the compressor, maybe the control module?) Drives great, owner asking $2000.00, is this a pretty fair price? Two owner car with service records, serviced at dealer until 197K, then at independent shop. Would be my first MB diesel, is this a good one?

TX76513 · #2 06-09-2004, 04:22 PM

SDL is a fantastic car - and I assume that is what you are asking. If it's the price, you may want to visit your local Indy to see how many dollars it's going to take to bring it into shape.

Remember there is nothing more expensive that a cheap MB!

Alan Hamm · #3 06-09-2004, 04:26 PM

At that mileage, you might inquire about how much suspension work has been done. Most everything should have been replaced at least once, but if you have a lot to do, this can get expensive.

I love my '87 SDL.

#4 06-09-2004, 04:55 PM

I will check the service records. Does this car (excuse the ignorance I have been driving a 72 280SE 4.5) have an air suspension or are you just referring to R&R'ng worn conventional parts? Is the sunroof a PITA to fix?

Alan Hamm · #5 06-09-2004, 05:08 PM

I believe, but am not positive, that some of these cars came with a self adjusting suspension system. Mine does not. I have heard that they are a real PITA.

Luckily, my sunroof has worked perfectly since I bought it. I have heard that they are very expensive to fix as well. Of course it depends on what is wrong.

Be prepared to spend some money on this car if you buy it. If you do suspension work, AC work and Sunroof work, you could easily dump $5k into this car the first month. But, in my opinion, it would still be the best damn $7,000 car on the road. I know I feel that way about mine. It is a great highway car.

Hatterasguy · #6 06-09-2004, 06:05 PM

Check blowby pull the oil cap off with the car running. See if there is any pressure in the cooling system when it is cold. The only down side of the 603's (engine in the SDL) is the head can crack if it is overheated. The coolent should be light orange (MB coolent) In the front wheel well's there are drains, the front swaybar goes threw them. Check for rust in their. Also take off the jack point covers and check for rust. Pop the trunk and look for rust in the corners by the rear window. These are awsome cars I love mine, if that car has been properly maintained it is probably a good buy. Check to see how tight the suspension is and if the transmission has been done.

#7 06-09-2004, 06:18 PM

Not too worried about the sunroof, NW Texas sun is bad enough without a hole in the roof! Seriously, I will get the A/C working first. About the suspension, what are the common problem areas? Car drives straight, no clunks or odd problems indicated. I understand that A/C problems sometimes are from a module in the dash, is that accurate? The car is a little more complicated than the 280SE, but more logical in it's mechanical systems it seems.

turbodiesel · #8 06-09-2004, 07:29 PM

EXCELLENT car.. I had an 87 300SDL put 100,000 miles on it and sold it with 320,000 miles.. the engine and trans ran like new. I miss it dearly. Follow the others advise.. but if all checks out don't hesitate on the mileage.. it's just a number!

psfred · #9 06-09-2004, 07:45 PM

AC can be a simple as bad seals or as bad as a cracked evaporator, you will have to troubleshoot.

A bad serpentine belt will also cause it to drop off after a few seconds.

I'd not let that keep me from buying the car.

If there is no looseness and no noise from the suspension, it's fine.

SDL doesn't have the self-leveling, I don't believe, simple steel suspension, fairly robust. Biggest problems are bushings, lower front ball joints, and rustout on the rear control arms.

Lovely cars, may buy a similar one for my brother-in-law.

Peter

whunter · #10 06-09-2004, 07:58 PM

If the engine, transmission, brake system and suspension are ok; the price is ok.

daverdla · #11 06-09-2004, 10:46 PM

I don't have enough expertise to advise you on whether or not this particular car is a good buy but I can tell you that I am very happy with my 86 300sdl. I bought it a few months ago with 130,000 miles on it. Great highway car. As the old, forgive me, Jaguar ads said " Grace, Space and Pace". Those words truly apply to the 300sdl's.
Dave