I've been looking at another Benz to buy this summer. There were a couple of gassers I almost picked up. But I am thinking I may go Diesel.

If I happen across a late 80s SDL, what can I expect when it comes to feature and options?


Basically was a 3/3.5 SDL "treated" the same as a 560 SEL? Same "standard" options and same possible extras? From what I read, I would expect so. But would like to be sure.

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

First off..... Rod Bender True Stories - How it Broke and Why

Therefore look for a 300SDL.



The 560SEL was the only model in the range to have most features as standard (Heated seats, powered rear bench) The diesels usually lacked those so if you do find one with them it's good. The 350s have the updated interior and did usually have the passenger side airbag which in the 300SDL was usually a glove box. The 560SEL has a somewhat different rear suspension setup then a 350 which lacks the hydraulics.

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

Off the top of my head...

560SEL as standard...

1. Heated front and rear seats
2. Rear seat reclining feature
3. Self leveling rear suspension
4. Limited Slip Differential
5. Leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
6. Burlwood veneer trim

300SDL has none of those as standard. Optional were...

1 and 2....

350SDL had 5 as standard....

Optional was

1 and 2, and 3 and 4...

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)

Heated seats and the power rear seat were uncommon options on the W126 diesel. No diesels ever got the city / country horns. The roller blind was optional on the 350s, as was the auto leveling rear suspension (rare). 350s do have a leather steering wheel and shift knob standard, as well as the rest of the nicer updated interior.

Most diesel W126s are "basic" models with no extra toys, just the standard power memory seats, automatic climate control, and automatic antenna.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Is it fair to say that it was a diesel version of the 420 SEL in terms of equipment?

Yes.

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

The 350? I thought all the V8s got burl woods, and the 6 cylinders got the zebra wood.... which would make the equipement on the 300SEL just about the same.

Yes, the 350s had Zebrano wood, i've never heard or seen a W126 below a 560 with burled walnut

Here's mine.

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

Wow. Thanks guys. Thats not what I was expecting. Which changes the game then. I think I will look for any old Diesel Benz. In fact, maybe a smaller lighter Diesel would be better. Something to contrast the SEL, not compete with it.

I would love to drop a Diesel in the 560

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

It's been done but it's not the easiest swap in the world.

Go looking around on ebay motors and see what you like. (Sort by year)

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

Did the 420s have zebra wood too? I thought all the V8s got burl.

Your car must be a late one like mine... dual airbags.

Nah. Just a thought. I dont think I ever would.

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

420s had Zebrano and again you don't see too many with optional extras.

Yep, 1991 with dual airbags

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

get a 49 state '86 SDL. I have two and love them. 23-27 mpg and plenty of speed on the highway.

Or an 87

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."