I have an SDL, and my friend has a 97 S320. They are both great cars buy whatever one you prefer.


The S320 is a faster, smoother, better riding, more modern car.

Nothing wrong with a 95 but a 97 or newer would have the 722.6 which IMHO is a much better gear box. All W140's will need an evap core at some point, you can get them done for liek $2k, not to big of a deal.

W126's don't need front end work every 100k miles, nor to M104's need head gaskets.

Why would you care about when the timing chain was done on a 200k mile 603?

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Some people say that to keep a 126 body car riding it's best, replacing the suspension bushings should be done every 100K. I might be wrong.

I have also heard on this forum that the M104 CAN need a head gasket every 100K. I'd rather be prepared for the eventuality than have it blow up in my face unexpectedly.

I suppose I could have worded my first response better.

One thing to be warry about in the 300SDL is that if it overheats, the head can crack, and it's no easy task to find a new one. At the very least, if overheated, the head gasket can need replacing.

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All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing.

Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor

'95 S320 LWB
'87 300SDL
'04 E500 wagon 4matic

Sure a headgasket can blow on any car. They don't blow up in your face, they usualy give you lots of warning. AFAIK the M103 had a lot more trouble with head gaskets then late production M104's ever did.


At 200k miles some parts in the front suspension of your average W126 like the ball joints, guide rodes, and shocks are in need of replacement.

If you want to talk front suspension W140's have those fluid filled lower bushings that always seem to leak.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

SDL for classic looks.

S320 for overall comfort.

W126 is more "communicative" as far as road feel, IMHO. But, needs another 100 hp to have a bit of fun, in general.

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)

New 603 cylinder head castings are as readily available as 140 evaporator cores. 603 cylinder head and 140 evaporator cost about the same to replace.

Sixto
87 300D

Thanks for all of the excellent and informative replies.... they have been most helpful.

Hat... which model is the "603" exactly? Are you being sarcastic when you say that, or is the chain/tensioner replacement not needed on that model?

On a side note, I also found a local 1982 300SD, locally. They are asking $2900 for it, but its in excellent condition! I may check it out this weekend.

Oh, I can get a 08' ML350 for only $509 per month? I may just get one of those... lol.

My God. You are back.

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11 S550
09 C300
91 560SEL
90 300CE
84 380SE
83 240D

Oh, you are still here too? You have not posted since October 1st and came back just to reply to me? I feel special! Yep, I am normally not gone more than 3-5 months at a time. I think the last time you got a little heat from your "nice" replies to my posts? Hope all is well with you and yours. No, I am not the smartest person in the world, even when it comes to cars, but I do not know why my posts upset you, as that was never my intention and I am really not looking to start that little flame back up. Hope you do not either.

Not to change the subject, but on a serious note, I see you have two Lexus LS400s (or have had two LS400s). I used to have a 1990 LS400 and loved it, but it was getting really high mileage (near 300K) and was starting to get some issues, like bushings, A/C, radio, etc.

Actually, in addition to these Mercedes, I have been looking at three LS400s that I am also seriously considering. A 1991, a 1995, and a 1997. I know that many MB owners say that LS400s are "boring", but do admit how reliable they are. Have you really enjoyed yours?

Do a search on the diesel forum, all your questons regarding the OM603 will be in the archives.


So how many cars do you look at before buying something?

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

About 30.... sometimes 40.

Thanks.. I will review those archives. Luckily, as far as the 300SD goes, I am familiar with the body on those.