I haven't....I'd love to take an M104 for a spin.

I still have yet to even drive a V8.....weird but true. Biggest engine I've ever driven is a 4.3 V6 in a Silverado......those are pretty powerful, but horribly unrefined, they sound horrible above 3,000rpm....like they want to blow apart! :eek:

the 500SEL is suhweet.. Wish I had one

Nice W126, makes me want another one. Maybe someday.

Anyway I'm pretty sure my old SDL is faster.:D;)

I've ridden in your old SDL, and its not. :D It is very nice though, no way you can tell its pushing 300k without looking at the odometer.

Man Joe gets around in that car doesn't he!


I don't know I G-teched that thing in the 10 second range a few years ago. Thats probably about what a 300SEL is good for.

How is the 2nd gear start?

Let me know next year when you do decided to sell that thing.;)

10 seconds for an SDL is way too fast. I'd bet no lower than 11, and probably more like 12-14. A 300SEL is probably good for 11ish.....a 300SE about 10ish....and a 300E is around 8 seconds.

My SD can do a 12 second run easily. :D Our other diesels are not so quick....the nearest one is the 300D.

Well thats what it did.:D

Mine was in very good tune.

We'll have to change that one of these days. :D
Except...with a 5 speed so you can get the complete thrill!


Now I got myself thinking of putting a 5 speed into a 300SEL! Damn this place! :o

Isn't one of BC's faster then yours after he played with the ALDA? (I know you've driven it....)

He removed the ALDA. It fueled faster off the line, but overall was about equal. To close to call without timing them, but it did pull quite nice down low.

I just turned the ALDA screw out a bit, I didn't want the smoke. With the ALDA off you really have to pay attention, to how your drive, more than I wanted to. I felt it was a good compromise.


The SDL is no rocket ship, but I have driven a ton of them and mine and Brians were the fastest. If you put the effort and money into the motor to get it into factory tune they scoot right along. If your coming from say a well tuned 617 for comparisons sake the 603 should feel a lot more powerful right away. If it doesn't than their is something wrong. I would say that most of the 603's still out on the road unless they are owned by a real enthusiast are not putting out the 150hp Mercedes gave them. Their are also a few little tricks you can do to them to make sure those are a strong 150hp.;)

Off the line at least. I still maintain that once you get above 30 they are pretty damn quick for what they are.

I never felt it lacked power; getting 23mpg around town more than made up for it.:cool:

30 MPG....lay off the go pedal a bit ;)


(What has The Don been getting for mileage anyways?)

The 617 torque comes on quicker.....I have to be careful when its raining in my SD because it will break loose a tire and keep spinning unless I let off, and that is with 3/4 pedal. :eek:

I like the torque band of the 617 better than the 603....but that's just me. :D

Once it stops raining and I have a decent dry day, I will go make some videos of mine to prove it. :D It's been raining here for about 8 days now. :o

Probably better than I ever did, he drives on the open road more.

Don't forget those wheels will knock you down 1-2mpg right off the bat.