300SD and 300SDL - What are the differences?

[BrierS]

Is there a link anyone would share that would provide me with what the major differences between the 1987 300's are? Thanks in advance. Steve

[jas2wa]

Mainly wheelbase. L stands for lang (long).

[TX76513]

Remember -- Size is important!

[Rick Miley]

You can gather lots of information about the S class diesels over in the Diesel Discussion forum. There was no 300SD in the U.S. for 1987. The W126 300SD has a 5 cylinder all cast iron engine and it was last sold here in 1985. For 1986 and 1987 MB offered the 300SDL, which has a longer wheelbase and, more importantly, a 6 cylinder engine with cast iron block and aluminum head. The heads are known to crack if the engine is overheated.

The W124 (E class) was available with the same 3 liter turbocharged engine only in 1987. Later years got a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder, also with an aluminum head.