Brent:

Tough choice! I just bought an 87 300DT (hot diesel!!) and would personally grab the diesel, but both cars are a good deal -- my brother bought an 87 300SDL earlier this year with 125,000 on it for $12,500.

The diesel may and may not outlive the gas engine. It doesn't have the same power unless it has a six rather than a 5 cylinder diesel -- the six has 145 hp and 195 ft/lbs of torque, pretty close match for the gas 300. Neither one is a race car -- too much body for the power, but unless you insist on winning the stoplight drag races, you will be pleased with either one.

The diesel will be a bit slow off the line, but I drive a 220D every day, you get used to it.

The W126 chassis is very much trouble free, reguardless of age. Typcial MB stuff -- window regulator clips break and switches die (not specific to MB), sunroof cables go bad, the climate pushbutton unit dies, cruise control amplifier croaks, but these aren't major problems.

Both engines live forever -- need a valve job about ever 160,000 to 180,000 miles, etc.

Good luck!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!