I believe RG above is right -- if it IS an '86, it IS an SDL, which means the long wheelbase W126, which translates to 5 more inches of legroom in the back seat compared to the short wheelbase SE. That is a factor for your equation: how often do you have rear-seat passengers?

Another thing to remember is that SOME of the '86 SDLs have a "trap oxidizer" and these are rife with problems. Should have been replaced by the dealer, but some were not. If still in place, a major strike against the diesel. (Easy to tell: look under the hood, and on the right side of engine the trap oxidizer looks like an oversize silver coffee can on the exhaust manifold.)

__________________
Steve
'93 400E