PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

LUVMBDiesels · #4 07-21-2008, 07:46 PM

Check the head number. You can see it through the intake manifoldbetween #2 and #3 cylinders. If the number has 14 in the middle you need to check for a cracked head. Start the car and see if the radiator hoses get hard quickly. Check for antifreeze in the oil too.

I too had shied away from the SDL when I bought my first MB diesel but now that I have one I cannot believe the night and day difference from the 300SD. The SDL is SMOOTH and has POWER plus gets about 3mpg better than the 81 SD did.
Other things to look at are the antilock brakes and the airbag. The airbag should not be more than 10 years old. The antilock light should not be on and if you stomp the brakes at speed, you should feel them kick in.

Run the car and see where the temperature gauge goes. You should not get hotter than 85 degrees unless you are climbing a long hill and/or have the AC on on a hot aternoon. If it goes above 100 I would not be comfortable with the car.

The rest is pretty much as in your car.

Good Luck!