Well, 3 weeks after my initial look at this car I went back for another visit. I'm glad I did because it gave me a chance to rethink some of my initial impressions and just as importantly allowed the seller to reconsider his asking price.

Long story short, with most of my initial misgivings assuaged I was able to agree on what I felt was a far price, so I bought it.

214k miles and seemingly zero blowby, certainly none that I could detect. The oil cap just sits there when loosened, quite a difference from both of my 617's.

My initial impression was that the car was slower than my 300SD but after driving it for the second time I came to the conclusion that it just "feels" different. Certainly less nimble than the W116 but actually fairly quick for such a large diesel vehicle. As many have noted, the real power of the 603 engine is felt at highway speed. From 60 to 80 this thing really goes.

My immediate tasks for this weekend are the usual things, flush the brakes and the coolant, air filter and oil change yadda, yadda. I'll tolerate the KYB shocks for now (they're fairly new as are the Hankook tires) but I will need to get the wheels balanced and a front end alignment before too long.

The interior is in very good condition. I give it an 8.5 to 9 with the only real issue being the drivers seat. The leather on it has slight wear in the usual places but it sags in the left front. Tired or broken spring I suspect ,but will have to open it up and take a look to be sure.

The exterior is also in very good condition. No rust. Some clear coat peeling on the trunk lid and a little on the passenger side A pillar.

Looking forward to getting familiar with the 603 and the W126.

__________________
Joe

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1980 300SD - 495k miles - 'The Ambassador'
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Former Family Members
95 C280
73 280SEL
90 300D
87 300SDL (X2)
86 560SEL
84 300D
80 300SD