The SDL is a cut above the SD for sure but if you've spent any time under the hood of an SD, you'll wonder why you got the SDL. The encapsulation panels are a nice luxury touch until you drop a tool or fastener and it doesn't hit the ground. Even things you do once in 10 years such as replacing glow plugs take so much longer to do in the SDL.

What you save with the SDL for not having to adjust valves you'll give back in having to replace the $250 vacuum pump every 100-150K miles.

It impresses me that there isn't a bigger fuel mileage penalty to pay with the SDL over the SD.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD (sold... shoulda sold the SE)