What is the best year for an S class diesel

[dpbrowne]

I have a 1983 300SD. I Love the car and it only has 284,000 miles. I am going to keep it. I want to add a 90's S class diesel to my stable. Can anyone pinpoint the best and worst years for this model during the 90's so I can start looking. Thank you - Dennis

[Rick Miley]

Well, there are two different chassis. 1990-1991 would be W126, while 1992-1999 would be W140. All of them in the U.S. have the 3.5 liter engine known as the "rod bender." Not exactly a good choice. Plus the early years of the W140 had terrible chassis problems as well.

If you want a later diesel, a 1998 or 1999 E300 Turbodiesel would be a much safer choice than any S class.

[Hatterasguy]

There all expensive to maintain. I would say that a 350SDL with an updated engine would be the way to go. I have heard of to many expensive things breaking on the W140.

[dpbrowne]

What years were the 350SDL manufactured?

[sixto]

Available in the US in 90 and 91.

BTW, the bestest S-class Diesel is an 87 300SDL

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[DieselAddict]

I personally love the style of the W140 and would have bought one already if it weren't for the rod-bending that I read about. Instead I have a W124 diesel which is a nice style too and more sporty, but less presidential looking.

[Plantman]

Diesel Addict....I have been trying to come up with term for the way the SDL's look and Presidential fits the bill. Just something about it.

Thanks

[prb51]

If you don't like the S class in those year/chassis take a look at the E 300 D. My 95 w/124 is agreat ride with a chassis that's been around awhile. Find one and drive it - the pick up is very good and I'm getting about 33 mpg - cruising at 80+ is wonderful. It's my wifes car and I'm looking for another same year model fo myself.

[merouby]

As for the Pre-1992 Mercedes Diesels, the best ones are the 4 & 5 cyl models. The 6 cyl models (eg late 300/350s) are the 'rod benders'. This is pretty alarming, considering it's a Mercedes engine!!

[Ken300D]

It's strange that you should ask. 1983 is the best year.

You know that saying about "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence".

Ken300D

[merouby]

Why is a 1983 300SD better than a 1984 model?

[DieselAddict]

Originally posted by Plantman
Diesel Addict....I have been trying to come up with term for the way the SDL's look and Presidential fits the bill. Just something about it.
Thanks

You're welcome. I used to have an 87 420SEL which is the same body as your SDL. My co-workers were saying all I needed to do to the car is put a flag on both front corners. This car was a gasser and a money bucket though and it didn't quite grow on me as my diesels did.

[DslBnz]

Originally posted by merouby
As for the Pre-1992 Mercedes Diesels, the best ones are the 4 & 5 cyl models. The 6 cyl models (eg late 300/350s) are the 'rod benders'. This is pretty alarming, considering it's a Mercedes engine!!

NO, NO, NO!

There is almost nothing wrong with the later 3.0 liter six cylinder engine! Just some weak head designs. But if you never overheat them, they shouldn't give you problems(mine is original nearing 300K).

They also are easier to start in the winter.

That being said, the ones you shouldn't worry about at all are the 4 + 5 cylinder models(early eighties). They have no design flaws whatsoever.

---I do own a 350, but its on its second engine which has tougher connecting rods. 350's are the second rarest W126(next to the 560SE), and to find one with the second engine done makes them even rarer.

Sorry, if I sounded harsh.

[turnne1]

There all expensive to maintain. I would say that a 350SDL with an updated engine would be the way to go. I have heard of to many expensive things breaking on the W140.

If you can find a 140 that has been well taken care of...a one owner dealer serviced vehicle...you will buy a car that you will love to drive everyday...a marvel of engineering, in my opinion
One that has most of the latest safety features, an incredible ride, an intensely incredible stereo system and a level of quietness far ahead of the 126 car it replaced


Warren
1992 300SD 175K
Columbus Ohio

[merouby]

No worries - I stand corrected. So the six-cyl 3.0 has a weak head design, while the 350 has the weak-head design AND rod bending reputation. That's more alarming. I'd still rather have the 5-cyl model I suppose.