'78-'80 300SD or '82-'85 300D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bruiser · #1 04-09-2005, 07:56 PM

i'm in a quandry. i adore the style of the SD, but might it be easier to get parts at the yard for the D? it seems there are substantially more around, and not just because they are newer.

mechanically, which is a better car? which major components do they share, and which are superior? what are the differences in ride characteristics?

anybody know of any of either in nice shape mechanically and cosmetically, available in new jersey? preferably <200k and not yellow/creme/white.

boneheaddoctor · #2 04-09-2005, 08:10 PM

I love my W116............I've never driven or ridden in a W126 so I can't compare them.

The W116 however suffers from terminal cancer when driven on salted streets at an unacceptible rate. So being in the rust belt its not a 12 month car.....not if you get a nice one like i did.

Hit Man X · #3 04-09-2005, 09:56 PM

I've owned a 123 300D... my SD is better tho' is a 126 SD...

boneheaddoctor · #4 04-09-2005, 10:12 PM

I think the W116 is better than the W123...........I mean the W123 is a nice car....But except for the rust issues I think the W116 is a far superior car....It rides and handles with more control and precision than a W123.....

But like I said...never owned, drove or riden in a W126 to comment on that one.

Hatterasguy · #5 04-09-2005, 10:13 PM

I have never had a problem find "rare" SDL specific parts and they made a small handfull of these cars compared to the W123's. I would buy whatever you want that is in the best condition.

Personally I wouldn't consider anything slower then a 82-85 300D, the na models would probably get me killed around here. On some ramps on I-95 I use, you really need to be able to hit the top at 60 and I would probably die with a 240D.

JimmyL · #6 04-09-2005, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Personally I wouldn't consider anything slower then a 82-85 300D, the na models would probably get me killed around here. On some ramps on I-95 I use, you really need to be able to hit the top at 60 and I would probably die with a 240D.

That's OK. As you get older you'll learn to drive better, and survival in a 240 will be possible.

Hit Man X · #7 04-09-2005, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

I think the W116 is better than the W123...........I mean the W123 is a nice car....But except for the rust issues I think the W116 is a far superior car....It rides and handles with more control and precision than a W123.....

But like I said...never owned, drove or riden in a W126 to comment on that one.

The 116 is what, an older 126 basically right?

Hatterasguy · #8 04-09-2005, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

That's OK. As you get older you'll learn to drive better, and survival in a 240 will be possible.

Well, try to hit a short up hill entrence ramp on I-95, at the top you have to merge with traffic going 60+ or smack a wall!

I usually have to spool the SDL up in 3rd and that thing has some power!

JimmyL · #9 04-09-2005, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Well, try to hit a short up hill entrence ramp on I-95, at the top you have to merge with traffic going 60+ or smack a wall!

I usually have to spool the SDL up in 3rd and that thing has some power!

Hey, I'm just jealous because I have a non-turbo!

boneheaddoctor · #10 04-09-2005, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

The 116 is what, an older 126 basically right?

the W116 was the predecessor to the W126............the only thing they share to my knowledge was the 617 turbodiesel.........

WANT '71 280SEL · #11 04-10-2005, 01:50 AM

The 116 and the 126 are somewhat similar in the suspension areas but the 116 is closer to a 123 underneath than a 126 I believe. 116's don't have guide rods that clunk which 126's do. The guide rod mounts are a pain from what I've read so there's one less thing to worry about. In my opinion the early 126's are ugly unless fashioned with euros. Also, the 116's everyone seems to agree are a little faster than 126's. 116's also don't have an EGR valve which the 82-82 300D and SD's had. If I were you I'd go with the 116. It's a better handling car and is bigger thus making work easier. It also is higher up in the MB "hierarchy" being an S-Class.

Thanks
David

engatwork · #12 04-10-2005, 08:01 AM

One of the cars I maintain is a 1979 300SD and in my opinion it is one of the best driving cars I have the opportunity to drive (compared to my later model 300D and SD).

mikemover · #13 04-10-2005, 03:46 PM

Yep. I own a 116 and two 123s, and have driven lots of 126s, and I MUCH prefer the 116 in almost every way. Almost any new part you might need is readily available, and I've never had much trouble finding used parts, either.

Mike

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