Looking for some advice guys. I found a 300SDL with 123K miles for about $3700. How is the reliability of this series compared to the early 80's 300TD's? I'm heading back to grad school and need some reliable transportation that can burn some homebrew biodiesel. Did a search but didn't find anything really interesting. Any advice?

Firstly, and foremost, welcome to the forum.

Define "reliable"???

I'll tell you right off that a 300 SDL will have about $3K worth of "issues" that have been neglected by the PO. If it doesn't, then the PO has spent the money on it and he will be selling it for above $8K and not below $4K.

So, if you purchase it, and wish to keep it running the way the factory intended it to run, be prepared to do continual work on it.

Of course, it will be "reliable" no matter what you do. It will still start and run, but there will likely be an extended "to do" list of things that are required on a typcial 20 year old vehicle.

But, if you don't mind driving one of these with the rear end sagging, the front end making some noises, the front end bouncing around a bit, the lifters ticking away, the rear defroster inoperative, the radio antenna inoperative, one or two windows that won't go down, the driver's seat spring broken and in need of replacement, headlights that are better used as candles, a stereo that sounds like it was made in 1960, brake rotors and hoses that should be replaced, a marginal a/c system, then by all means purchase it.

It will be "reliable."

Also, if it has books and records to support regular and CORRECT maintenance as specified by Mercedes you will have found an ever ellusive "low mileage for cheap" gem. Just as Brian says, there is usually a reason someone is selling a low mileage 300SDL for a cheap price, and it usually ain't pretty.

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Mercedes Fleet:
2004 CL600 Designo Espresso SPORT
2004 S600 Designo Espresso SPORT/Lorinser Pkg.
1999 S320
1988 300TE
1972 280SEL 4.5
Diesel Fleet:
2014 GL350 Blutec
1987 300SDL Blk/Blk 4 place seating #18 head
1987 300SDL Smk Slv/Burgangy #17 head
1986 300SDL Blk Pearl/Palomino #14 head w/ 280K
1984 Lincoln Mark VII Fact BMW Turbo Diesel

Mine was a mixture of neglected and maintained when I got it, but through a steady process of rehabilitation I brought it back to life....cost? nahhh money is just numbers... (warning: This person has severe diesel addiction)

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I don't mind doing the work myself, I actually enjoy most of it. But the thought of spending $3,000+ off the bat, with grad school tuition looming isn't pretty. I was actually looking for an old 240D but stumbled on this one. Maybe I'll keep looking. I found this thread:

Is Mercedes Too Troublesome

It sounds like most of the '80's vehicles forward weren't very reliable from the factory and/or owner neglect. I'd "heard" about issues with the '85+ diesels, but not from reliable sources. Just rather get my info from those that know. Thanks guys!

I might add that I'm a 4 time Toyota owner. I love the dependability of them, but have been wanting another diesel ever since my '82 VW Rabbit. Thought an old Benz might be the way to go.

Several members here are strong advocates of the 240D with manual trans. That's probably about as "reliable" as you'll get, and with loads of room in the engine bay, easy to work on and generally less costly parts.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

Hello,

Brian and a couple of others can confirm even the troubles that I am having with a SDL I inherited. I have a thread going somewhere "Need honest opinion....." I didn't even buy this car and it is giving me such a headache. I put 2500 smackers into it already. A/C mono valve and a couple of other little things, starter, four shocks, belt tensioner shock, hood liner, and some other pidley things before it started running poorly. Now, the car consumes or has a coolant leak, low level light comes on, idles rough and smokes when cold, but smooths out while you drive. Tapping noises etc...

I do love the way it looks and it performs well at hwy speeds though.

Personally, I miss my 86 524td !!

As far as Merc goes, an 85 300d would be the one for me. I've driven one many many times and they are very comfortable. Love the sound of the tractor. My brother bought an 85 years ago. Drove it for 5-6 years and my dad's buddy bought it and drove it for 5-6 years. He was going to get rid of it and my dad snagged it and had it for 3 years. Drove it while the SDL sat in the garage. SDL only used for hwy trips / vacations. My dad gave it to my younger brother as a wedding gift and he still has it and drives it. 260-270k now I believe. Has a couple of small rust spots in the rear drains on both sides, a/c doesn't work, but it sure just keeps on running!!

just my .02

Scott

I'd advise against one if you're not decently mechanically inclined. Being able to repair your own problems and find your own parts will save huge amounts of green.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

............without power windows, and without a sunroof, and without a/c, and without turn signals (use your left arm)..................