The SDL turns 300,000 miles - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-16-2005, 11:12 PM

Well, it happened the other night... the SDL flipped the 300,000 mark and I'm quite excited. I bought the car back in January of 2004 with 256,500 miles. I've replaced the timing chain and a couple of other odds and ends. Now it's time for a vacuum pump, a head gasket, and possibly a new cylinder head (damned aluminum things). I love the car and plan to keep if for a long time, dispite the large amount of work that it requires. The paint is in bad shape, but the body is great otherwise. The engine runs well and the transmission is still fairly good. What a machine!

Keep on dieseling!

PS, with this benchmark reached, I find myself wanting a second diesel. I can't decide between another Mercedes, a TDI, or a Cummins (grin). Time to start saving some moolah.

Brian Carlton · #2 10-16-2005, 11:15 PM

That's quite an accomplishment for the SDL. I'm looking forward to when this one goes the distance, but, it's going to be at least 10 years from now.

They surely are nice to drive long distances. Good luck with it.

#3 10-16-2005, 11:19 PM

How many miles on yours Brian?

I wish I could drive this car on the highway more. I feel bad driving it in the city because I know I'm spending the finite amount of life that various parts, like the transmission, have.

Brian Carlton · #4 10-16-2005, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VeeDubTDI

How many miles on yours Brian?

I wish I could drive this car on the highway more. I feel bad driving it in the city because I know I'm spending the finite amount of life that various parts, like the transmission, have.

Yeah, that's the proverbial question.

I purchased it with 103K on the clock. Then, when the cluster was out, there was a tag on the back, "Fort Lauderdale Speedometer"

Carfax did check out, however, so, I'm guessing that it had under 150K when I bought it. It's reading 123K right now.

My feeling is that these vehicles are made strictly for the highway. If I had to drive this one on a daily basis for less than 15 miles, I would sell it. The SD with the 617 is a far better vehicle for that purpose.

t walgamuth · #5 10-17-2005, 12:01 AM

is a 240d.

tom w

Brian Carlton · #6 10-17-2005, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

is a 240d.

tom w

.........with a four speed........

turbodiesel · #7 10-17-2005, 12:05 AM

Ah yes, I remember when mine clicked 300,000.. I have photos around here somewhere.

Congrats!

#8 10-17-2005, 12:06 AM

A 240D would definitely be a nice city car. That would give me time to work on the SDL too, instead of driving it constantly.

Although, I think if I were looking for a city car/small toy, I would have to opt for a TDI. 50 MPG is too good to pass up these days. They can also be found relatively cheap slightly used.

#9 10-17-2005, 12:08 AM

I took some pictures with my camera phone. Now I have to go through the PITA of getting from Sprint's servers to the rest of the internet. Fun.

MineMapper · #10 10-17-2005, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VeeDubTDI

I would have to opt for a TDI. 50 MPG is too good to pass up these days. They can also be found relatively cheap slightly used.

What kind of crack are you smoking Lawson? Have you looked at the used TDI market recently?

Congrats on the milestone. Don't let Matt anywhere the old warhorse.

braverichard · #11 10-17-2005, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

My feeling is that these vehicles are made strictly for the highway. If I had to drive this one on a daily basis for less than 15 miles, I would sell it. The SD with the 617 is a far better vehicle for that purpose.

Why do you say that? The 603 engine is far more efficient than the 617 so should return better mpg figures in both city and highway use. Is the car too long for you to drive around town? Not for me. I always enjoyed city cruising in my 500SEL. I intend to purchase a 300SDL or a 350SDL eventually for daily use.

Hatterasguy · #12 10-17-2005, 07:10 PM

603's run like crap if you use them around town. Mine is running much better after I rolled 270 highway miles on it Sat. Short city trips soot them up. Also the trans don't really shift well for the first 5 miles or so until the fluid gets moving. Combind that with the fact that they are large long cars they kind of stink in a city.

Something like a 240D that needs to give 100% to get to 50 is perfect for milling around town.

Congrates VeeDubTDI, now go for 400k.

I have 253k on mine now but at the rate I drive it won't see 300k for at least 5 years if not longer.

andmoon · #13 10-17-2005, 07:16 PM

My 350 sdl shifts the same whether just started or warmed up. Compared to the trans in the 123, it is worlds smoother and crisper.

braverichard · #14 10-17-2005, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

603's run like crap if you use them around town. Mine is running much better after I rolled 270 highway miles on it Sat. Short city trips soot them up. Also the trans don't really shift well for the first 5 miles or so until the fluid gets moving. Combind that with the fact that they are large long cars they kind of stink in a city.

Something like a 240D that needs to give 100% to get to 50 is perfect for milling around town.

Doesn't make much sense to me. Isn't the 603 supposed to be a cleaner, more efficient, more refined and more powerful engine than the 617? So then how come city driving messes it up but doesn't mess up a 617? As for the length, I guess that depends on personal opinion. For me, the longer the car is, the better.

Hatterasguy · #15 10-17-2005, 07:58 PM

A 603 isn't under any load around town, 2k rpm is all that is needed to move you around. The turbo never even spools up.

I have noticed 606's also get cranky if you idle them around.