Hi all,

Just wanted to drop in and say hi. I recently bought an old member of this forum's 300SDL. Tom DuBose/300sdltom sold his 86 300SDL about a year ago I think, and the owner previous to me only put 6k miles on it. That owner also didn't fix anything on the car except the starter.

I'm planning a full rebuild of nonworking parts and if I can't get the paint looking halfway decent a complete repaint. (eventually) I realize it'll cost a bit of money. I'm also looking to refurbish the interior as best I can. I just ordered some leatherique to soften up the leather. My truck could use some too.

I've had the diesel bug ever since June of 04 when I purchased my Passat Wagon TDI here in Texas. Later I bought a 01 Dodge Ram diesel and sold the Passat to pay for it. I really hated selling the Passat, but it bothered me to have 50 grand in vehicles. Selling the Passat chopped that in half. Buying the 300SDL raised it back just slightly.

My goal is to use it as a rolling teaching aid for myself. (ie use it to get to work, but learn to fix anything that needs it myself) I've only had a drivers license for 2 years, and I'm 28.

Thanks all for making this such a great forum. I've been staying up till 2-4am reading it all week.

-Marko

Current vehicles
1986 300SDL 177k
1998 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner 92k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD 85k
2006 Kawasaki KLR650 2.6k
2000 BMW F650 8k

Past vehicles
2004 VW Passat Wagon TDI (Sold at 26k)
1996 Toyota Camry 4 banger (first car bought from my dad and drove it down from NYC in 04)

No wife, no kids, yet...

Welcome, most of us are old guys with old diesels. There is a ton of info and knowledge on this forum, so use the search function and ask questions when you need help.

darn, I guess I qualify as an old guy too....
Yes, welcome to the group. There's quite a few of us with SDLs and most of us love them. Cars are still fairly easy to work on and most parts can be had for less than a house payment. Rust is always the big problem unless you work in a body shop. Since MB made a bunch of 126 body cars, parts are at least plentiful. My '86 SDL is my daily driver and it is a nice calming influence on me. Keep your car running well and it will be one source of peace and comfort. Just about anythng that will need fixing on yours has already happened to someone in the group so ask away and wear out your search button.

I luv it! Hate to admit, but it's mostly true. Once you go diesel you never go back !

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1998 W210 diesel (wiped out by a texter)
Baum spring compressor "for rent"

Yep......a lot of old guys with old diesels.

Welcome to the forum.

There is a good data base of knowledge on the SDL. It's a bit more complicated then its predecessors but the ride and power are incomparable.

Parts can get costly due to the small quantity of vehicles for which they are sold.

Hopefully, you've got some history from Tom on what was done to the vehicle......it's invaluable in making good decisions down the road.

Congradualtions! You've bought my old '86 300 SDL diesel. Actually, I miss her, but I really feel comfort in knowing that it's with a MB enthusiast. I was afraid that someone would just buy it and run it into the ground, like most older MB's are done. Good Luck Marko and Welcome to the Forum. There are lots of information on here. I don't post as much, but I do pop in from time to time to check on what's going on. I gained alot of knowledge from the older guys/guru's. By owning one you'll learn alot yourself. I plan to buy another one sometime soon. I have my sites set on my Father's 1984 300 SD, which is in excellent condition. Every record since it was bought is in his possesion.

Some of us are young! I'm 19! (well, almost 20 )

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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)