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  #1  
Old 03-26-2008, 08:40 PM
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Location: Redondo Beach, CA
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New to Diesels ...

And wanting to buy one. I've noticed here in the Los Angeles area that the price of diesels has dropped considerably with the rising cost of fuel (currently around $4.10 a gallon).

I'm thinking this is probably a good time to pick one up (if I can find one that has not been LuvKrafted). Which of the 300 series had the iron block and head combo? I would like a turbo model if I can find the iron head/block combo, but, I am not 100% fixed on that requirement.

Based on what I have read, I'm thinking I should be looking for an early eighties model. Is there anything I should look for as a big red flag?...any other suggestions are always welcome.

Thanks in advance,
David

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1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K
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  #2  
Old 03-26-2008, 08:46 PM
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W124

I don't know about the other stuff you're asking about, but mine is a turbo. Great cars.

jeff 1991 300d
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  #3  
Old 03-26-2008, 08:49 PM
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I've got a good sized commission check coming and want to put some of it into a diesel Benz. I've always wanted one, very cool cars.
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1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K
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  #4  
Old 03-26-2008, 08:57 PM
compress ignite's Avatar
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Talking Little Tanks

'84+'85 300D or same years 300SD, "Iron Heads,Iron Pants".
(You do have to manually adjust the valves every 10 to 15K,Not a big Deal.)

Love the W124.

But You have to set out and do something stupid, with a vengeance, to hurt
a W123 or W126 Diesel.
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  #5  
Old 03-26-2008, 09:30 PM
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Adjusting the valves (I grew up on VW bugs) every 10-15k is only once every two years for me. Piece of cake .

I've been looking at a 1985 SD w/196k second owner for $2600.00 (in midnight blue with a gray interior) (to match my 190), I'll have to go see it in person.
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  #6  
Old 03-27-2008, 12:37 AM
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The turbo all-iron engine (5 cylinders, 617.952) is found in:
1981-1985 300D - four door, smaller sedan
1981-1985 300CD (Maybe?) - 2 door coupe
1981-1985 300SD - four door luxury sedan
1981-1985 300TD (Maybe?) - four door station wagon

The next generation has almost as durable a reputation, despite the aluminum head. That would be a six cylinder, 603.961 engine. As long as the aluminum head is not overheated, this car has no other "famous" failure points not shared by the 617 other than very slightly newer electronic systems.
These are found in:
1986-1987 300Anything.

The engine to stay away from, supposedly, above all others is the 300 or 350 series between 1990 and 1994. That'd be a 3.5 liter aluminum-head engine that reportedly likes to bend connecting rods and therefore fail prematurely.
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  #7  
Old 03-27-2008, 01:33 AM
High River Alberta Canada
 
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minor corection...regarding the coupes

Quote:
Originally Posted by bustedbenz View Post
The turbo all-iron engine (5 cylinders, 617.952) is found in:
1981-1985 300D - four door, smaller sedan
1981-1985 300CD (Maybe?) - 2 door coupe
1981-1985 300SD - four door luxury sedan
1981-1985 300TD (Maybe?) - four door station wagon

The next generation has almost as durable a reputation, despite the aluminum head. That would be a six cylinder, 603.961 engine. As long as the aluminum head is not overheated, this car has no other "famous" failure points not shared by the 617 other than very slightly newer electronic systems.
These are found in:
1986-1987 300Anything.

The engine to stay away from, supposedly, above all others is the 300 or 350 series between 1990 and 1994. That'd be a 3.5 liter aluminum-head engine that reportedly likes to bend connecting rods and therefore fail prematurely.
actually the coupes...
78-81 300CDs are N/A
82-85 300CDs are turbo
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Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR
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  #8  
Old 03-27-2008, 01:44 AM
ForcedInduction
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bustedbenz View Post
The turbo all-iron engine (5 cylinders, 617.952) is found in:
1981-1985 300D - four door, smaller sedan
1981-1985 300CD (Maybe?) - 2 door coupe
1981-1985 300SD - four door luxury sedan
1981-1985 300TD (Maybe?) - four door station wagon
1982-1985 300D- four door, smaller sedan
1982-1985 300CD- 2 door coupe
1978-1985 300SD- four door luxury sedan
1981-1985 300TD- four door station wagon
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  #9  
Old 03-27-2008, 01:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alberta Luthier View Post
actually the coupes...
78-81 300CDs are N/A
82-85 300CDs are turbo
Actually there are some '81 coupes that also had a turbo. It is a relatively small number, but the engine chart has been posted somewhere on here before which proved the point. Wish I had subscribed to that thread.....
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Gone:
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  #10  
Old 03-27-2008, 02:13 AM
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riorust

While you have your sights set in the right direction, I have to say that the alum. head engine that I have is great. If you over look the 300SDL, you will miss a GREAT car. Fantastic is almost every way. NO major problems in over 20 years. Even if you were to get an abused car and had to buy a new head, the car is worth it. IMHO. And, as mentioned, there are several good cars to choose from. Others have given you some good advice. ( Sorry, but I just love my 603 engine.) Good luck!
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  #11  
Old 03-28-2008, 05:36 AM
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300SD vs 300SDL

I've a 83 300SD with the iron 5 cylinder turbo engine and an 86 300SDL with the aluminum 6 cylinder engine. The 5 cylinder engine has a more robust reputation and should last longer with proper maint. But the 6 cylinder is more of everything else. Better ride, excellent passenger comfort, better acceleration. Probably will last almost as long with proper maint. (and some good luck) because of the head (do not overheat). In my opinion, the 6 cylinder is definately worth the chance. But then again, I am prepared to put in a mildly hopped 5 cylinder if need be into the SDL (love the power in city traffic).

Regards

Run-Em
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  #12  
Old 03-28-2008, 05:52 AM
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Dead on balls accurate...
 
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I have a 1981 300SD. That has gone through two engines! I don't know about the 5 cylinder's reputation any longer - and no I did not abuse the second one, the first only lasted a few months after I bought the car due to previous owner care. The second one came from a low mileage car and was taken care of. In fact it is as clean inside as the day it was assembled. Always ran in synthetic oil and had the oil changed every 3k with filter changes every 1500 miles. It still threw a rod!

I have graduated to a 1986 300SDL with the aluminum 6 cylinder and I like it a lot better. It accelorates smartly and gets right up to 45 with no drama. It also has many more features like ABS and more crash beams plus a driver's airbag.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the 300SD, but mine was not the rock solid car it was made out to be.

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