I have a chance to buy a really clean 1987 300SDL. I know about the 350 rod bender but understand the 300 is a good engine, right? I also read that some of the 300SDL's actually had 350 engines. Can I tell by the VIN or options code if the engine is a 300 or 350 (to be avoided)?

Charles

As far as I know, all 86 and 87 SDL had the 300 engine. The only major issue with the 300 was if it had over heated, the head could possibly crack.
Do a search for #14 head SDL for more information.

I have an 87 and it's been a really good car.

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87 300SDL - 215K Miles !!
99 F-350CC Dually PSD - 190K
86 300SDL - 189K
All on B-100

The 300 is a 5cyl, the 350 is a 6 cyl, right?

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83 300SD Dark Silver Dark brown inside

The one I'm asking about is a 6 cylinder.

A clean SDL with no rust and good paint should be seriously considered. Depending on maintenance, the engine is good for 400K or so.

The vehicle has the 603.961 engine which doesn't typically suffer from connecting rod problems like it's larger bretheren. All 300 SDL's in the years '86 and '87 have the 3L version of the engine.

The only concern is whether the engine was ever overheated in it's past. If you can possibly drive it and then check it the following morning.............you'd be looking for pressure in the cooling system............signifying a bad head gasket or a cracked head. This is not a definitive test, but if the symptom is present, the vehicle should probably be avoided.

The 300 that ended in the 1985 model year is a 5 cyl. There was a 300 6 cyl. That's in the 86/87 300D/SDL.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Thr '87 300SDL is a great car with both power and economy. Follow Brian's suggestion, though. My 603 6 cyl has been trouble free for over 20 years.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

Hi Charles.

How many miles on the car? What colors are the interior and exterior? What kind of condition are the front seats in? Does it "purr like a big cat" when you start it up?

Once you drive a nice 300SDL.......well, let's put it this way.....I just can't imagine myself driving anything else.

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more