I going to look at a car I found in a local ad.
It's listed as a 1985 300SDL.
I thought 86 was the first year for the SDL.
Am I wrong? If so, is this a generally desireable model if it is in decent condition? It's local so probably rust free.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

Your understanding is correct. The only possible way this could be an accurate listing is if the seller is referring to the build date - the 86 model year introduced the 300SDL which was manufactured in late 1985 and called an 86, just like all other model year changes.

It's a very desirable model, second only to a 617-powered machine in some opinions, provided it's in good mechanical condition. Pay special attention to whether there is coolant/oil mixing as this could indicate an overheat followed by a head crack, the number one most famous flaw of this model.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

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


Current:

1987 300SDL

It shows the seller doesn't know anything about the car. Your right 86 was the first year.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks for the confirmation. He sent me some pictures and the rear trunk badge reads 300SDL. The side view looks like an SD. Maybe the badge is the only SDL item on the car. Still worth a look - in fact if it's an 85 SD it would have the 617 engine and maybe a better find?

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

Post the pictures if you can, we will tell you what it is.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

At the risk of one of the other DFW guys beating me to it, here's the link

http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/cto/790054197.html

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

It's a 300SD. Our evidence:

The Bundt wheels.
The ribbed side panels at the bottom of the doors.
The shorter-by-comparison rear doors.
The plastic divider between the headlight and foglight.
The "turbodiesel" as opposed to "turbo" badge (not worth much by itself, I admit, but it's one more piece of the puzzle).

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

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


Current:

1987 300SDL

Its an SD, you can tell by the rear door, among other things.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks for all the responses and the confirmation of my suspicions. In the middle of your help last night, I lost my internet connection and just now got back. I talked to the seller last night thinking it might go for less as an SD. It was already sold. I assume neither the buyer or seller knew much about diesel MB.

Here's another one in my area:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/821920729.html

I'll go look at it this weekend. The story is that he bought the car from the original owner 6 years ago brought it to Texas. Had a head gasket leak that turned in to a $3500 engine rebuild. Taking bids and I think he's expecting more than $10k for the car. Isn't that way too high even for a really sharp specimen?

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

Visit my photo gallery and you will see what an sdl looks like.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

Yep, that's what I remembered and why I was looking for one. The last one may also be wrong as the only picture is of the trunk logo.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/821920729.html

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

It would have to be one hell of an example to be worth $10k or more.

$5kish +/- is probably about right, not really knowing much.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

a sdl with 130k miles is a steal. I paid over $5500 for mine that was dealership serviced its whole life. The guy probaly wants at least 7k or more

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

I was thinking of bidding about 6k but would go more if he has servce records and can document he recently spent $3500 for an engine rebuild at a reputable shop (I'd confirm with the shop also). I'd still be under 10k and I think he's looking for more like 12k.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

Ask me how I know.

I sold it 2 weeks ago. I need to start ebaying cars.

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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