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  #1  
Old 10-21-2008, 09:47 AM
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!987 300 sdl experts needed

I have a chance to purchase a 1987 300 sdl. The car has 285,000 miles on it. It seems to be in pretty good shape with some issues. I have heard that these engines are weak as far as the heads go. I have a 1985 300 sd and have been pleased with it. I would like to get some pointers on what to look for before I make an offer or get serious. Comments, suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance Jack

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  #2  
Old 10-21-2008, 09:56 AM
redassag00's Avatar
I like OM603's
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 1,243
Look at what head # it has, some #14 heads had issues. But not all. My #14 head car has 284,000 miles on it. No problems what so ever.

Look at the oil and coolant, drive the car, watch the temperature gauge, look for any overheating, mass temp changes etc. Oil pressure should be over 1.5 or so at idle when the engine is warm. If you can keep the car overnight, you can see if the radiator hose keeps pressure overnight, a sure sign of head/gasket issues.

See if the vac pump has been replaced (front of engine), the replacement one has bolts on the front cover.

With this kind of mileage, I'm assuming some work has been done to it. Its always great to have a seller that actually owns the car, knows its history and has records or parts reciepts to show whats been done to the car. Theres nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes, Front end rebuilds etc can get costly in a hurry. See whats been done and what else NEEDS to be done.

My SDL is a great daily driver, but I can think of a huge list of things that need to be done, not right away, but at some point in the next year of ownership.

Typical other W126 stuff, as you already have one. i.e. rust around rear window, trunk seal, wheel wells etc.
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  #3  
Old 10-21-2008, 10:02 AM
LUVMBDiesels's Avatar
Dead on balls accurate...
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Red Lion,Pa
Posts: 2,207
My 1986 SDL has gone 302000 miles on the original head gasket!

I second Red's opinions. See if you can get your hands on the service records. What I would look for are working climate controls (the compressor is expensive) working sunroof and windows. Check the serpentine belt to see if it is worn. Check the injector retun lines for leaks (I used leaking return lines to get the price down!) Drive the car. It should have a lot more pep than your 1985 SD. It was a world of difference moving from my '81 SD to this car. If you can get it to a trusted mechanic have him go over the front suspension as those parts can be expensive to replace. I just did the front upper control arms, lower ball joints, center link and guide rod ends and it cost around $700!
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  #4  
Old 10-21-2008, 10:10 AM
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Location: Brandon, Mississippi
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Ditto on what Redassag00 said. Mine also 365,xxx miles on a #14 no problems. I am watching it and do suggest an inexpensive oil analysis from a vendor like Blackstone labs. This will either give you some piece of mine or ruin your day.

As was stated the front racks repairs are expensive - if done all at once. If that's a budget concern, start buying the parts every month/quarter/whenever until you have everything. Once the front end starts to go that heavy front end will eat through tires at astounding speeds!

Purchase new vacuum lines and connectors (inexpensive) and start replacing everything. Look at your injection lines and make sure all the little plastic line holder/separators are in place. If you have lines mating (touching) look for worn areas. These lines are becoming hard to get. Number 6 has been on national back-order for most of this year.

Get rid of the EGR Valve and all associated vacuum lines. Do a search on the forum and you will see there is a member that sells the kit. Good inexspensive DIY for testing purposes

Lube your sunroof! Replacing sunroof components is a horrible project

I am sure others will chime in as well - Oh and enjoy one of the greatest Benz rides of its time.
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  #5  
Old 10-21-2008, 10:41 AM
daw_two's Avatar
diesel enthusiast
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 5,449
and then join the 300SDL club....they were only made 2 years.

If you get good seats, decent dash, and working AC --- count yourself LUCKY!!!
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Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
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Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
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& many more
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  #6  
Old 10-21-2008, 10:41 AM
Actros617's Avatar
Ich fahre dieseltypen
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,141
My father had a 300SDL and unfortunaly the head cracked, we were planning to get a head but most of them were #14, insted we bought a OM603 engine with a #16 head from a 300D only 98K on the clock BUT!!! it cost us a whopping $3000 for an complete engine W/O the trans, so be careful for these cars can drain out your wallet out fast...

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1994 S350 160k mi Garage Queen & prepping for repairs
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1994 S350 357k mi Retried as parts car
1984 300TD 214k mi Blown OM617 Poss OM603 Swap??

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1987 300SDL 200K+
1994 S320 181K mi
2008 E320 Bluetec 127k mi
1999 S420 130K mi
1980 240D 360k mi
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GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
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