I've decided to seek out and buy a parts car. The chances of me finding another 350SDL are quite slim so more then likely i'm going to have to find a 1989-1991 gasoline W126. The question becomes which model has the greatest number of common parts to the diesel. 560SEL? 420SEL? 300SEL?

I'm leaning towards the 300SEL because of the similar suspension arrangement. I know that the 1991 models eliminated the antenna adjustment switch and have an upgraded sound system but are there any other differences I should be aware of?

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

How about finding the same color combination?

Sixto
87 300S

Now that would probably be almost impossible (Blackberry/Bornite is extremely hard to find) However the 300SEL that i'm looking at does have the same color interior.

I know that most of the components that i'm after will be the same (Window regulators, interior bits, door handles, brakes, most of the suspension) I'm curious about things like the rear differential, axles, steering components and tranmission.

I had a 420SEL parts car and everything was just about the same except for the drive train. The year is also important if you want interior stuff, from 86-88 there are a few differences from a 89-91.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Yep. A 300SEL that i'm making a call on soon is a 1990.

Are you going to strip it or keep it in one piece? If you strip it take all the nuts, bolts, and fasteners off it.

For me having a bucket of sometimes oddball Mercedes fasteners was worth its weight in gold!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Yeah that's the mistake I made when we had a W124. We stripped some things off of it but we should have gone crazy. Now that I know when i'm done with this thing all that will be left will be the frame

Go for the car with the same color interior as yours.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Yep.

Just called on the 300SEL. Apparantly the engine is "blown" so I would have to have it towed. Either way it's offered at $950 or BO so I'll give hm $700 and have it towed home. (It looks to be in good nick overall and the interior is cream)

Is the rear diff and tranmission compatible or will I have to toss/sell them?

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

Transmission has second gear start and valved for a ~6500 rpm redline. I don't know if a valve body swap makes it compatible. Otherwise it will bolt to your engine.

According to Nitske, diff is 3.46 vs your 2.82.

Sixto
87 300D

According to EPC the '90 300SEL gets a 1:3.46, the '91 350SDL received a 1:2.82.

I couldn't figure anyting out about the trans yet though, but based on my experiences with the 560SEL, the transmissions all have very subtle differences...

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1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)

Well if anyone here wants a 300SEL tranmission and rear diff let me know

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

Holy Score Batman! 1990 300SEL now sitting in my driveway



Better pictures and details tomorrow

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

nice lookin car

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

Very. The paint on the roof is shot but beyond that I can't find any rust or other faults. (Not sure what's wrong with the engine to be honest but i'm almost a bit shamed to be taking this apart) I might call my indy to come over and take a look at it....it could still be saved so for the time being i'm balancing my options.