After reading many of the recent posts on the 300sdl I am thinking of sticking with the 300sd-85'. How do you look for the head warping problem in the 300sdl. Is there an yone out there who has owned a 300sdl for 250k miles or more without a head problem???

I'm not sure I would rule out a 300SDL just because it could possibly have head issues. If you do that you are going to rule out alot of automobiles.

The thing to understand is that from '86 on all of them had aluminum head versus the cast iron head on the '85 and earlier models. Cast iron is ALOT more forgiving than the aluminum BUT on the same hand pretty much all new cars these days have aluminum heads. The problem arises when they are allowed to run hot or the coolant is not changed every year or so.

On the other hand though - if I purchase another MB it is going to be a 300SD .

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Jim

Apsharp,

I believe you will find a few people here on line that have 300SDLs with quite a few miles and no problems including myself. There was a pole taken a while back about head problems and the overwhelming majority do not have head problems. Take a look at :

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=33066&highlight=300sdl

The key is not overheating the engine and you should never have any problems. Also, the trap oxidyzer should have been removed by now.

Another common item is that these engines sometimes have noisey lifters. THere is a lifter on one of the cylinders of my SDL that makes noise when cold but disappears when the engine warms up.

Don't rule out the 300SDL just because of a few stories you have heard. True, these engines are not forgiving if overheated but they reward you with super smooth performance and higher horsepower. I would advise you to avoid the 350SDL.

Herb
'82 240D
'87 300SDL

No problem.
Make sure that the cooling system is in correct trim. Don't let it overheat.

This engine has great smooth power.

275K on the original head here.

Point - an SDL that needs a head but is in otherwise great condition can cost as little as a good SD.

Counterpoint - replacing an SDL head can cost as much as a good SD.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL ... head lasted 250K but not more :/

Going on 222k on my '87 300SDL.
Noisy lifter(s)? Yes.
Strong runner? Yes.
Head issues? NO !!!
Overheated? No.

It's all in the care and maintenance of the vehicle. Every type of car has there quirks. Some more than others..

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99 C230K Sport
87 300SDL
81 300SD

Mine has 244Kmi with no engine work. Mechanics tell me its the fastest one they've ever driven.

Brian

That is what I did.

Plus it came with a new radiator and all the trap oxidizer equipment removed (which should have been done by now anyway). I believe the one that I have is pretty solid now.

__________________
84 300TD - 235k - Farbe "Surfblau" bought at 213k
87 300SDL - 131k - Farbe "PimpGold" bought at 115k
00 Klepper Faltboot Expedition Double

we had no head problem here...

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'02 C240
'00 LR Discovery
'72 280SE
'67 280SL

---past---

'79 280E sold (RIP)
'86 300E sold
'87 300SDL sold
'90 Laforza sold
'95 320SE sold
'98 ML 320 (sold)

Mine overheated twice for lack of coolant. NO PROBLEMS here...Runs perfect. Also, iron heads WILL crack and split remember that. They are NOT bulletproof.

My 87 300 SDL went to 187kmiles before being sold. No engine problems and it used less than a quart between oil changes.

Now the front transmission seal, bad A/C, shot front end, and a bad rear wheel bearing were quite a different matter.

I think most people confuse the 86/87 300 SDL with the early 90's models, which did have head problems. I would be just as worried about other things.

Joe

83 300D 133kmiles (Riblar...don't ask)
80 240D 248kmiles (Timmy...Southpark that is... handicapped and weak)
87 300 SDL Sold at 187kmiles
85 Saab 900s Sold at 251kmiles
76 Chevelle Malibu Disappeared in early 85 from rust...I think.
69 Z28 Camero... Sold at 60kmiles after gas crunch.
61 Oldsmobile Delta 88...gave away.