Hi,

Today I brought my 300D in for some routine work, and left with an 88 300SE. Interesting to drive, but I diefinitely prefer my 300D... The SE actually felt slow(slower than my diesel). Probably due to the lack of turbocharger (regardless of fuel type), which when it gets spooled up, really gets things moving. How are the 300SDs in terms of acceleration (Im talking about the 5-cyl versions). I was suprised that it was so sluggish, felt like my mother's 4-cyl plymouth, not an MB.

It was much quieter than my 300D, in a muffled, muted sort of way. Is this how the S class is in diesel form? Granted diesels are usually louder, but insulation seemed realy good.

Economy seemed ok in the SE. I have gone a bit over 100mi, and have just hit the 1/4 tank mark. I cant imagine the tank is that much bigger than my 123 car, so economy on the ga$$er seemds ok. I routinely get 26-27 in mixed driving, 28-30 on the highway... the s class feels a lot heavier, but economy seems to be good - without much better aerodynamics. What can be expected for an in-tune 300sd?

My brother might want an sd, so im trying to get some info on them. Thanks very much

JMH

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

Until last week, I owned both the gas and diesel 126s. The 89 300SE gets off the line faster, quieter much smoother acceleration and about 20mpg. The 84 300SD can match the SE once the car goes above 30 mph, and with the greater torgue, seemed to be affected much less when carrying a full load (four large adults). Also slightly better mileage at 23. Since the SD has a heavier body than your 300D, it will not match the 300D in acceleration nor gas mileage.

Just sold my SD and replaced with 98 E300D. So quiet, fast, smooth and powerful my friends could not believe it is a diesel.

Get a 300SDL the six turbo rocks puts me back in the seat just like the Cutlass.

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87 300SDL 220K
85 300SD 218K
82 diesel Chevette 440K
85 subaru 4WD turbo
83 4.1L buick powered cutlass THE TOY

I've been used to driving a 89 Towncar with the 5.0 gasser. Thought that thing had a little power till I bought my 81 300SD.
Once the turbo spools up its WHOOPIIIEEEEEE!!!!
I didn't know a heavy diesel car could run so well. Haven't driven it enough to tell what the mileage will be though.
Jeff

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1971 R600 Mack toterhome (SuperDawg)
99 NU-WA Snowbird 34+2 SE 102 5er
If it's not diesel, it's not in my stable!
53 F100 617.951/auto
95 Dodge 3500 Cummins/5 speed service truck

Mechman,

NICE RIDE!!!!!!

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

300 sd's are slow

I've never driven two aging diesels that perform exactly the same. However, I can tell you that if it's power and acceleration you're looking for, get a W116 300SD (1978-1980). If it's maximum comfort and long-legged cruising ability, get a W126 300SD. I love my '83 300SD and am actually going to retrieve her from the Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Colision Center today, with her new windshield installed! The '83 is nowhere near as fast as my 1980 was, but does beat it in overall comfort, thanks to the power seats. I must be one in a million but I just can't get comfortable in a W123. I need space!

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Regards,
Aaron

wow you guys must really have some fast cars...the 85 300SD I owned ,at one time, was anything but speedy..is was ok once you got it spooled up ,but take off(especially with the AC on) was turtle slow and also a full throttle type of manuver



Warren
1992 300SD 158K
Columbus Ohio

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Am I missing something?

Doesn't the 300 SE have more horsepower and isn't the car lighter than the diesel versions resulting in better ratio?

I have driven one 300SEL (1990) and it was significantly faster than any diesel I have owned (300/5 and 350/6) ... especially rolling it out past 3000 rpm, it was pretty darn quick.

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

I currently own a 300se, and have owned a 116 sd. Have driven a few 126 sd's. The SE is faster than any of the diesels, BUT the engine is not very well matched to the chassis. It starts in second, so it is a dog off the line, but turns 3500 rpm at 70mph. The car just doesnt feel right, and with 4 passengers and the AC on, it is downright dangerous crossing an intersection. And to top it all off, it only gets about 19-20 to the gallon.

Anyone want to trade their diesel?

Mike