I am planning to also purchase an -86 or -87 300 SDL. What should I look out for in these cars, and what should I check on a car I am planning to buy?

Any wise advices?

Sincerely

Anders

__________________
-86 300SDL (148K), Pearl Black
-85 300SD (168K), Smoke Silver

You should check the archives. All sorts of information on the 300SDL.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Thanks,

I have done that but was looking for some specific information, if there is any, from people who have owned 300SDL for a while.

I know it is important to check the service records etc., but was just wondering if there was anything particular I should observe when initially looking at a car. Maybe there is nothing particular for that model except the normal, like transmission etc.

I am currently going to look at one from -86.

Sincerely

Anders

__________________
-86 300SDL (148K), Pearl Black
-85 300SD (168K), Smoke Silver

Then we'll work our way up -

Are you familiar with the W126 MBs?

Are you familiar with any MB Diesel?

First Diesel for you?

What's your level of DIY?

Do you have a relationship with a good MB independent or dealership?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD

I own since a week an -85 300SD, and my DIY skills are currrently moderate, but I am a quick learner.
I have however, thanks to this forum fould a wonderful mechanic (Enrique at Mr. MB Motors) and that is why I also have been thinking of purchasing one more Mercedes.

I bought the 300SD Mercedes since I have heard that they do not cause too much problems. I have previous had two BMW 535i/is (-85 & -86) and that was another story. Wonderful cars but high maintnence.

I was lucky with the 300SD since it was in great condition, both mechanicly and interior, this according to my mechanic.
I have never owned a diesel before, but remember as a kid that most of the Taxis in Sweden was Mercedes diesels, and that probably for a reason...

I would be very greatful for any input regarding these cars that you and anyone else has, because compared to me, you are the experts.

Sincerely

Anders

__________________
-86 300SDL (148K), Pearl Black
-85 300SD (168K), Smoke Silver

The first order of business would be to have Enrique check the car. He's in the best position to evaluate the major systems and distinguish small problems from from big problems. The 86-87 MB 6cyl Diesels have a higher than average occurence of cylinder head cracks when the engine overheats. Enrique should be able to spot symptoms casual observers will miss. When a seller says that an 86-87 MB 6cyl Diesel needs a head gasket, water pump, radiator, thermostat, etc., it's a pretty safe bet that there are advanced cracks in the cylinder head. This shouldn't disqualify the car necessarily since you're ~$2500 away from an engine that is practically as good as new.

As with any MB of this vintage, make sure everything works particularly in the unintuitive ACC system. Most things other than the ACC are easy and not particularly costly to repair. If the AC system has been converted to R134a, it's possible that the cooling ability will be borderline or inadequate in the summer. I've felt how good an R12 system can be and I've yet to see an R134a conversion that compares.

I don't think any SDL came with MB Tex upholstery. Consider the price of restoring the leather if the interior looks tired. Or maybe you don't mind such things.

You should feel the transmission go through 3 distinct shifts as you accelerate. The shifts should come at roughly the same rpm in each gear with the same pedal position on level ground. Be wary of delayed shifts or shifts that include a noticeable revving of the engine. Sometimes these are small problems like low fluid level but sometimes the only solution is a full rebuild.

These cars are reasonably quick. 0-60mph can take as little as 12sec. A slower car ususally just needs the boost signal line to the injection pump to be cleaned. Many MB turbodiesels are sold for below market value because the boost signal line is clogged making acceleration an oxymoron.

Even if you're in SoCal, check for rust. Body integrity of the W126 series is very good but don't assume anything.

This barely touches the tip of the iceberg.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Thank you,

I think I have found my car (looked at it today), but I will defenitely have a Mercedes mechanic look at it.

How can I spot if the AC have been changed to a R134a instead of a R12 system?

I will also ask about the points you have mentioned.

Overall though, with your experience with this type of car, would you say that buying a -86 300 SDL that is in an in a very good condition could be a good and fairly problem free purchase and ownership?

Sincerely

Anders

__________________
-86 300SDL (148K), Pearl Black
-85 300SD (168K), Smoke Silver

A properly converted system will have a label on the radiator frame alerting subsequent AC service providers of what exactly was done. Otherwise the telltales are adapters over the original high side and low side fittings. One is along a line between the brake master cylinder and ABS unit, the other is inboard of the left headlight visible when the hood is up.

You have to know what your looking for to tell if adapters are in place. After seeing a few you will be able to distinguish the marginally different size of the fittings.

These cars are closing in on 20 years of service so it's a rare car that won't need work with some frequency. If you find the right car, problems will occur once and not for another 100K miles. If you find the perfect car, most of these things will have just been serviced and you're free and clear for a long time to come. There are high $$ items like the front suspension, transmission and ACC, moderate $$ items like brakes and shocks, and the nickel and dime stuff like glow plugs, windows and door locks.

In my case, there's always something on the horizon. Shocks and brakes were just done but one of the front suspension bushings creaks. I replaced the head because of cracks and now there's the beginings of play in the turbo shaft. You can find $10,000 worth of stuff to make these cars absolutely perfect but be happy to find one that allows you to defer or tackle on your terms the major items.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Thanks,

The car I test drove today actually felt like new, and much more solid than my -85 300SD. They are just one year apart, but there was not even any creeking sounds from the interior when driving.

It had only one problem, the outside temperature display was cracked/not functioning properly. I do not know how much that would be to replace, but otherwise everything seemed to be in order.

I will look at a couple of more tomorrow, but am leaning towards the first one unless I find something more exceptional.

I guess owning a used car is always creating some cost of repairs and maintenence, but hopefully these diesels will cost less than my previous BMWs...

The repair costs will hopefully not exceed the cost of leasing or paying off a new car either.

There is something special with these cars though. Almost like the last era of really well-built cars.

Sincerely

Anders

__________________
-86 300SDL (148K), Pearl Black
-85 300SD (168K), Smoke Silver