I'll try to make this sorry tale as short as possible, as it pains me to think about it. After a couple months of obsessive research, I rather impulsively(it seemed like such a good deal, I forwent having it inspected by a mechanic in advance) bought a 85 300sd with the intent of converting it to run on waste vegetable oil. I spent more on it than I intended to(you get what you pay for, right?...not this time!), doubled that price in almost immediate repairs/maintenence needed (i.e. one of the belts was rubbing on an oil cooler hose until it ruptured and covered EVERYTHING in oil)and then proceeded to try and drive it like a sports car on a slippery highway. You can guess the outcome, so now I'm trying to decide what to do with a hunk of undriveable metal that I personally invested over $7000 into during only 2 months of ownership! The damage seems limited to the bottom of the engine(still runs, but leaks oil slowly) and the drivers side front wheel linkage/suspension.[ I hit the guard rail where it begins, doing somewhat of a skateboarder's "railslide" on it as the car was still turning in its skid. The front fender was also sheared off, but other than that and a small ding on the body, the car looks fine!] However, I called off the inflating repair estimate as it approached 6 g's in parts alone. Anyways, I'm lucky to be alive and let my story be a lesson to any other drivers who like to speed, especially in a "lead sled" like the 126 chassis! Also, check those belts! That easily preventable problem was nearly $1500 alone! While I regret not having the car inspected before purchasing it, I doubt most of things that went wrong would have been detected. It's just another one of those "old car" things.

So I'm trying to figure out what to do with the car. I'm leaning to the side of parting it out(do I need lots of special tools for that?). Either that or use it as my own parts car. Anyone know to what degree this car's parts(85 300sd 126) might be compatable with, say, a 300d 123 or 124? I'm thinking maybe I need a smaller car. Any ideas/input/sympathy greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex(should've stuck with bicycles!)Hughes

__________________
1984 190d 5 speed manual

I would say buy another SD and have a great source for parts.

Parting it out will become a chore (pita) and you will grow tired of that idea fast! In my opinion........BB

how did you crash it? the w126 is in fact a very neutral handling car with only some under steer when 'pushed' past its limit.

__________________
Jonathan
1998 S600
2001 E430
1994 E320
1991 560SEL
1994 Turbo R

I like the idea of keeping it for parts. For me its more a question of where, as my current living situation is temporary. So I'd have to tow it back to Massachusetts (200+) miles if wherever I'm moving to can accommodate it. Guess I should've mentioned that. No matter, I think that would be the best choice, especially considering my inexperience with cars. I'd be a shame to just junk it. Thanks for the advice!

I took my exit off the highway too fast, so when I came to a curve the combo of me turning and braking suddenly must have caused the skidding. I have studded snow tires and while it was very cold and wet, I don't think I hit ice. I'd no experience driving such a big car(my last was an Ford Escort wagon) and it was very top heavy on turns. To top it off I got a speeding ticket! Can't be bitter though, gotta just laugh!
A

__________________
1984 190d 5 speed manual