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  #1  
Old 03-28-2009, 03:00 AM
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Thumbs up Noob here! Still don't know what to buy.

Hai guise! So a buddy of mine (hitmanx) was getting me interested in old mercs again.
I've had my sights set out for a First gen cummins for a while but I am torn on what to get. It's either that or a 420sel or maybe the 300sdl. Which one do you guys like better? anyways my name is Kris I am from Mesa, Az I drive a 1988 Volvo 240 (nothing special) and am just looking for another car. If I got a first gen it would be more of a toy than a hauler. I just don't know what to get! I joined up so I can learn about these cars and see whats what.

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  #2  
Old 03-28-2009, 03:06 AM
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I'd recommend you drive both and see what you like. Diesels would be cheaper to run, but would cost more than a gasser with the same mileage.

Its whichever one you prefer and whatever deal pops up.
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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
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  #3  
Old 03-28-2009, 03:13 AM
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I have driven the truck it rides like how a truck should I've yet to try out the merc. I hear they make great cruisers.

OH and whats the aftermarket like on the w126? Like suspension? anyone ever upgrade the t3 on the diesel? Anything special for the 4.2?

Last edited by Krisverde; 03-28-2009 at 03:22 AM.
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  #4  
Old 03-28-2009, 03:26 AM
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Not really, only because they came out nearly from the factory.

Go out and drive a couple of well sorted W124s or W126s and you'll know what I mean. About how much are you wanting to spend?
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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!
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  #5  
Old 03-28-2009, 03:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TylerH860 View Post
Not really, only because they came out nearly from the factory.

Go out and drive a couple of well sorted W124s or W126s and you'll know what I mean. About how much are you wanting to spend?
Wait...nearly what?


On the merc probably around 2500-3 if it's worth it. There is one in scottsdale for about 2900 i may go check out tomorrow. Looks clean.
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Old 03-28-2009, 03:36 AM
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Whoops, nearly perfect.

You gotta be careful with the cheap ones.
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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!
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  #7  
Old 03-28-2009, 03:41 AM
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Originally Posted by TylerH860 View Post
Whoops, nearly perfect.

You gotta be careful with the cheap ones.
LOL
yea my buddy was saying if you get one go for paint-interior-than mechanical. Get one and do the timing sprocket first and the guide rails? On the 420sel at least.

What would I look out for on the 300sdl?

Last edited by Krisverde; 03-28-2009 at 03:50 AM.
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  #8  
Old 03-28-2009, 08:04 AM
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W126 420SEL at this age could be a money pit.
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Old 03-28-2009, 10:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Krisverde View Post
LOL
yea my buddy was saying if you get one go for paint-interior-than mechanical. Get one and do the timing sprocket first and the guide rails? On the 420sel at least.

What would I look out for on the 300sdl?
Not that its a major problem with Mercedes, but before paint, I would look for under body RUST. Check especially the jack points, and rockers.

Interior will generally look great--especially if it's MB Tex. That stuff wears like iron and looks showroom fresh for decades. Leather will stiffen, and crack; MB Tex just doesn't show its age. If you are looking at an MB Tex interior and it looks worn, that car has seen some SERIOUS miles.

Another advantage for diesels is that the W123 and W126 generally do not have computers and sensors required by a computer. These are the items that can cost a lot as these cars age. Not so with a diesel because it doesn't have them
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  #10  
Old 03-28-2009, 10:59 AM
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To each his own, but for me, if its a Mercedes, it's got to be a diesel. Just make sure it's not one of the bogus diesels, like the one they put in the 350SD or whatever that model was.
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  #11  
Old 03-28-2009, 12:31 PM
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On both W126's


#1 RUST! Look around the plastic cladding, the rear wheel arches, jack points, and around the rear window

#2 Front suspension. Depending on the mileage you could need control arms, ball joints, tie rods and ends, center link, and the steering damper (the shock absorber that attaches to the center link. These parts could run you $700.
If you need shocks, go with the Bilstein HD series.

#3 Accessories like power windows (easy fix) sun roof (harder fix) and power door locks (vacuum operated with a pump in the trunk-- class act)

#4 Climate control The over complicated automatic climate control will probably not work. Check the engagement of the compressor and the activation of the various vents. The compressor should engage in all positions except for "ec"

#5 Coolant The coolant should be a straw color not green or orange. MB recommends using either their coolant or Zerex G-05 as these have the proper additives and are ph balanced neutral.

#6 Service records In both cases service records are important, you want to know when things were done.

420 SEL -- not having much experience with this car I will not comment on the engine except that it is a little small for the car. The performance wil be about the same as in the 300SDL. The guide rails, timing chain, and water pump should all be replaced.

300SDL -- check to make sure it is not overheating. Run the car and see if the temperature guage goes up past 80. If it is runnning hot you could still be alreight, but if the gauge goes up to 120 the engine is most likely no good. The SDL had a weak cylinder head with a casting number of 14. Look between the 2nd and 3rd intake runner and you will see the casting number. My #14 head has gone over 306000 miles but the car has never overheated. If it overheats the head cracks! Check for records. The timimg chain, vacuum pump, water pump and serpentine belt should have been replaced no later than 150000.

Both cars are very fun to drive the W126 does not feel like a big car on the road, especially like a big 1980's luxo-barge (Buick or Lincoln) They love to go fast and do it in style.The longer wheelbase cars are my favorite so you cannot go wrong with either choice.

Good luck and have fun!
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  #12  
Old 03-28-2009, 12:33 PM
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The SDL's are nice, especially if you get a creampuff or someone elses money pit .

Mine rides like a dream and at 70 mph its very quiet in the cabin.
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  #13  
Old 03-28-2009, 04:48 PM
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Yea I like the longer wheel bases then the shorter ones. I like big cruisers like the caprice w/o the donk wheels. But I bet the merc has more power than the 305 at least. I live in AZ so rust shouldn't be a huge problem but I will look. I can get good prices on parts for the mercs but I just don't know! I've got a few months before I buy anything so it will give me time to make a decision. Plus I am not having the best of luck finding the first gen I want 5 speed w/ 4x4 so I may get a merc if I have no luck.
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  #14  
Old 03-28-2009, 04:58 PM
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Shorter wheelbase being a relative term. In this case 115.6 inches!
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  #15  
Old 03-30-2009, 05:31 PM
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Well I think I am leaning towards a 300sd w126.

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