Is there a compelling reason to buy a 126 300 rather than either a 420 or 560. Doesn't seem like the six is significantly better on gas than either of the V8's and I'm considering picking one up soon. Just wondering if anybody here who has owned one can provide their perspective?

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

The I6 engine is undersized for the W126...you'd be much better off with a 420 as it has a lot more torque and does about the same on fuel since it doesn't have to work so hard. The I6 is lower maintenance but that's about it. I have a 420 and is an awesome machine. The 500 and 560 are even more powerful (but more thirsty)

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'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

300SDL, almost double the mileage of a 560. I have both. A 126 can do 100mph with the 148 hp OM603 engine. Just how fast do you need to go?

Having owned a 300se, my only issue with it was its high revving on the freeway. I don't remember exactly anymore but at 70mph it was at 4k revs or so. At 80 the engine was screaming.

Driving around in the city was fantastic, and it had plenty of power. The m103 engine is very common and parts are abundant.

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Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

The six is better suited in a W124 or W201 sedan. On another note, given the relative values, I wouldn't get a six in a R107 or R129, SL's should always have the big motor.

The six is pretty peppy. Maintenance should be a bit less perhaps and a little better fuel economy. These cars are old enough I would buy condition before any particular feature....that said I am averse to complication so simpler is better.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The six in the SL-class was available with a real transmission, at least briefly -- that's reason alone for getting it. If you want big HP, get a GTO.

Wasnt there a single-row vs. double row timing chain thing with these engines ? (or was that figured out before the 1986 era ?)

The 6 must be easier to work on, but the lower-end motor might be missing interior options that the bigger motor might have as standard (??)



personally - I'd skip the 420 just to avoid all the pot jokes (they get old?)

-John

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(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

^^ Yes, the 380SE from 81-83 had a single row chain when (ill-)conceived. Unless you know the chain /guides/tensioner have been changed recently on ANY of the eights( and that's timewise, not just mileagewise) best to stick with the six. The V8 chain is a royal PITA or a $1000 farmed out expense. Figure that in, anyway.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Me too. But what about the six's head gasket issue? I've read that that is almost a certainty with these and so the cost could be a factor. No way I can do it myself so it'll have to be farmed out.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Peter, before you dismiss a DIY, you should check out the many web sites that illustrate a M103 headgasket change.

I have actually seen some of them. I'm not averse to DIY stuff but after effing up my 240D I'm loathe to tackle projects that are "mission crititical" as it were.

Not like I have a whole bunch of tools and equipment etc. Not to mention no experience with it.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Yes, in about 1995, I saw a manual transmission 300SL with the M104. It was in a used car showroom where I was browsing when looking for a sedan. I'm sure they had to come and detail it after I left. I drooled all over it. I think it was about a '90 model.

Although time consuming, changing head gaskets on an M103 or M104 either one, is a straightforward job. These engines take to it very well.

Yeah, that's what Mercedes SL fans want.