advice needed as to which car to but
 

i am looking at a 84 300sd with 140k,good int ext and mechanicals and a 91 420sel with 115k,new timing chain ,good int ext.both about same price.

i have owned many mercedes diesels ,but not a 126 gas one.i have has a sdl-so im familair with size

this is not a daily driver and i realize they are completely different cars.

i want to get one last 126 mercedes before they are totally gone.

i have worked on the diesels,but neve a gas one


what would you do.

SD

why?

I would prefer the SD just because I like diesels.

Are diesels still exempt from getting smogged in California? If so, that would be reason enough to drive one.

SD - because they are so bulletproof and easy to work on - a mechanic's dream when it comes to fixing something.

sd they are indestructable

i know sd are indestructible,but somehow i keep going back to sel.its in good shape,lowmileage and its not going to be driven much,weekends etc.i have yet to drive it,that will tell a lot

If I buy another gas with a gas engine, I want OBD II. This generally means 1996 or later.

Yep CIS is a pain in the arse. In a land where diesels are not penalised I would not put up with CIS.

A big V8 (when working) would be bloody good albeit rather expensive fun though.

I guess the best relationship with an old CIS V8 would be a bit like having grand children - have fun - nice days out - but at the end of the day you have to give it back...

What does that mean, totally gone? Get a 300SEL. Simplicity of a 300E with the room, comfort and looks of a big body Mercedes. Feels very nimble.

gets 27 mpg compared to 13 mpg w/ the 420

Or 22 mpg w/ the 300SEL so with the higher cost of diesel, almost a wash.

You will need to compare diesel with premium unleaded.

The last time I drove my 300 I used regular with no problems.

my two daily drivers about 6 years ago were 1)1984 300sd 2)1990 300se....it was totally a wash on fuel econ and the 90 was a better car. i used regular all the time with no discernible issues.