Ive driven my current car (volvo 240gl) for 14 years and would like to move onto something else equally reliable ( I just got tired of it but it still runs strong). I would like to try a diesel and keep it for maybe 15 years or beyond (going 13-15k/yr). I've read about 300SD and SDL and like the longevity, style and roominess of the SDL. Its hard to find one with low mileage (like 120k or less) in good condition. Can I get what I need in a 98-99 E300TD? I.E. will it last as long? Will it cost me a lot more than the SDL in higher maintanence costs? Thanks in advance.

 

I had a 300SD Turbo. Sold it with a 170k on it to a guy for $4k. He comes in my inde shop for oil changes. Never once had any motor work done to it. It now has 212k. Look out for A/C issues and your good as gold. A/C issues I have had with both my W126's

 

My 83 300SD has 328,000 miles burning vegetable oils.Only needs electricity for starting.No sensor,computers or other things that can leave you stranded.

 

How much of that 328,000 was on vegetable oil?

 

I've got over 60,000 on veggie mix.I blend in 30% diesel and heat this fuel.I have 2 tank system,heat exchanger,electric fuel boost pump,and injection line heaters set at 175 degrees.I can run without boost pump,but its fun running up mountains.

 

I am still looking but think I have decided on a 126 SD or SDL. They look more stylish than any other car, to me, and seem like they are better built, more reliable, easier to work on and less expensive to maintain than any thing made since.

 

SDL has a higher top end speed.But I don't know about the lifespan of the engine.It has a aluminum head prone to cracking.But you can replace with a better one.300 SD are plain bulletprooft engine You have to adjust valves where the SDL has no adjustments.

 

I heard the SDL is quieter than the SD. How significant a difference is there?

 

I heard the SDL is quieter than the SD. How significant a difference is there?[/quote]

Hydrolic lifers are better for noise,and you don't have to adjust.The 300sdl will do over 130mph,where the SD 112mph.
However I've seen 300sd for sale with 669,000 miles.
Never saw a SDL with those miles.

 

Hydrolic lifers are better for noise,and you don't have to adjust.The 300sdl will do over 130mph,where the SD 112mph.
However I've seen 300sd for sale with 669,000 miles.
Never saw a SDL with those miles.[/QUOTE]

The sdl has alloy engine components, so is not as long lasting as the old pre 86.
the 350 sdl are the worse offender, heard a lot of baad things about them, u might wanna to do more due care & dilligence.

 

I bought an 86 SDL last week and drove it from Ky to Ca in 3 1/2 days. Am I crazy? Probably. But I couldn't find one locally that had relatively low miles (mine had 123,500) and had documentation of regular maintenance and was in pretty good shape and the seller wasn't asking for something unreasonable (I paid 4500). I am sure someone will post that they bought a low mileage immaculate SDL, sold locally and with extensive records for 2000 just to make me feel bad.

 

@cls67.... It has been six years, how is it going with the 300SDL? I have had mine 10 years now and still going strong at 296K mi.

 

update to old thread now 368000 miles,still same transmission,runs good.I keep snow tires on her for winter driving now.Just use her as a emergency vehicle.I have 130 gals of waste oil stored in case of nuclear war,or pandemic.

 

LOL, and here we are in the middle of a pandemic, and crude oil is less than $1/bbl. Diesel in my neighborhood is $2.65. Who knew?!