From my research I've found it to have an OM603. HOWEVER someone told me that the OM603 ONLY came in 1987 cars in the USA, and the 86 should have a OM617. To further confuse me, Fuel Economy lists it as a non-turbo diesel, which i know is incorrect. Strange.

There is a 1986 car near me for sale for a good price if it runs alright. It's killing me though, the description is a 1986 350SDL and he says it's a V6, not inline. Correct me if I'm wrong, but 350 SDL didn't start until the 90's and it was a lemon of an engine anyway.



It is for sure a W126, that's about the only 100% fact that I do know for sure heh.

I currently own a 87 300 SDL, Has a OM603, I have also Owned a 86 300 SDL which also had a OM603. There are V6 Diesel Engines but I have Never Seen a Mercedes V6 Diesel. I have also Owned a 91 350 SDL and yes they started the 350's in the 90's. Basically a 300 SDL but the OM603 was Bored out to make a 3.5L Instead of a 3.0L. Yes often considered a bad motor because it has earned the nick name "Rod Bender". Sometimes on certain parts sites the OM603 is listed as a V6 but not correct. May be the case here someone looked it up and pulled that information in that way. Not 100% sure if all OM603's are Turbo but all 300SDL's are Turbo Diesel Cars. Only difference in turbo's are some 300SDL's came with a "garret" turbo and others came with a "KKK" turbo. Again not 100% sure when one over the Other would have been used. Also 300SDL's were only produced two years 86 & 87.

I think that 2007 is the first year that the US got a V6 diesel from Mercedes.

1985 was the last year for the OM617.

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"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes

1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod

2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."

MY1986 (from 10/1985) - 300 SDL - OM603.961
MY1987 (from 10/1986) - 300 SDL - OM603.961
MY1988 (from 10/1987) - 300 SDL - OM603.961
MY1989 (from 10/1988) - 350 SD/SDL - OM603.970
MY1990 (from 10/1989) - 350 SD/SDL - OM603.970
MY1991 (from 10/1990) - 350 SD/SDL - OM603.970

For all engines KKK or Garrett was optional.

My 86 300SDL is a straight six OM603.961...Original #14 Head....411,xxx miles and rolling strong.

And just for fun....an opinion written some years ago warning against buying a 300SDL:


"Under no circumstance should you ever consider approaching one of these vehicles. You would be a fool to even waste your time looking or test driving/riding one!!!

The combination of engineering excellence, power plant capability, and the epitome of timeless styling will forever ruin you for the rest of your motoring life! You will spend an eternity searching to achieve that state of motive bliss that only this car can attain. The rush of endorphins that accompany such an experience has yet to be equaled buy modern pharmacopoeia! A fatal flaw is the feeling of fainting/vertigo that will often times overwhelm you on those days when your vision captures the exquisite silhouette as you approach these vehicles in a parking lot! You are much more likely to be struck by a Ford or Honda in this state of euphoria than at any other time, (unless you are blind, deaf, and dumb traversing a mall parking lot on December 23).

Do not! I repeat. Do not! Get behind the wheel of an SDL on an interstate highway and drive above 75, 80, or even 130 MPH! Unless you possess superhuman self control, the family and friends you've will have left behind will wind up posting your missing / wanted poster on milk cartons and diesel pumps across the nation for years to come!

Seriously though, if you like Mercedes Benz and you like diesel you’re going to love this / lust for, these vehicles. Every moment behind the wheel is indescribably delicious. The real deal - 86/87 300SDL 3.0 L six cylinder turbocharged diesel! 25+MPG at 75+ MPH all day and all night, 500+ miles between 20 gal fill-ups.

Yeah Baby… Highway Supernova! One of the finest automobiles ever made!

Good Luck!

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1986 300SDL 440,xxx

Two pals of mine own or owned '86s... one still does, the other passed about five or six years ago now I guess.

His had over 400k and was blue AND in CA... who did you buy the car from '86-300sdl' ??? Aaron R.?

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Different car...
One family car....my dad purchased it new...I bought it from him 15 yrs ago @175,xxx miles when it would not fit his new retirement home garage.

He's 91 now and loves to be driven around in it. He sits in the back and comments on everything from a crumb on the floor, smudge on the chrome, to my every turn....Kind of like riding with a cop who's also a neat nick.

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1986 300SDL 440,xxx

One owner vehicles are quite rare, I own a few.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]