Two totally different cars I know, but there are two here locally that I am considering. As a PO of a 85' W126, I am pretty familiar now with the W126 chassis. I know that the SDL is a tank, thats practically bulletproof, aside from some headgasket issues from time to time on the 86-87 SDL. I found one locally (1987 300SDL w/198K) for $4800. Its white on tan and in VGC. The owner is vague on when the timing chains were done, so this has me concerned. I have also found a local 87' 420SEL for $2500, stated to be in VGC, I will find out more on that one this weekend perhaps.
Here is the 300SDL...


One I am really interested in is a 1995 S320 SWB. Unsure of the miles @ this time, but its advertised locally as "priced to sell"! Its black on black and in EC. I have heard about the HVAC issues that require instrument panel removal on the early W140s?, but not sure if this problem lingered on into the 95+ models. I think I once read on a search (which I cannot find now), where the 95+ W140s did not have the problem... can anyone comment, or can anyone comment on any trouble spots I should be aware of IF I go and inspect this 1995 S320? I know that I need to find out if the timing chains/tensioner have been replaced... I am not going through that worry/wondering again like I did when I had my 85' 380SE.
Here is a photo of the car... sorry its low quality from the site... Price is not listed, but I will find out.



Now there is another MB that I fell in love with, but its way overpriced according to the guides! Its a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL (IN MINT, MINT, MINT, MINT condition), white on tan, with 69K actual miles for $6995. Its stunning!


Thanks in advance.

I actually have both. The 300 SDL is a very nice car, but it can need a suspension rebuild every 100,000 miles. I have a S320 as well, but the long wheelbase. It's a much nicer riding car. The engine I hear needs head gaskets every 100,000 miles. I think perhaps in the long run the S320 is the nicer car. Even a bad S320 rides better than a 300SDL in my opinion.

__________________
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing.

Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor

'95 S320 LWB
'87 300SDL
'04 E500 wagon 4matic

I have an SDL, and my friend has a 97 S320. They are both great cars buy whatever one you prefer.


The S320 is a faster, smoother, better riding, more modern car.

Nothing wrong with a 95 but a 97 or newer would have the 722.6 which IMHO is a much better gear box. All W140's will need an evap core at some point, you can get them done for liek $2k, not to big of a deal.

W126's don't need front end work every 100k miles, nor to M104's need head gaskets.

Why would you care about when the timing chain was done on a 200k mile 603?

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

the S320 is a fatty

SDL FTW ( for the win)

Some people say that to keep a 126 body car riding it's best, replacing the suspension bushings should be done every 100K. I might be wrong.

I have also heard on this forum that the M104 CAN need a head gasket every 100K. I'd rather be prepared for the eventuality than have it blow up in my face unexpectedly.

I suppose I could have worded my first response better.

One thing to be warry about in the 300SDL is that if it overheats, the head can crack, and it's no easy task to find a new one. At the very least, if overheated, the head gasket can need replacing.

__________________
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing.

Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor

'95 S320 LWB
'87 300SDL
'04 E500 wagon 4matic

Sure a headgasket can blow on any car. They don't blow up in your face, they usualy give you lots of warning. AFAIK the M103 had a lot more trouble with head gaskets then late production M104's ever did.


At 200k miles some parts in the front suspension of your average W126 like the ball joints, guide rodes, and shocks are in need of replacement.

If you want to talk front suspension W140's have those fluid filled lower bushings that always seem to leak.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

SDL for classic looks.

S320 for overall comfort.

W126 is more "communicative" as far as road feel, IMHO. But, needs another 100 hp to have a bit of fun, in general.

__________________
1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)

Thanks for all of the excellent and informative replies.... they have been most helpful.

Hat... which model is the "603" exactly? Are you being sarcastic when you say that, or is the chain/tensioner replacement not needed on that model?

On a side note, I also found a local 1982 300SD, locally. They are asking $2900 for it, but its in excellent condition! I may check it out this weekend.

Oh, I can get a 08' ML350 for only $509 per month? I may just get one of those... lol.

My God. You are back.

__________________
11 S550
09 C300
91 560SEL
90 300CE
84 380SE
83 240D

Oh, you are still here too? You have not posted since October 1st and came back just to reply to me? I feel special! Yep, I am normally not gone more than 3-5 months at a time. I think the last time you got a little heat from your "nice" replies to my posts? Hope all is well with you and yours. No, I am not the smartest person in the world, even when it comes to cars, but I do not know why my posts upset you, as that was never my intention and I am really not looking to start that little flame back up. Hope you do not either.

Not to change the subject, but on a serious note, I see you have two Lexus LS400s (or have had two LS400s). I used to have a 1990 LS400 and loved it, but it was getting really high mileage (near 300K) and was starting to get some issues, like bushings, A/C, radio, etc.

Actually, in addition to these Mercedes, I have been looking at three LS400s that I am also seriously considering. A 1991, a 1995, and a 1997. I know that many MB owners say that LS400s are "boring", but do admit how reliable they are. Have you really enjoyed yours?

Do a search on the diesel forum, all your questons regarding the OM603 will be in the archives.


So how many cars do you look at before buying something?

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

About 30.... sometimes 40.

Thanks.. I will review those archives. Luckily, as far as the 300SD goes, I am familiar with the body on those.

One thing to consider is if the weather gets down 10 degrees below freezing, the SDL can be a very hard car to start without plugging it in. If anyone mentions glow plugs, I have replaced mine twice. It never helped. The other day, it was -20C, and I started my S320 like nothing without plugging it in.

__________________
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing.

Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor

'95 S320 LWB
'87 300SDL
'04 E500 wagon 4matic

-10 is cold for an old diesel. A CDI would do better at those temps.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

New 603 cylinder head castings are as readily available as 140 evaporator cores. 603 cylinder head and 140 evaporator cost about the same to replace.

Sixto
87 300D