How safe is a 350SDL?

[Ekdal]

Two years ago I bought a 350SDL with 150k to run on biodiesel. Of course the night after I bought it I remember reading on this forum about it's rather checkered engine history.

20k later it's still running smooth. Knock on wood. Since the 350sdl probably has a limited life anyway, I was thinking of letting my son who's just learning to drive have it. It has a driver airbag and antilock brakes but I'm wondering how safe it would be compared to my wife's prius if he were to have a wreck in it? I'd be grateful for any and all opinions.

[108Benz]

I would rather take my chances with the 350SDL instead of the Prius. Sure the Prius is more modern than the Benz but the Benz weighs in the ballpark of 4000 lbs vs around 3000 for the Prius . The 350SDL even though it has a problem diesel engine is still a big 126 model with value and quality that comes from the older Benz's.

[123Guy]

Originally Posted by Ekdal

Two years ago I bought a 350SDL with 150k to run on biodiesel. Of course the night after I bought it I remember reading on this forum about it's rather checkered engine history.
20k later it's still running smooth. Knock on wood. Since the 350sdl probably has a limited life anyway, I was thinking of letting my son who's just learning to drive have it. It has a driver airbag and antilock brakes but I'm wondering how safe it would be compared to my wife's prius if he were to have a wreck in it? I'd be grateful for any and all opinions.

Don't worry about the SDL, it's the last of the chrome and steel battering rams. Our SD and CD, that we've owned since new, don't have air bags and it's never been of a concern. I think of the 300SD as the predator, not the prey.

[ktmduke97]

How safe is the w126...... hm...... Well I crashed a 1988 420sel two years ago doing 70mph onto an expedition. he expedition was hit on the right front towards the front wheel and door. The expedition was completely demolished. It needed to be cut in pieces to pull the guys out and all of them were hurt. Three people in the expedition the person in the rear seat was hurt the most, tossed around like a rug doll. Now the w126. The airbag that was 20years old deployed flawlessly, engine and trns mounts broke and engine went under to protect passenger legs, no flat tires, small crack on the windshield, grill and hood, fenders and lights destroyed. ALL doors opened and closed ok, interior ok with exception of gear shift console damaged when the trans broke. I was thinking of fixing the car that saved my life but it had frame damage and repair was far more than the car was worth. Note. I wasn't wearing a seat belt and my elbow fractured upon impact with the steering wheel or door arm rest. If I was wearing a seatbelt nothing would have happened. The w126 is a TANK. It's a car that you can let your 16 year old son with all your family drive and sleep well at night. If you don't care about potential engine failure but big on safety.... that's the end of your search. Good luck