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SDL Turbodiesel

1K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  BH126 
#1 ·
I'm thinking about buying an SDL Turbodiesel.

Does anybody have any comments about this vehicle, good or bad?

What should I look out for?

Thanks
 
#2 ·
if its a 300SDL, then you're good as long as its the newer version engine head that is less likely to cracking when overheated. Stay away from the 350, they self destruct. Look for maintenance records, and rust.
 
#3 ·
Yeah, I'm looking for a 300SDL.

What do you mean by a "newer version"? I thought they were only made during two years...'86 and '87 or '87 and '88?

How many miles can I expect to get out of one of these engines, assuming proper maintenance?

Thanks for your help.
 
#4 ·
The older aluminum heads tended to crack when overheated. As long as the original head and engine were not overheated you’re fine. Later a better head design – still aluminum – was available as a replacement. 300 SDLs were made from 86 to 87. A properly maintained OM603 can go 300,000 miles at least w/o a rebuild.
 
#5 ·
so, extrapolating from this, which diesels, other than the venerable 617 are really strong? There were several variants of 603 and 606, also a 602. Is any one as strong and more economical than the 617?

Please comment also on 124 chassis.
 
#7 ·
deepvalue - 7/8/2005 9:51 AM

What is a reasonable price to pay for an '87 300 SDL in good condition with, say,

100,000 miles?

150,000 miles?

200,000 miles?
Anywhere form $5000 to $6500 for a good condition car with 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles. Less as the miles increase unless she has all books and service records and then the price will be more near $6500, even with 200,000 miles.
 
#8 ·
andrew_falky - 7/8/2005 6:02 AM

so, extrapolating from this, which diesels, other than the venerable 617 are really strong? There were several variants of 603 and 606, also a 602. Is any one as strong and more economical than the 617?

Please comment also on 124 chassis.
No, none of the later diesel engines were as strong as the OM617s. The 124s had the 603 only in 87 and the 602 five cylinder 2.5 L engine from 90 to 93 but, again, none were as indestructible as the 617.
 
#9 ·
jdc1244a - 7/8/2005 7:13 PM

deepvalue - 7/8/2005 9:51 AM

What is a reasonable price to pay for an '87 300 SDL in good condition with, say,

100,000 miles?

150,000 miles?

200,000 miles?
Anywhere form $5000 to $6500 for a good condition car with 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles. Less as the miles increase unless she has all books and service records and then the price will be more near $6500, even with 200,000 miles.
A 100k mile 300SDL in good physical shape will bring MUCHO DENERO on ebay... far more than $6500, and definately more than that if its a 350SDL with same mileage.. eventhough the 350 is not a reliable motor.
 
#10 ·
I have a 1986 300 SDL and I do believe it is the best Mercedes I have ever owned. Mine has 307,000 miles on it and is still very impressive. I trust it enough to let my wife take it from out here in the west back to the east coast by herself knowing she will experience no problems.
 
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