[bulletproof diesel]

Hello,
I currently own a 1985 300d turbo which I rather enjoy, but recently saw an add in the paper for a 1979 mecercedes 300sd w/160k miles for only 1500 dollars. I know that a 123 with that mileage would be much more expensive. I wanted to know if anyone out there knew the differences between the two models/reliablity was the S model a higher quality?
Are the 123's more expensive b/c they are more well known?
Will most diesel engine cars go 300,000 plus miles because the diesel engines are built to handle much higher compression (ie VW's or other mercedes diesels) Or is it the design of the 123 that is unique in this regard--I always figured it was not.
Finally, is this car for 1500 dollars a steal or not
thanks

 

[white500se]

bulletproof diesel - 4/6/2006 5:19 PM

Hello,
I currently own a 1985 300d turbo which I rather enjoy, but recently saw an add in the paper for a 1979 mecercedes 300sd w/160k miles for only 1500 dollars. I know that a 123 with that mileage would be much more expensive. I wanted to know if anyone out there knew the differences between the two models/reliablity was the S model a higher quality?
Are the 123's more expensive b/c they are more well known?
Will most diesel engine cars go 300,000 plus miles because the diesel engines are built to handle much higher compression (ie VW's or other mercedes diesels) Or is it the design of the 123 that is unique in this regard--I always figured it was not.
Finally, is this car for 1500 dollars a steal or not
thanks

I don't know where you live but I'd be very careful about a w116 for $1500. Sounds to me like it has lots of problems. As far as engines they are pretty much the same. The SD has a bigger body and will be a bit slower. Honestly I'd stick with your 300D. I think you'll find the 300d's are more expensive becasue they tend to be in better shape. It is getting very hard to find a w116 300SD that is still in nice shape. Mine, like most now, is a bit of a dog. Runs fine but really there are times I think about just parting it out. I really can't say the last time I saw a nice w116 300SD.

 

[Ether]

A 79 300SD with 160k miles would typically fetch considerably more than $1500 if it is in decent condition.

I would guess that the car in question is either in pretty rough shape or perhaps the seller is underestimating the value of what he has.

The W116 chassis is notorious for rust so you should inspect it thoroughly.

Where is this car located.

 

[Ether]

white500se - 4/7/2006 1:42 AM
I really can't say the last time I saw a nice w116 300SD.

I have 2 of them in my driveway that are still lookin and rollin nice!

 

[white500se]

Ether - 4/10/2006 10:52 AM

white500se - 4/7/2006 1:42 AM
I really can't say the last time I saw a nice w116 300SD.

I have 2 of them in my driveway that are still lookin and rollin nice!

You need a 3rd?[] Too bad your accross the country from me. I'd love to find a good home for mine one of these days, a shame to see it falling apart but I can only afford to restore 1 car right now.

 

[boneheaddoctor]

I own both....I think the W116 300SD is a far better driving car than the W123...however the W116 has its weaknesses one being rust...I only drive mine in the summer as a result...and the Automatic climate control system.

Its also larger, with wider seats.


The W116 was a far more expensive vehicle when it was new than the W123...don't have figures handy but it was a large difference.

 

[n23ova]

my '79 300SD sold for just over $26k when it was new..... according to some old paperwork i found in the glovebox... i think that's BASE price however..

 

[dbtk]

I would get the W123 turbo diesel. Historically over time the resale values have been better and the car has aged (IMHO) better than the W116s. I have looked at a lot of W116s (especially 6.9s) and it alwas appeared that the bumpers and over riders seemed crooked, even a little. Also, the rear seat cushions seem to lose their form over time.

 

[damon459]

I just read though this post and I must tell you all I just purchased an 1979 300SD for 1000.00 it has 146,158 miles on it the interior is a little less then perfect and the clear coat is comming off but it has no rust everything except the power antenna works. I'm in Montana so maybe that makes a difference but in this state the most I have ever seen even the nicest Mercedes diesel (any model pre-1989) would be about 5k but many of them sell for 500.00-2500.00 maybe location has something do to with it?

 

[Chaw]

If I had my choice, I'd take an 82-83 300D/TD/CD. However, there is something about the 116 300SD (minus the ACC Servo, rusted rockers, and crumbling horsehair) that is unique and special, IMHO. Also, the 116 SD was only produced '78 through '80.