[W126 Coupe] OFF TOPIC - 126 CHASSIS DIESELS 300SD VS 350SD

[Mike R.]

I had an '82 300D TD from new until it (and me) was "volunteered" to be the
meat in the middle of a 4-car sandwich two years ago. It ran great. I think
it had a cracked head since it had a rough idle and I'd already done the
normal things to fix it (e.g., injectors, cleaning). 

 

We really loved that car. It had the coldest AC of any MB I've ever been in
and everything worked, even after 21 years. With the MB Tex interior, there
was NO wear anywhere. Actually, I'd like another one, shiny white with a
beige interior.

 

Later,

Mike R.

(702) 494-8056

  _____  

From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of RICHARD JAFFE
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 5:56 AM
To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] OFF TOPIC - 126 CHASSIS DIESELS 300SD VS 350SD

 

Bellamy,

 

Thanks for the info. So maybe I should expand the envelope to include W 123
cars? Guess I need to drive examples of each and compare.

 

Rich

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Mister McGoo

Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 2:18 AM

To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com

Subject: RE: [W126 Coupe] OFF TOPIC - 126 CHASSIS DIESELS 300SD VS 350SD

 

Rich;

Assuming that you want to stick with the W126 chassis...

Your choices of diesels are:

300SD, 3.0 litre 5 cyl (617.951) 1981 - 1985
300SDL, 3.0 litre 6 cyl (603.961)  1986 & 1987
350SD, 3.5 litre 6 cyl (603.970)  1991
350SDL 3.5 litre 6 cyl (603.970)  1990 & 1991

All of the engines delivered to N America are turbos.  (In fact, I believe 
that the W126 was not available in diesel version in Germany.  Strange??)

The 5 cyl 300 engine is the workhorse.  Tends to be dirty, oil leaks are 
common.  It will likely run as well on diesel, stove oil or heating oil.  I 
don't know anybody who has tried Macdonald's used deep-fry oil.  Yet.  (The 
non-turbo versions in the W123 would be an ideal candidate to try)

The 6 cyl 300 engine has noticeably more power and runs smoother.  I have 
heard critics say they tend to bend connecting rods but I don't personally 
know of one case.  My experience is with the simiilar engine (603.960) in a 
300D and a 300TD (both W124's).  The station wagon ('87) has abt 400,000Km, 
of which I have put well over 200,000. It just keeps running and running and

running...

The only one experience I have with the 350 diesel, (which is the same basic

engine as the 300), was in a W140, not the W126, and at 135,000Km (80,000mi)

the engine had SERIOUS internal problems.  I have subsequently heard other 
bad experiences with that engine.  But I must emphasize experience with one 
car and a bunch of rumours needs some verification.  Maybe someone else has 
some servicing experience with the 350 diesel.  There are not many around.

Hope that is of some help.

-Bellamy


>From: "RICHARD JAFFE" <RSJAFFE at msn.com>
>Reply-To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>
>To: <MBCOUPES at MBCOUPES.COM>
>Subject: [W126 Coupe] OFF TOPIC - 126 CHASSIS DIESELS 300SD VS 350SD
>Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2005 00:15:11 -0400
>
>I'm thinking about getting a diesel as a daily driver. The issue is whether

>to stick with the 3 ltr 5 cyl turbodiesel (these seem to be pretty bullet 
>proof) or go with the 3.5 ltr 6 cyl turbodiesel (1991 model year). One 
>website mentioned numerous problems with the 3.5 ltr motor that MB did not 
>acknowledge. Anyone have any experience with either of these vehicles?
>
>Rich Jaffe


>The MB Coupes Website!
>W126 SEC Mailing List
>Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.


The MB Coupes Website!
W126 SEC Mailing List
Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.

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