Having déjà vu? Sorry about that–you're probably thinking of the last time we bought an aging German land barge to commute in. It doesn't seem that we've learned our lesson, because we just picked up a very similar car: this 1987 Mercedes 300SDL. It's just like our 300SD, with an extra cylinder (bringing it to a total of six), four …
My semi-experience with these is when it needs something - fix it. Now. Then the repairs will just be painful and not wallet-crushing. Waiting will create wall-crushing bills.
wow that's big
You've got a Benz thing going on. I like it!
Does it have the power rear seat? Both my 560sels had that and it is pretty dang cool!
I'm guessing/hoping that the RPMs at 70mph shown in the picture are not in overdrive?
I've always like giant German sedans, I think I would go for a long wheelbase 7 series though.
I loved loved loved my W126. My daughter used to tell me she felt like a princess when she rode in the back, with the heated and reclining rear seat. And it had dark, dark tints when I bought it. I had the 560SEL, never did the diesel, but I desperately miss that car. It takes something special to make me want to do a repeat of a car I already had, but I really loved it.
I can't wait to read about what you'll do to this one!
In reply to Swank Force One:
Diesel gearing.
Yep, final drive is 1:1. For power, y0!
Though this one does have a taller rear end than my last car. That thing rattled and vibrated like a tractor at 70mph. This one is perfectly happy at 80.
So, this is #3 then?
Sooo, things to look out for with the '87 version of the OM603 engine...
Is the vacuum pump the newer revised version? Or, is it the original? When well worn, the original style will dump its bearings into the timing cover and destroy the engine via the timing chain. Replace ASAP, if still the original style.
The original #14 head castings were prone to cracking. It's not a deal breaker as mine has ~300K miles on it and is still fine. But, don't let it overheat!!
Changing glow plugs are a supreme PITA compared to the OM617 in your previous car.
Im sure I'll think of other stuff...
From whom did you inherit this fetish for land yachts?
In reply to Jerry From LA:
Remember, children often want different than what their parents have.
When you grow up on a steady diet of RoSpits, etc, it seems that you gravitate toward 4x4 and big sedans.
carzan wrote: Sooo, things to look out for with the '87 version of the OM603 engine... Is the vacuum pump the newer revised version? Or, is it the original? When well worn, the original style will dump its bearings into the timing cover and destroy the engine via the timing chain. Replace ASAP, if still the original style. The original #14 head castings were prone to cracking. It's not a deal breaker as mine has ~300K miles on it and is still fine. But, don't let it overheat!! Changing glow plugs are a supreme PITA compared to the OM617 in your previous car. Im sure I'll think of other stuff...
Thanks for the advice–well aware of the differences here. Somehow, that didn't scare me away. 
JohnRW1621 wrote: In reply to Jerry From LA: Remember, children often want different than what their parents have. When you grow up on a steady diet of RoSpits, etc, it seems that you gravitate toward 4x4 and big sedans.
Eh, I like it all. Remember, I've also got an E36 M3 awaiting an LS1, a Triumph Spitfire, and a SVT Focus.
Tom Suddard wrote:JohnRW1621 wrote: In reply to Jerry From LA: Remember, children often want different than what their parents have. When you grow up on a steady diet of RoSpits, etc, it seems that you gravitate toward 4x4 and big sedans.Eh, I like it all. Remember, I've also got an E36 M3 awaiting an LS1, a Triumph Spitfire, and a SVT Focus.
People putting LS1s in everything now. I guess it was a matter of time before somebody dropped one in a piece of poop.
At least that is how I read E36 M3.
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