I am looking to purchase a 1987 300 SDL. The current owner has had the vehicle ~6 years and says he had a factory rebuilt motor put in 15K miles ago. I know he should be have documentation to support, but am not overly confident he does. The car has ~250K total miles on it.

I currently own a 1981 240D, 4spd and have a custom WVO conversion on it and it has run great since I've had it in the last 3 years and ~15K of WVO miles.

I do almost all the work on it myself and enjoy doing.

My question is - when I go to look at the '87 300 SDL, are there areas to look for, both mechanically and body wise that are trouble spots typical to this model? (...I've read about the aluminum head/overheating issues on this forum.)

I know the spots to look for on my 240D (hood hinges, floorboards, jack points, etc.) I am also aware of how to "check" for blow-by via the oil cap while running, but would really like to know if there are specific things to look for on the 300 SDL when I go to look at it?

Also, if the car is indeed mechanically what the owner says it is (he rattled off a bunch of new parts) and if fairly rust free, anyone take a guess as to what it is worth?

Thank you in advance!

 

I have a 87 300 sdl. I would check the head number. avoid #14. Also check to see if the trap oxidizer has been converted per the recall. Old trap was by the exhaust manifold new one is underneath the car. I've had mine for 2 years and had no major issues.

Mike

 

Thank you Mike for the reply.

Where abouts on the head is the number to be found?

Thanks,
Andy

 

The number is in the mid section of the drivers side of the head behind the intake manifold. You will need a flashlight to see it. there will be a long number. The 14 or 17 will be part of the number. I'm just going by what people say on these threads about the head. I have a 17. some say the 14 is fine some say it isn't. It might be a bargining chip. When I bought mine it sat for sale for 3 years. I change the fuel filters tires and brakes and many vacuum line the it drives like a champ. I did block off the EGR valve also.

Mike