Whoa, whoa, whippersnapper! One thing at a time.

As far as diesels:
W123: 77-85 "various 300Ds"
W124: 87-95 "various 300 diesels"
W126: 81-91: "SD(L)s"

The designations can be quite confusing. I basically think of the W123s as the older 300 Diesels, the W124 as their successors including the E class diesel, and the W126 as the land yachts. I believe the SDL is a longer wheel bass (stretch) SD, like BMW's 740i vs. 740iL.

The engines were 5 cyl. 3L, then 6 cyl. 3L, then 5 cyl 2.5L and 6 cyl. 3.5L. As far as reliability, the only concerns I know of is the 3.5L rod bender issues. I've heard of people talk about aluminum heads but not such that I would shy away from them myself. Sorry that's all I can really say: I myself would not worry about any of them except the 3.5L. Somewhere there's a reference chart for the models.

Yes, W stands for "Wagen", which in Deutsch means "car", actually "coach", I think. Hence, VolksWagen = People'sCar.

 

So.... an 81-85 diesel could be either a W123 or a W126 depending on if it is a D, a SD or a SDL??

 

Right!! Except that the SDL didn't "make the scene" (to borrow from Dire Straits) until 86.

Finally found those reference links. Hope these help to unconfuse things. Maybe. The platforms have different engines, gassers and diesels mixed together.... oh well, they made a great car anyway.

http://www.autoshoppingcenter.com/Ch...eferences.html

http://www.mbz.org/cars/pictureguide/

 

If all are in equal condition u will pay the most for a 86-87 W126 300SDL because its the s-class diesel. Look at mine in my gallery if u wanna see one in good condition. It was my first car and i still love it and i have been drivin a whole five years now. lol

 

Have you ever driven a 93 SD/L? I really want one of those but I wouldn't get one unless I had $5k left over for a rebuilt engine with improved rods just in case. But man I love that interior/seats and the chassis/body.

 

Hi about 6 months ago I bought a 83 300SD and put a Lovecraft single tank system in it. I know the Naysayers are out there but it really has worked out well here in FL the temps dont get too low so it has worked out well. I like the simplicity of it. The kit cost 425.00, 2 hours to put in and havent looked back since Sept. The new owner of Lovecraft, Tacee Webb will personally answer emails and will bend over backward for customer service.

Though I love it Id like a newer one. Im looking at a 95 E300 for 5K in really good shape. Has anyone had any issues with the Injector Pumps with these newer MBs. Any issues with the computer? Thanks Chris

 

I have the W123 81 300d, runs on pure old chip oil, hasn't missed a beat, drives me where ever I want and I belive it to be reliable. Saved it from the scrapyard, the breakers were about to take it away.. the ngine is as solid as a house and well, it's a merc. Run the WVO in the main fuel tank, have a heater and a 1 micron cotton filter in the engine, other than that, make sure all the glow plugs are sound, or else you will have problems..

 

the single might work for arizona or southern florida, but what if you decide to drive a little north, say TN Ky NC or so? We've had temps as low as 12 lately. the single would never have started at that temp. It's hard enough keeping bio from waxing at these temps. If you have reliable backups for cold, it might work, but a two tank system works so well, why not just opt for it? I had a ranger pickup with a 126 engine in it and had the 2 tank system. It ran fine until it's size made me decide to sell. I'm now waiting on tax time to get the heat exchanger and valve for my 300dt. Running b100 nicely now.