1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300SDL from North America - Comments

A/C Compressor re-build, R134 conversion at 146000

New tie-rods, center link, serpentine belt at 144000

New fuel supply return lines at 148200

Trap oxidizer removed at 148200 (manufacturer recall)

Extremely well-built vehicle - quality, durability and longevity that is unmatched.

Turbo charger is a must on M-B diesels and eliminates any disadvantage of owning a diesel.

Proper maintenance by a knowledgeable and competent Benz mechanic will ensure years of reliability.

This is a follow-up to my review. This car has been in my family since my grandfather purchased it new in 1987. It was given to me earlier this year. The car has been meticulously maintained and virtually ALL of the miles driven on it have been highway miles. However, it has probably only been driven about 5,000 miles in the last eight years. When I got the car earlier this year, I had about $2000 worth of normal maintenance performed (including an A/C rebuild) as you can read about.

One very interesting note on this car is that until recently, the turbo charger never really seemed to work well, if at all. There was no real turbo boost at low speeds (when it is needed). I did some research and found that there was a recall on the trap oxidizer back in 1997 that had never been performed on this car. The recall was basically to remove the trap oxidizer and replace it with a bypass valve. I called the local dealer and found that the recall was still valid and they did it free of charge. After this was done, the increase in the turbo boost was unbelievable. The car has so much more power in first and second gear. What I am assuming happened was that the trap oxidizer was clogged and never allowed air into the turbo.

These are truly amazing cars. The mechanic at the local Benz referred to these cars as the 'Last of the Good Ones.' The handling on these cars is unmatched on anything I have ever driven, especially for such a large and heavy vehicle. I have been told that I could drive in excess of 300,000 miles on this car with only routine maintenance.

One thing I will note with diesel is to be careful where you buy it. Poor quality diesel that has been sitting in a tank for a long time can cause problems in the fuel system and clog up your fuel filters. The best place to buy diesel (not necessarily the cheapest) will be a truck stops since the diesel fuel is replenished often.

If you have a problem where the vehicle cannot hold high speeds on the highway, you may have a bad tank of fuel. Another problem may be the fuel filter that is in the tank itself. There are 3 fuel filters on the car and this is the one that is often overlooked when a fuel problem occurs.

I love this car and will keep it in my family forever.

Is the trap oxidizer a recall?

Trap Oxidizer replacement is performed as a re-call at any dealership in the US. This recall applies to 87 300SDL and 300D models and possibly some 86 model 300SDLs that were sold in CA. Dealerships will still honor this recall AND replace turbo charger and associated parts that may have been damaged by the trap oxidizer.

Best car made.

I'm wondering what type of mileage you get out of this car?

I just bought a 1987 300D turbo. I appears to have plugged trap oxidizer and lock turbo. Is it still covered under the recall? - Thanks.

Both of my parents have 1987 300SDLs. Mother's car is over 225k miles and Dad's just passed 154k (A family friend is approaching 450k). These cars will run forever with routine maintenance, however; when I asked my dad what "routine maintenance" entailed, he told me that he budgets around $1000 a year (per car) to keep them running well.

I have recently purchased a 1987 300D turbo for my wife. The car is way down on power. Checked and found out the trap oxidizer was replaces in 1997. Runs well, but very little oomph... and the turbo does spin and the waste gate is not stuck.

Can I just cut out the exhaust section where the oxidizer (or its replacement) is and put a straight through section there? Don't care about smog stuff as that is not a concern where I live.

I just bought a 87 300sdl with the old oxidizer, 215,000 miles. Can I still get the recall done? Thanks.

Yes the recall is still valid.

Chris.

FANTASTIC CAR! I have one, in Portugal, and it's the best thing I have!

My (new) 85 300D had the trap oxidizer replaced at 70k by dealer mechanics. The engine seems strong and even to me.

I am concerned that the replacement part will cause the same concern as the model that was 'recall'.

The original letter from MB suggests the trap oxidizer be inspected every 30k. Would this be just for the original one of note, or any replacement as well? Should I be concerned?

Thanks!

I have a 1987 300SDL and I love this vehicle.

The comments regarding "regular maintenance" being essential to longevity are dead on. When I purchased mine (after considering 4 other cars in various areas of California) it had about 153K on it and I had planned on replacing the timing chain at 200K. Unfortunately I failed to inspect it for wear and it broke & dropped out of site at 191K. Engine died, & it appears I have 2 valves bent, until I remove the head I won't know about piston or other additional damage.

Word to the wise: while the 5 cylinder version of this great 3.0 liter diesel's timing chain is more forgiving (I have heard of 10 degrees of slack & no problems), this 6 cylinder needs to be replaced when you exceed 3-5 degrees slack, PERIOD!...

I purchased a Lexus LS400 to replace, & while it is very quiet & runs like a Swiss watch, it cannot match the over 12 year older 300SDL for handling, and after a 2.5 - 4.0 hour ride, I am less fatigued when I exit the Mercedes. To me, this model is not only durable and reliable with proper maintenance, it also was one of the most beautiful body styles ever produced.