1986 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300 SDL from North America - Comments

I have a 1986 300sdl, immaculate, no mechanical problems except the usual oil drips, parked 5 years ago in the garage. What do I need to do before starting to drive again?

I inherited my parent's (the original owners) 1986 300 SDL five years ago, when it had 62,000 miles on it. It was (and still is) in perfect condition. My 10 year old granddaughter has asked me to will the car to her, and I'm absolutely sure this car will serve her well too. (I'm now 65) I 'm pleased with the gas mileage - 28-29 city and 32 highway, and I feel as though I drive forever before I have to fill the tank. I go to Boston and back on the same tank of gas. People are always asking me if I'd sell "her" - but there's NO WAY I'd ever part with this car. Trunk and back seat space are amazing... the car is unbelievably comfortable. 100 mph feels like you're on the LR sofa. My only complaint is that the a/c isn't as fast or powerful as those in newer models. I've asked about changing it - but my mechanics have said it wouldn't be much better. I like it cold - and if I lived in AZ, I'd die. But living in the northeast it's OK. No complaint about acceleration - and absolutely no complaint about power and dependability. This car will outlive me, and stay in our family. I've been told she has at least 500,000+ miles in her. She's in great shape.

I have 300SDL. I use it as a taxi cab. I have 843.987 miles on it and still runs like a champ, and I have a lot of compliments from the customers. I love this car. I'm looking to spin 15k for a good 300SDL. I love the 300SDL.

In 2000, I had the pleasure to purchase a 1987 300 SDL from the original (responsible) owner who gave me their service records for the car. I went ahead and had a Mercedes Benz dealer replace the timing chain (preventative), fuel injection and fuel pump, all of the rubber hoses, suspension bushings and one or two other age-related items, although the car was already running fabulously, fabulously. Made sure all glow plugs worked or replaced them. The car was in excellent condition.

The worst thing you can do to this beautiful baby is to let it sit too long not driven, just don't park this car, drive it. My big baby likes to run long and hard, loves it! Remember, this is a big, durable, fabulous diesel engine. So, if you have one, drive, drive, drive.

I have a fabulous Mercedes Benz mechanic that specializes in the 126 chassis and will tell me what "should" be done from what "could" be done on a scale of safety to restoration grade -- he is a dealer mechanic. He is not interchangeable with any other mechanic, doesn't treat this like an "old car."

There is nothing like this heavy Benz on the highway, nothing! You simply don't know driving pleasure until you get one of these on the open highway at "highway speeds," feels like the wheels are up so smooth, beautiful! I just can't say enough about this car's elegance and highway comfort -- I can drive for hours, get there feeling rested. I love my big baby, runs like knew, maintained like new, now 21 years old -- nothing like her out there! Nothing.

Thanks for the opportunity to talk about my 1987 300 SDL.

I own an 86 300 SDL... She is a beauty! The only thing she needs is a paint job; however, the expense of a quality paint job exceeds the worth of the car. I have replaced the air conditioning and the air blows strong and cool. She is completely original! Each year the total maintenance is about $2,500. She is a daily driver with approximately 220,000 mile on her and has never left me stranded. This car is the epitome of "they just don't make them like they use to!"

You would save yourself a ton of money if you will pick up a repair and maintenance manual for this car. (about $62.00 from Mercedes Benz; found it by googly-ing)

I own a 87 300SDL. The Germans made this car user friendly so that the average Joe could work on the car himself. I am not a mechanic by any means at all, but with this full proof manual you will have a killer car that runs good, gives you bragging rights, and lots of enjoyment. It's like your favorite lover; you want to know everything about, try it, IT IS A MERCEDES THING!

I love my 1986 300 SDL. Rudolf now has 305000 miles on the clock and is still in great shape. Everything works and the ride is fantastic. I just replaced most of the front end parts (not cheap but worth it) I would recommend this model car to anybody. I had a 1981 300SD and this car is light years ahead of the older 5 cylinder Diesel.

Some suggestions:

Join the Mercedes Benz Club of America (MBCA.org)

Join the Mercedesshop.com shop forum.

Both resources have loads of people who love these cars and can give you tips, support, and a shoulder to cry on when you are working on your car :-)