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A few months back I was kicking around ideas for my next project and was thinking of taking an old Caprice estate wagon, dropping in a 6.2L Detroit diesel and running veggie. However I think that picking up an old diesel MB may be a better idea since it will be easier and cheaper to reach an end result... a big comfy, super reliable diesel cruiser that lands me high mpgs.
I would like to get a 300SD (W126) with the OM617... at least I am pretty sure thats the one I want. What are things to look out for? What are the best years? Thanks.
I have owned 4 Mercedes, two have been the W126 (S-Class) chassis. Have been the best cars I have ever owned. Parts can be costly, but can be found in junkyards and even online if you look in the right places, but I have really never had any issues. Both of mine were gasoline models, I had one diesel, but it was a 190D (1984). Try this site for a wealth of MB info: PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum - Powered by vBulletin
If you live up north, watch out for rust, especially on the underside and the frame rails toward the front. I live in the south and mine were all southern cars, so no rust at all on them.
Also the HVAC's (heat/AC) can have issues. Sometimes the air dont want to blow out of the vents where you set it too, but its something to do with the "pods" in the dash, but its an easy repair. I had the issue on my '85, but not the '88 (which is now my mothers). Remember that the W126 300SD was available from 1981-1985, it became the 300SDL in 1986-87, on a longer wheelbase. It also had a slightly different engine, but not sure how. Also one spot on these that needs to be tended to is make sure you clean out leaves/debris from under the fuse box under the hood. Its designed to collect leaves, etc and not good when around alot of electrical relays under there. I never cleaned it on my '85 and still need to do it on the '88.
Overall, these are very easy to service and pretty cheap despite what many people may think.
Per the input on that thread... I was hoping for higher mpg figures than that for such a low power output. Maybe I will stick to my original plans and go with the Detroit iron. The 6.2L is no powerhouse but it is relative to those merc diesels. I am also pretty convinced I can squeeze out equivalent mpgs with a manual and proper rear end selection.
Hmm.... I am still open for more input on these Merc diesels, that other forum looks informative.
Per the input on that thread... I was hoping for higher mpg figures than that for such a low power output. Maybe I will stick to my original plans and go with the Detroit iron. The 6.2L is no powerhouse but it is relative to those merc diesels. I am also pretty convinced I can squeeze out equivalent mpgs with a manual and proper rear end selection.
Hmm.... I am still open for more input on these Merc diesels, that other forum looks informative.
That would be best. Treat yourself to a '60s or '70s Cadillac or Lincoln! You will enjoy greater comfort and a smoother ride, among other things.
That would be best. Treat yourself to a '60s or '70s Cadillac or Lincoln! You will enjoy greater comfort and a smoother ride, among other things.
I much rather prefer to leave the original designs of those vehicles unmolested. The old Caprices were a dime a dozen and is a perfect blank canvas for this type of project. However the old diesel Mercs don't need anything more than plumbing to turn it into a veggie cruiser.
I would like to get a 300SD (W126) with the OM617... at least I am pretty sure thats the one I want. What are things to look out for? What are the best years? Thanks.
That is a solid choice. Check out the W126 section on benzworld for more info. I know some people say to avoid its 6-cyl successor, the 350SD/SDL, but with the 300SD/SDL you get a legendarily durable engine
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