The W126 S Class was the epitome of luxury motoring in the 1980 s

Agreed these are “a whole ‘nother level.” We have a 300SD, an ‘86 300SDL with the 603 engine, a ‘99 E300 Turbodiesel, and a ‘95 S420. But nothing beats the 300SD with that OM617. When I’m ready to take on another, I hope to do business with you.

I gave this vid a thumbs up. When I was a kid during those years, my parents had both of them, a total of 3 1983-4 300D Turbos, not all at once, and an '83 300SD. Between the 2 cars, I strongly feel that one could go either way. The W123 300D Turbo, is more spartan and not as nice as the S-Class 300SD but did have a little bit more acceleration because it was still lighter, also had a longer stride final drive ratio of a 3.07, 2.88 in 1985, while the heavier 300SD had a 3.46, as did the W123 300D before it got turbocharged. They both cruise the same at 75-80 mph. No way 300D couldn't if an SD could. And I would actually drive that fast in a 1984 300D turbodiesel. The 300D (W123) is the one of the 2 that I'd chose to go with, especially if it's cheaper to maintain like the person 2 comments down from me said it is. They're both light years better at keeping up with the traffic speeds than my '83 240D w/ stick-shift and a 3.69 final drive ratio. The fastest I 've been driving in my 240D has been 70, which in my opinion is still plenty fast for a normal cruise speed. But that's only where it's posted that high. It ain't being taken anywhere with higher speed limits than 70. I'm cutting back drastically now on driving it since now it blows smoke on a cold start that appears blueish in color and that goes away within the 1st half mile of driving it. And replacing the valve stem seals didn't even fix that except maybe temporarily for the 1st few miles after. So now I'm seriously wondering if I'm actually gonna learn that just because the motor still has excellent compression as well as consuming little to no oil doesn't mean the engine would still have lots of life left in it. So therefore, I'm planning for the worst and looking for a possible replacement for the car, like a 300D that's high miles and living up to the motor's reputation or an early 2000s 3.0L V6 Jaguar S-Type. I'd become a Jag Man for the late '90s & early 2000s. Whatever those Jags would lack in speed & acceleration compared to a similarly equipped Mercedes or BMW, it would make up for in something else.

Oops, you misspelled ‘Mercedes’ in the intro.😀

A 300D will be less expensive to maintain, but the SD is most certainly a classier, sexier, nicer ride. The w123’s are actually quite spartan in comparison. I am almost daily driving my 500 SEC at this point. Miss my SDL. Wish I had the bread to buy this SD!! What a sensational animal. The only weakness with the diesels is how high they rev on the highway. I find they are best enjoyed as around town vehicles.

Is the glass thicker in this SD, than in the 123? The motor seemed to pull smoothly.

If you don't want to hear the creaks from the door panels, put grease on the door sils where they meet the door panels. Did that on mine and my interior has no creaks or rattles.

Hello guys. Is handling of 230e (2,3 L petrol engine) better than of 300td (om617 diesel) due to lighter front ? Is there a difference in handling due to 100kg weight difference?