300SEL should I?

You don't say how many miles on the 300SEL. Nice cars, the knock on the

6 cylinder gas engine is that they have only 177 HP, but after a diesel it will seem fast. This model may still be described on under "Prior Models"

Should be about an even switch $$ wise.

"David Streb" wrote in news:g9XLb.1380$ snipped-for-privacy@nwrdny01.gnilink.net:

It's a nice car at a nice price if it is in good shape. Make sure to have it inspected by a Mercedes specialist.

The word on the diesels is they run forever. Are the gasoline engines the same? Do they need constant attention with tune ups and the like? This has about 120K miles on it. Heated seats, too!

No engine runs forever, diesels run longer than gas engines but not forever.

The straight six may need a new head gasket at 150K miles and an overhaul between 225K and 250K miles. Your diesel wouldn't need the head gasket but would need the overhaul after 250K to 300K miles. The gas engine uses more fuel but requires fewer oil changes, the gas engine needs tune-ups but not the diesel's valve adjustments so the running cost between them isn't too much different.

Your re: line says 300SEL, but you mention a 500SEL. The 300 will be more like the 300 you have now in terms of performance, but cost MUCH less then the

500SEL. The V8 engine cost more to maintain, uses more fuel, and has "expensive to repair" pneumatic / hydraulic rear suspension.

I screwed up - It's a 1985 500SEL. I went back and took another look, and got some pictures. It looks really noce, but I'm worried it might be a ticket to spend even MORE money!

If you do decide to sell the oil burner...

jj

David Strobe wrote:

It WILL cost more money. If you just cant have a diesel, I would look or a

1989-1991 300SEL. The 1989 and newer have the nicer updated interior too. Also I was thinking, as driver and/or passenger you shouldn't be smelling diesel. The only person who should have a complaint is the person directly behind you. If you can smell the diesel fuel you most likely have a leak someplace, and once that is fixed you shouldn't smell the diesel inside the cabin. I had a 1987 300TD, and currently have a 1987 300SDL and I never smell diesel inside the cabin.

Use SIMPLE GREEN, I had the same thing happen, I applied and washed the engine three times and the smell went away

My father has a 1988 300 Sel and its a great car. it rides smooth and its big and roomy. i would bye it but im only 14 i dont know about the gas and diesel stuff sorry! :)

Good luck, Anwar