Faults:

When I first bought the car, my mother took it for a drive and blew the head gasket. The car already had a poorly rebuilt motor. I disassembled the engine and decided to get a new head for the car, as well as pistons and rings. This cost about 2000, and I rebuilt the motor with my father, who is a Mercedes Benz expert. The vehicle found the way into the hands of my mother, who again ruined the engine before it was broken in. The formidable thing about this car was that it burned oil, it had plenty of blow-by and the transmission was weak, but it still attained 30 miles per gallon and was very reliable.

Next, my mother rear ended someone in the car. This ruined the rebuilt motor. After assessing the car. my father and I rebuilt the engine again. This time we did it right! however, when we were done, the car made a strong knocking sound we cannot find the source of.

One window does not work.

The air conditioning needs a re-charge.

The car needs a new brake booster.

The power locks no longer work.

The paint is faded and it has some rust.

There are small flaws in the interior.

The transmission is weak when it shifts.

The seat and carpets are a little worn.

The tachometer no longer works.

General Comments:

This poor diesel Mercedes has been heavily abused. My personal 240D is much better taken care of (see my review under "115"). However, under its plushness the 300sd has proven to be a reliable, economical vehicle, even if it has several annoying flaws.

The car handles well, and has good brakes and suspension.

The car has many complicated electronics, as well as vacuum systems, that are a pain to fix.

I don't think it looks as good as earlier Mercedes, but I like it more than any new car.

It is a quick car, especially for a diesel.

The car was designed with a lot of wasted cabin space, and I find the 240d more spacious.

Faults:

Not much to speak of.

Broken radiator neck at 280k miles.

Replaced some window lifts, A/C compressor and manifold at 185k miles.

First engine repair involved replacement of one fuel injector at 284k miles.

Over the last year have been rebuilding the suspension and replacing rubber load bearing parts, like engine and transmission mounts. Also replaced all transmission seals - tranny is still original.

All told have spent about $3k this year including most all above plus wheel bearings and control arms.

Still riding on the original shocks!!! What a car!!!

General Comments:

Can't say enough about this car. After 286,000 miles she still delivers 27mpg around town and 29 on the highway. Oil consumption is nil.

Ride is wonderful, especially above 70mph. Solid, sure and safe.

Due for a paint job and repair of some minor rust.

Faults:

Transmission started to slip at 150,000 miles; replaced at 180,000 miles.

A/C compressor twice at 65,000 and 80,000 miles.

Power windows arms, driver and passenger sides.

Engine oil leak at 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

Dealer service poor, but they always make good after repeated return. Parts and labor cost (at close to $100/hr) are expensive. Diesel engine very noisy - sounds like a sewing machine.