1983 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 380SEC 3.8 Litre V8

Summary:

Awesome in the curves at 80 mph for its age

Faults:

The front end is shaking, but I think it is due to warped rotors. Other than that I have had no significant problems.

General Comments:

This car is a dream. I drove 350 miles to buy it. I was amazed when I got there that everything worked including the air and the infamous seatbelt arm. I drove this car from Albequerqie, NM to El Paso, TX at speeds in excess of 80 MPH with the air running full blast. When I got back home I did a little small stuff, like light bulbs, oil, and tire rotation. Since then it has been my every day driver and has given me no problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th October, 2008

1983 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300sd om617 turbo diesel

Summary:

There's nothing more expensive than a cheap mercedes

Faults:

Seats were dead to begin with. Sagging rear suspension, water pump seal, glow plug relay, window switches, radio died, power seat switches kind of broke, air filter housing bracket 3x, funny electrical problems, vacuum pump, interior light dimmer switch, hood release, hood ornament, door pulls, rear a/c vent, brake fluid leak somewhere (I just keep topping off the reservoir).

General Comments:

It's like a drug addiction, it's horrible for you, but you just keep wanting more. It's a great car, but requires A LOT of maintenance. If you are considering an old m\Mercedes you need to be able to do all of the work yourself, not mind going the junkyard for parts and have a second car. Everyone refers to Benz diesels as being reliable, and they are, but only in the sense that they will go forward no matter what. The engine will last forever... everything surrounding it however is a different story. On the plus side, the car is a cruiser, dead sexy, handles well for such a large vehicle, and safe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th October, 2007

21st Aug 2023, 22:03

Appreciate the honest review.

1983 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300sd turbo diesel

Summary:

Faithful

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Its been a lifelong dream, to own a car made in the city where I was born.

This is one of the last true diesels, before they went to aluminum heads. Cast steel block and heads, double roller timing chain. Mechanical injection pump, that means when war breaks out, EMP pulse will not fry this cars computer. It has none.

It will burn used cooking oil, without the expensive refining that the computerized diesels need. It will even burn used motor oil.

If you need a car, look at the pre 1985 Mercedes diesels. Why Rich people get rid of them, I don't know. They are built to last a owners lifetime, and his offspring.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2007

5th Mar 2007, 16:20

There is a 300SD for sale that I am thinking about buying, partially because it's diesel. What does the mileage look like on it? I know it's a turbocharged I5, so it shouldn't be too bad on fuel. Besides, there are several restaurants in my town probably looking to get rid of old cooking oil. If you ever see this, could you email me?

Mgospeed31@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Aaron.

PS- Strange question...what wiper assembly does the 300SD have? Is it the one huge wiper that covers the entire windshield, or is it the two wiper setup that looks kinda like an '80's Saab 900?

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1983 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300 SD turbo diesel

Summary:

Great car for just a couple of dollars

Faults:

Had the calipers rebuilt and the A/C rebuilt at 246000.

General Comments:

Super comfort and it handles better than all the cars I have had in the past. It's like having a real car and not a toy. You feel like there is a lot of steel around you.

I heard diesels were slow, but this one really takes off. The engine had been really taken care of. The Rav4, which I got new, was the most uncomfortable car ever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2003

1983 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300SD 3.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

A costly, low compression, vacuum leaking bucket.

Faults:

The lower motor incurred damage at 310 000 km.

Glow plug relay went at 274 000 km.

Engine did not start during cold weather, despite a good working block heater.

Engine smoked excessively in the morning.

General Comments:

This vehicle was supposed to last way over 300 000 km, especially since it was powered by a diesel. The poor compression, numerous vacuum leaks, etc., made it not worth the time or hassle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th November, 2002

25th Sep 2007, 15:49

Many 617 Mercedes diesel have passed one million miles. Mine gets 38 mpg hwy 46 mpg city. I would take her anywhere. Oil changes are critical.

As far as the new diesels with aluminum heads and blocks and electronics, NO THANKS. Mine will smoke them.

10th May 2009, 04:01

I agree with the other person, that the car was not properly maintained. My 1984 300SD is still going on the original engine, no overhaul or major engine work done. It has a little over 664,000 miles (over 1,068,000 km) and it's still going, 5 days a week. It has always been properly maintained, too. I did have to overhaul the transmission at 580,000 miles, but I didn't think that was all that bad!

I've driven these cars for years, and I've had more than a dozen of them. I have four of them right now. 1982 & 1984 300SD's, 1983 240D, and 1987 300D. They've all been good cars, because they have always been properly maintained.

Ignorance will kill ANY car, as will neglect and abuse.