12th Jun 2014, 04:17
I need help. I have a 1987 SDL, and in 3 miles the car gets very HOT, like 110 degrees. What should I look for?
12th Jun 2014, 20:18
Is that 110 Celsius? I'd check the thermostat (stuck closed), the radiator fan switch, the relay for the fan, perhaps even see if the radiator is clogged and needs a good flush or replacement. Oh - also the water pump. They didn't use plastic impellers those days, but worth checking.
3rd Jul 2014, 17:43
Nice to read your comments. I thought I was the only nutso in the USA who had two 86's and two 87's. I owned a fleet and was beginning to worry. When I read your article, I knew I was sane.
I sold two of them, and have an 86, and my wife has the 87. I just love the rumble of the diesel when it starts, and the reliability of these cars. They will outlast me.
5th Feb 2019, 23:24
I have an '87 300 SDL. Have had it for 30 years; nice car. Now I need to replace the head gasket in Houston, TX, no rust, always been kept inside.
19th Feb 2019, 02:08
In 1986 my mom purchased new a 300SDL white with a blue interior. About a year later my dad purchased a 87 SDL with low miles. His was white with a blue interior also. Now dad traded cars like every 2 years and sold it to my nephew who didn't have the money to keep it well serviced, so it didn't last long in his hands.
On the other hand the one that mom purchased was well serviced and garage kept until she was unable to drive any more.
In 2015 I was able to buy it from her for $1.00 and it has been in my care to this day. It needed a couple little things taken care of and they were completed of by an independent MB dealer who had serviced it when she didn't want to drive 60 miles away to the dealership that she purchased it from.
The car has 88000 miles now and I plan to drive it this year on a 3 to 4 thousand mile trip. It still drives and rides just like new, and I look forward to a safe and comfortable journey.
At 62 years old I will keep it till my passing and I hope someone in my family will be happy with it as well.
4th Jan 2014, 16:51
Hello, I was wondering if you purchased this car? The 300 SDL that overheated? I have one and can comment.