Retrospection: The Stalwart Mercedes-Benz 300SD
In the 1970s, the OPEC induced gas crisis led to a rush importation of German diesel cars in the United States. The fuel crunch inspired Mercedes-Benz to implement turbo-diesel models in their flagship S-Class saloons.
The 300SD was first produced in the W116 series (1972-1980).
The 70s S-Class was something of a low profile tank and at over 4,000 lbs the original 300SD was lethargic in its performance. The 1980s changed that by shaving the pounds off the less hefty and more aerodynamic W126 series (1979-1991). The new 300SD felt as solid as a tank, but at roughly 3,700 lbs weighted considerably less than one. Hence, acceleration was better, as was fuel range.
Looking back on the 300SD, I remember liking the car.
I have never experienced a new or even lightly used 300SD; which says something about the condition of those cars today (and my age). Most of the early W126 S-Class turbo-diesels continue to be used hard as veritable work horses and many have accrued over 300,000 miles. In these terms, it is difficult to consider most 300SDs today as luxury cars.
There is no question, however, that in the 1980s the 300SD was the gold standard.
The MSRP for a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300SD was $38,500; or 73,542 in today’s dollars.
There was no finer diesel car on the road. As an S-Class sedan, the 300SD represented the penultimate in luxury automotive transportation.
By contemporary standards, a new 300SD was quiet at cruising speed, smooth in the dispatch of broken asphalt, comfortably spacious for the front passengers, and relatively so for the rear. Above all, the turbo-diesel sedan enjoyed that sterling accolade of most pre-2000 Benzes in that the car felt as secure as a “bank vault”.
This S-Class was not without its foibles though.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were not standard equipment. There was no option of having a self-leveling suspension system. These two assets would have been key in everyday performance terms as I will explain. 15” rather than 14” wheels would have benefited handling and braking as well.
There were no memory controls for the power front seats; the front headrests were manually adjustable, there were no rear headrests. Fixed in its position; the hub of the steering wheel was hard plastic, the rim trimmed in vinyl (“leatherette” in Benz lexicon); and most 300SDs were fitted with the often cold and ill-matched Zebrano wood trim.
On highway and what I affectionately refer to as The Test Track- a twisting hilly road that cuts through a bucolic forest reserve, free of population and traffic, full of undulations, sudden drops, and a quarter mile straightaway– I had the fine opportunity to drive on different occasions two 300SDs in the late 1990s.
I shall report on my experiences in The Drive.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
reckless rogue | Jan 31, 2006 | Reply
You certainly did not disappoint, my friend! Bravo.
300SD | Jan 31, 2006 | Reply
Wonderfully written reviews, as always.
A few comments – the power seats on my 300SD did come with memory controls. I had to pull one out and replace with a non-memory one as it went crazy and would just move the seat by itself.
The steering wheel trim made from “leatherette” would not be so bad if it didn’t smell. Twenty years of sauteeing in Florida, then a few years freezing in Michigan, gave the cover a nice aroma of old moldy ass. I battle that with cleanliness and Yankee Candle airfresheners.
The car is undoubtedly solid and “vaultlike”. However, because of its weight and rear-wheel drive, it’s probably the worst car I have ever handled on the snow. Last week I did a perfect one-eighty spin on a freeway doing just 25 mph. I came to a halt realizing I’m facing the traffic as opposed to going with it. Basically, it’s like driving a 2WD Ford F150.
The car’s solid, alright. Can’t remember where I last saw it, but I’ve read a report about a lady hitting a semi-truck head on in one of these 300SD’s and walking away from the accident.
Gunnar Heinrich | Jan 31, 2006 | Reply
Interesting follow up story.
The grey 300SD that I drove was involved in a rear-end collision when a Mack truck plowed into it at 40 mph.
Luckily, my friend who owned the car left the scene alive and on foot.
The trunk had caved in up to the body shell and then no further. He noted later that all the doors could open and close normally and that the button for the trunk still functioned perfectly, despite the whole rearend being mashed.
Really solid cars.
Thanks for the compliments.
Damian | Mar 15, 2007 | Reply
I am the recent second owner of a mint condition, 1979 300SD (with 91,000 miles on her) I’ve named her ‘Das Boot’.
I’ve always driven foreign cars. My first, at the age of 16, was a 1952 Triumph TR3.
I have driven used BMW’s for the past several years. Obviously not for the prestige (I’m an Artist) but because I appreciate quality craftsmanship.
I was practically, gifted this car which had been in a climate controlled whorehouse, ( Did that on purpose during ‘spell check’ ) under a car cover, since 1992!
( It had been started & driven every so often )
I am totally amazed at the engineering. I had never owned a diesel. I had never thought of myself as a ‘Mercedes’ guy . . . but I guess I am now!
I love her & learn more every day about how fortunate I am to have her.
(You’d think I was talking about my wife . . .
but she’s an x-wife . . . ‘Das Boot’ is much more reliable, economical, & a whole lot better looking!
Anonymous | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
I bought a 1979 300SD in October 1978 for $26,590. It was a splendid vehicle we drove to Florida and many times to Canada knowing we were protected by as sturdy a car as was on the road with an engine that would not die. The 1991-96 Mercedes diesel engine disaster and the shameful way in which MB USA dusted off its customers, ourselves included, put an end to our buying MB products. What they build today is junk anyhow and really not worth buying. But the sad fate of Mercedes Benz does not detract from the quality and elegance of their W-116 and W-126 1970′s and 80′s diesels. Indeed, the W-140 1992-95 300SD and S350D are tuly handsome and have the design and heft of what we all once knew and recognized as Mercedes at its best. We were lucky to have had them when we did. Those cars, and the Mercedes Benz company that built them, now belong to the ages.
Anonymous | Oct 26, 2007 | Reply
I love the solidness of these cars; and the thrill of a mint one. However, how can they make economic sense? Diesels costs 50-70 cents a gallon more than regular gas. And they get 20-24 mpg only.
Still pondering …
Richard E. Savoy | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
I’m the fellow who bought the 1979 300SD at Gauthier Motors, formerly of Salem, MA (until MB USA did a job on him in 1995) in October, 1978. The only Mercedes whose purchase might have made economic sense were the 190D, 240D and 300D. The others were bought for the styling and engineering that once signified, though no longer does, Daimler Benz. My 1995 S350D (I pray every day for the defectively designed 6 cylinder diesel engine with 142,000 miles) gets 26 MPG and diesel fuel in Salem and many places along route 95 all the way to Miami is under $3/gallon.