1991 Mercedes-Benz 350-Class Review

Unstoppable Force of a car

Written by: Hybris on 08/09/2009

Vehicle

1991 Mercedes-Benz 350-Class 4 Dr 350SDL Turbodsl Sedan

Review

Only had the the car for a year but virtually no problems mechanically speaking. Gets amazing mileage for a brick on wheels (low to mid 30's normally), driving in snow and ice with so much torque in the rear end takes some getting used to but its for your own good. Honestly when they say they don't build them like they used to this is the perfect example.

Favorite Features

Grabs attention, Great mileage, massive amounts of leg room, large trunk.

Suggested Improvements

Honestly none but a modern V8 twin turbo diesel that can have a programmer plugged in would make for a great new rendition of this car.

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Proud 3rd Owner

Written by: medcnowl on 04/27/2008

Vehicle

1991 Mercedes-Benz 350-Class 4 Dr 350SD Turbodsl Sedan

Review

As the 3rd owner, I have been pleased with overall performance and fuel economy of this model. Original engine is doing well, regardless of bad reviews, now has 188K. Ownership of an aging diesel Benz is not for the feint of heart, and I am fortunate to have a foreign car mechanic who knows this baby inside and out. I get OEM parts through an Internet-based supplier in CA (No tax! No shipping!) and hand them over to the Ace Mechanic. I use this as my long-distance driver and have put 25K on it in one year. I met an enthusiastic former 350 SD owner last year who told me to never sell it and never lend it to anyone (people put gas in the tank by mistake). I think he gave good advice.

Favorite Features

Classic Benz look with some updates (antilock brakes and air bags). Solid, safe, excellent handling for size. Biodiesel friendly without major adjustments. Roomy interior. Pleasure to drive

Suggested Improvements

Updated audio system is a must for any driver in the 21st century. Currently using the center stow-away compartment for a cup holder. Doesn't handle the newer AC coolant well, so cooling performance is mediocre.

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Dont lose your 350SD engine

Written by: Jay on 03/30/2008

Vehicle

1991 Mercedes-Benz 350-Class 4 Dr 350SD Turbodsl Sedan

Review

My 350SD has been a daily driver for me for 9 years. This is one of the best driving sedans mercedes ever built. The car really handles a curve and is a great touring sedan on the hwy. I like the diesel, it's no dog with the the turbo and I just typically drive a little slower (no tickets). Now this is very inportant if you own this car; The turbo charger on this engine gets its lubrication from the engine oil, the turbo charger operates at such an high RPM that within a very short time "60K to 80K miles of engine operation" the seals in the turbo can go and will start blowing engine oil into the manifold. This will lead to engine loss. If you're losing eng oil replace the turbo immediately.

Favorite Features

Gets great fuel mileage. Big sedan with lots of room for all. Classic Mercedes look. Fun handling car even around town

Suggested Improvements

If your losing a quart of oil every couple of days replace the turbo charger if you want to keep your engine.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Excellent car. Beware the 603 engine

Written by: blondtraveler on 04/10/2007

Vehicle

1991 Mercedes-Benz 350-Class 4 Dr 350SD Turbodsl Sedan

Review

The 350SD is a very nice car. I have had several reliability issues including a power steering pump that broke off, and oil cooler failure. The 603 3.5L diesel engine originally had weak connecting rods and was one of the shortest-lived diesel engines that Mercedes has made. Many of them had their engine replaced before 50K miles. With updated connecting rods this is one of the best diesels on the road.

Favorite Features

Classic style. Great interior. Runs B100 biodiesel. Good performance, great comfort, good mileage. Very easy to do oil changes and other routine maintanence.

Suggested Improvements

Better reliability. Parts could be less expensive and easier to find.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Stay Away!

Written by: taurus on 09/16/2006

Vehicle

1991 Mercedes-Benz 350-Class 4 Dr 350SDL Turbodsl Sedan

Review

I hear a lot of people complaining about this car. Personally I love the thing, it's great on gas, and is very smooth. But, it is also supposedly the worst diesel ever made by Mercedes because of the weaker connecting rods in the engine. Apparently they bend and the car starts to burn oil. I would rev the car up very slowly and watch for plumes of smoke coming out of the exhaust at certain rpm's. If they are there, that would mean that the rods are bent and the engine is going to go real soon. Buyer beware.

Favorite Features

Interior, exterior. Power seats, power door locks. Throttle response is better than 5 the cylinder diesel

Suggested Improvements

5 cylinder diesel is the better buy. Don't get this one.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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