'87 Benz SDL

Roy's Mercedes Benz 300SDL with WVO conversion

I have sold my prize 1987 Mercedes Benz 300SDL Hybrid (Diesel & WVO) Sold 5/5/2011 Mercedes Luxury + Frybrid WVO System = PPM (Penny Per Mile) In 1987 this car sold for $47,000.00, it was one of the Top of the line S Class Mercedes at the time. I never dreamed I'd own such a fancy expensive car. Even at 24 years old it remains the nicest ride I have ever had. 1987 Mercedes Benz 300 SDL Turbo Diesel - vin WDBCB25D3HA307228 4 dr Sedan - Auto, Air, Air Bag, Anti Lock Brakes, HeadBacks, Orig. First Aid, Owners Manual. Just passed it's last emissions test (2/10/2011), with flying colors. Of a possible bad score of 20 - this car blew a 2. The inspector told me it was probably the cleanest old diesel car he had tested. Check out the stock Specifications for the '87 300SDL or read the Wikipedia S Class Mercedes in depth information. It will make you as Proud to Own it as I have been. This particular Benz is pretty special. With the Frybrid WVO kit you will be saving a ton of money. In fact: you should Save well over $2,000.00 within the first year of ownership just driving average miles. You should save the total price of the car within 2-3 years depending on your miles of driving. Check out these real life VALUATIONS and ROI for this Luxury car with a WVO kit. This particular 300 SDL Benz is the stretch model. It has more space and room inside than other models. Still, it is Not as long as the average mini van! If you do any ride share commuting, your riders will absolutely love this car. If you have family to cart around they will be in the lap of luxury. In addition you may not be aware of the Patented front end steering of a Mercedes; they have a better turning radius than most other cars! A Mercedes Benz boasts several features that are still unmatched in today's new automobiles. This car had the first safety features like head restraint rests in the back, anti-lock braking, Air bag, un-paralleled climate controls, patented steering, and more. Of all the cars I've had, this one really feels like a hand built luxury automobile in every way. I am really grateful to have experienced a top of the line Mercedes. It has been very cool. Speaking of cool or warmth, just ask anyone about the Mercedes Climate Control Unit. It is unbeatable. I regularly change the engine oil and filters every 5,000 miles .I’ve also done lots of upgrades and replaced all rubber fuel lines to accept Biodiesel. Current mileage 245,153 - 5/3/2011
Pictures some of the grease kit components	WVO - Be a pioneering environmental advocate & save money in the process You know what a Hybrid is, well this car is a Frybrid. The best thing I did was to add the finest waste vegetable oil (WVO), conversion kit from FryBrid systems (http://www.frybrid.com/300sdl.htm), right here in Seattle. This car drives on 2 fuels: regular diesel or vegetable oil. The Frybrid kit is just a secondary fuel system consisting of a 20 gallon aluminum fuel tank in the trunk for the wvo and all the plumbing, filtering, heating, and electronic fuel switching. The entire wvo fuel system is heated via the engine coolant system. The tank is heated, the wvo fuel lines to the wvo tank are heated, wvo fuel filter is heated, there is also a final heat exchanger unit just before the injection pump to make sure the wvo is heated to 180 degrees which makes sure the vegetable oil is at the optimum temperature for combustion. The Frybrid system has an electronic control unit which semi automates the engine running on WVO. The Frybrid wvo system will not operate until the wvo fuel has been heated to the proper temperature. There is a temperature sensor that monitors and automates the process. Just start the car, flip the WVO switch and drive. The WVO system will automatically activate when the car reaches the proper operating temperature. You will not even notice it coming on - except for switching a red light to a green light and the sweet smell of french fries! When you are ready to stop, just press the purge button - within 2 minutes the WVO has been purged from the fuel lines. You are done. So darn easy - my momma could do it. The Frybrid WVO System Controls are nicely mounted where the old ashtray used to be. *How the Frybrid System Operates:* Toggle switch activates the wvo system - turns the Red light on indicating the system has been activated - but not yet running on wvo. When the car has heated the wvo fuel supply up to the proper temp (180 degrees), it automatically switches fuels to the wvo tank - red light off and the Green light comes ON indicating it is now running on wvo - not diesel. The Yellow light is activated when you press the Red button to "purge" the fuel system. When purging is finished it automatically turns the Yellow light off and the Red light comes back on showing the system active but not running. You must Purge the wvo out of the active fuel lines because the wvo thickens as it cools and your engine will not run properly on wvo under 180 degrees. However, the system has a warning buzzer that sounds if you leave the wvo system on (green light on), and you turn the ignition off. That means you have not Purged. ( If you are going to get back in the car and drive again within 10 minutes just flip the wvo switch off / then On again and when you come back out to the car and start up it starts on the wvo fuel with green light on). However, if you are not going to drive again soon, you would need to re-start the car and go through the 2 minute Purge cycle, when it goes to the red light and turn the wvo toggle switch to off. Note: One time in a different car with an older wvo system I was late to work and jumped out of the car without purging (this was a different wvo system that did not have a warning buzzer), and went to work for 8 hours. It was 45 degrees and I was afraid the car would not start. It did start after a couple try's and it ran really rough until it worked through the cold wvo and got diesel running again. You can gather waste veggie oil from local restaurants getting your fuel for free. When you are driving on your own filtered waste veggie oil from the neighborhood deep fry joint, you’ll be paying mere cents a gallon. The more you drive on the oil, the more savings you will incur. This car heats up the wvo and switches tanks within 5 miles of driving. I reached my ROI long ago on this GreaseCar and I'm driving for mere pennies. There is lots of info on how to gather WVO and filter the WVO, just do a search. I will also tell you all about it and tell you how to setup a filter unit for under $20.00 I may also have enough surplus wvo to supply you for awhile until you are collecting and filtering your own oil. You can also purchase filtered wvo from folks on Craigslist. Travel the country and stop in to meet other wvo folks and pick up a fill - use the internet to plan your route. "Praise the Lard" I added the Frybrid kit in Aug. of 2005 at 179,500 miles. As of 5/3/2011 with a mileage of 245,153 - that says I've driven 65,653 miles (about 90% on WVO. an estimated fuel cost savings of $8,534.50 ). Flip on the WVO kit and let the miles fry by. Saving the Planet - 1 French Fry at a time.
	I’ve beenrunning Grease cars since 2003. This is my 5th car running with wvo. I have enjoyed running Bio-Diesel when the price is bearable, but I get the greatest pleasure running straight veggie oil for fuel. This Mercedes is a fantastic example of German engineering and is the leading recommended vehicle for a WVO kit. Adding the Frybrid WVO grease kit makes it environmentally friendly and financially rewarding while driving in luxury. Save money, help the environment, drive in luxury - That is worth repeating to everyone you know. Even though the tank is in the trunk there is Still LOTS of room in here for plenty of storage and getting to the spare tire which is still in the trunk. You will hear it said that this year and model Mercedes is the very best car for a WVO kit.
	The '87 SDL has the 6 cylinder 300 Turbo - it is a sweet engine . This 300SDL Turbo Diesel has an amazingly powerful, economical and smooth-running engine w/ Automatic Transmission. Together they are EXTREMELY reliable and robust. Hydraulic lifters, updated turbo, updated waste gate. Excellent fuel mileage on diesel, bio diesel or grease. It gets 24-26mpg in the city and up to 29MPG on the Freeway. It is said there is a 3-5% drop in performance on bio diesel. Honestly, I don't notice -5% and I doubt you could tell either, but that is what I have read. The Benz operates on any roadway better than most other cars. I once had it above 90mph and gaining speed (running WVO), before I backed off. The motor is nicely packaged in the highly sought after early 126-chassis. Quick and smooth - starts instantly every time ! How does it operate in Winter? Car has a factory Plug in block heater. It is Awesome. Heats the engine to about 60 and it starts immediately. If you don't use the plug in block heater the car still starts right up, but since it is cold it chortles for 40 seconds or so like any other diesel starting in cold weather. The block heater makes it easier on the glow plugs, the oiling system, the whole car heats up sooner, and the sooner it heats up, the sooner you can switch to WVO! An absolutely BEAUTIFUL vehicle - with TREMENDOUS power for cars built in that era. It cruises 55mpg at only 2600 RPM
197,788 miles	For the knowledgeable MB enthusiast, this vehicle is extremely long lasting and "trustworthy". Very dependable. The odometer 243,230 - 1/6/2011. A ethical Averages 15,000 miles ea year. 15,000 X 23 yrs (avg miles per year) = 345,000 miles For a 24 year old car, this is over 101,770 miles or about 7 years of driving below average. A little research will show you the average legendary mileage these cars get on a regular basis. Good diesel engines get much superior mileage than gas vehicles to start with, add the great German engineering and you have a half million mile vehicle. The car starts easily and runs great in all weather. Like any automobile, as it ages there will be repairs to do. There are lots of excellent experienced mechanics to work on them and the Internet provides amazing DIY fixes and repairs to most every aspect of the this year and model. Check the Internet for DIY info. BenzWorld.org or Bellingham's Mercedes Source or 126 Benz or other Internet sites dedicated to the future of this model. New Hood Pad keeps the engine compartment nicely silenced but even without it the improved 6 cyl. runs quiet compared to the older diesel models. It is a Diesel and it does sound like one and will puff a little smoke for 15 seconds at start up common to these older diesels or if you punch it into overdrive.
Drivers door open	The interior is in great shape. Totally upholstered with MB fabrics, leather, and beautiful real wood. Very nice gray Leather seats in good condition. The dash does have a couple cracks that could be patched or covered (repairable/replaceable/ignorable) Mercedes carpets are "okay" and are covered with thick plush Mercedes driving mats in front and rear. The center wood consol does have age lines in the clear coat, but it still looks great. You could find a used replacement for pretty cheap. Nice driver & passenger vanity mirrors with lights. 2 Front directional overhead lights and 2 vanity lights in rear seat area. Cig lighters all around. It doesn't appear to have been smoked in.
Driver side, rear door open	While driving the car the transmission is smooth-shifting and accepts the engine's torque very well. The car drives on the expressway EFFORTLESSLY. This engine and body match up to provide the driver with the ultimate in turbo diesel driving luxury. There has NEVER been a luxury diesel like the '87 300SDL Turbo - quite rare in this condition and highly sought after. These are the #1 sought after Mercedes for WVO kits! Both driver and passenger doors have auto - press a button settings for seating position and the seats are electrically move in about 8 ways. Even the headrests are elect!
	The Climate controls are awesome. Keeps you at just the right temperature. Heats up very quickly, cools very nicely. The refrigerant was just topped up in June '09 I had to have a temp sender for the condenser replaced and all is COOL again. Both doors have climate control venting in the door panels, and both have door compartments for storage. The Climate Controls Work Fantastic. I've never experienced such subtle smooth temperature controls - but it is a Mercedes. Doors - These are real doors, you feel them shut like a good heavy door, yet they are hung so they swing open/closed with ease. One door swings closed on it's own. Fully padded interior - no metal or plastic touches your body. Plush Puppy this is. The ride is awesome smooth and quiet. The radio is great, but it is original; AM/FM/Cass - the sound is very good, but the cassette isn't working properly.
	The front has a nice chrome grille with those cute headlight wipers. They even have NEW wipers on the headlights ! One of my favorite things on the Mercedes is the built in Fog lamps, extremely handy in the Pacific NorthWest. The large disk chrome wheels look just great. One of the chrome rims has weathered more than the others, but the rest look just great. The paint and chrome on the outside are in above average condition for it's age - shows typical scuffs & marks resulting in 22years of weather & driving. NO big Dents or Gouges but there are plenty of blemishes. Paint areas on sides of the top are Oxidizing and a spot on the trunk also oxidizing. Stock '87 Becker AM/FM/Cass - Radio works great, but the cassette player is not working and I never looked into fixing it because - I don't do cassettes. One radio button cover is missing and is still somewhere in the car ;) The electric antenna stays up, does not go down.
	Mercedes offered Safety features ahead of it's time. Driver side Air Bag. The rear has 2 headrests, a center arm rest, the rear deck/dash has tons of room. In the deck on one side is a compartment for the original first aid kit and another compartment for nick/knacks. Power plugs in "un-used" ashtrays on both doors, elect window controls and center air venting. Has rear window brake light. Previous owner had it set up for his cell phone antenna. The Sunroof did break and I have not fixed or replaced it.
	Working under the hood is real easy. It has 2 open positions, shown is the low open, it opens fully for easy maintenance. Regular maintenance is easy on these cars. Air filters, fuel, and oil filters, getting to the fuses, or belts. The DIY person will love this car for the regular maintenance items..
	TurnKey WVO setup ready to drive - Now. I'll show you how to make a simple oil filter system and give you 20 gallon full tank of WVO to start.
	ROI (Return on Investment) First of all - you get No ROI with any regular car - you spend to own and you spend to maintain & spend lots on fuel to operate. If you are Saving money by not having to spend it, isn't that considered Making Money? With this Mercedes, you literality spend penny's on fuel to operate - so it will save you money - In fact, the more you have to drive - the more you are saving instead of spending. With this car - there is a ROI. Follow this scene rio; comparing Diesel Fuel vs: WVO - cost for 1 years avg. driving: The Benz avgs 28 mpg, but for easy figuring lets say 25 MPG. The average miles per year is listed at 15,000 miles. 15,000 / 25mpg = 600 gallons of fuel. DIESEL: Say Diesel fuel costs you - $3.75 gallon. 600 X $3.75 = $2,250 for 1 year @ 15,000 miles. WVO: WVO filtering will cost you - $0.25 gallon. 600 X $0.25 = $150.00 for 1 year of 15,000 miles.(penny per mile). The Frybrid WVO kit just saved you $2,100.00 in your First year. In less than 3 years you SAVE the entire cost of the car ! Can't do that with a regular car. This is a no brainier. Look at the numbers: WVO costs should be less than $0.25 per gallon to gather/filter and if the car is getting 25MPG - Well, that works out to *$0.01 = 1 penny per mile fuel cost. Right. 1 penny per mile fuel cost. The more you must drive the more valuable this system becomes. If you run this car for only 3 years you will have saved enough in fuel costs to totally pay for the whole car ownership & operation.* You sure can't do that with any gasoline vehicle. You could crunch numbers in many ways. No matter how you want to look at it or justify it, Getting a Frybrid GreaseCar is a seriously good deal.
Why I Sold: I currently had 8 vehicles - (3 for sale), 3 are diesel cars which I can't drive at the same time, I lost half my work. insurance is ridiculous, I need the money, I need the space, my wife says I have to sell several of them. Is that enough reasons? I am truly sad to sell this particular car. I will still drive one of my other WVO cars after this one is sold. All the most important maintenance has been kept up to date on the Mercedes and it is ready for YOU to drive home or across the country!
Maintenance & Repairs: Sold 5/5/2011 Replaced Headlight and replaced heater fan unit 05/03/11 Oil & Filter @ 245,153 05/03/11 WVO filter @ 244,800 3/23/11 Registered & Tabbed through 02/25/2011 (Passed Emissions with exceptional ratings) WVO filter @ 241,300 12/28/10 Oil/filter at 240,000 12/16/10 Replaced front left stabilizer rod Brand New Tires 08/30/10 Inspected brakes, battery, suspension, fluids 08/28/10 Oil change - Filters and WVO filter @ 235,000 on 05/12/2010 WVO filter @ 230,440 2/18/05 Oil change - Filters at 229,970 1/05/2010 2009 : Replaced 2 fuel hoses New power steering pressure hoses, all filters & fluids at 225,155 New engine/trans hydraulic mount Refreshed all fuel lines - Biodiesel compliant Coolant fill & air condition service 6/10/09 New Brake Caliper & front brake pads 5/5/09 New Serpentine Belt 4/20/09 Rebuilt Fuel Injection Pump 4/18/09 2 Drive line Flex Disks Transmission Mount Fluids & Filters & Tire spin balance & rotate & alignment 1/21/09 New windshield wipers and new little vanity headlight wipers '09 New Battery 11/23/2008 New Tires all around 6/19/08 @ 214,000 mi New Clutch fan '08 Installed heavy duty springs in the rear Injection timing checked '08 Alignment 8/08/08 New hood pad '08 Power plug to trunk for portable pump (pump WVO into tank on trips) New front rotors & pads 11/07 New rear brakes 11/07 Pre-2007 Service New Fuel Injectors (6) New Glow Plugs (6) Filters & Fluids every 5,000 emergency flasher repair checked timing chain - within specs New battery replaced vacuum pump reservoir New trunk seal New Front brakes and Rotors, Rear brakes, wipers, replaced some light bulbs, general maintenance. Complete rubber fuel line replaced with highest grade Viton to run biodiesel fuel Things for Restoration or Repair : Paint: Typical minor blemishes you might find from 24 years of use. The roof has oxidizing spots (I'm told a clearcoat would restore it.) Chrome: is in VG condition for 24 yrs. But, has some areas of dulling. Sunroof does not work - common problem in SDL's replaceable,. Windshield crack on lower passenger edge - no leaks, just one of those hairline cracks (replaceable) Driver seat springs are slightly collapsed on one side NOTE: (I have just received the seat fixin' kit - have not yet installed it.) Passenger seat back "sometimes" doesn't tilt - research shows it is 1 of 4 possible problems: 1. rebuild the switch 2. Has a cracked solder spot on the seat controller, fix is to re flow solder. DIY Instructions available online. I3. bad relay. 4. Motor bad - test motor. Lots of online DIY help, you just have to set aside time to diagnose - then fix. Dash board crack ( restorable with a dashboard cover or replacement dash.) Cruise control works 50% of the time (DIY Fix for CC). The original cassette player shouldn't be used (eats tapes). . Outside-Air temp gauge not displaying antenna works in up position only NOTE: The power wire for the antenna has been disconnected in the center consol/radio because it was not working , so I used the power for the Frybrid kit. You can still re-attach the power and test the motor, but it is likely just needing a new power antenna mast ($26.00). Here is a DIY for Antenna Mast Replacement. driver side inside bottom rubber floor molding strip has a slight split (restore with new or used molding strip) Frybrid WVO fuel gauge getting progressively worse reading fuel level (I'm told filling the tank with BioDiesel may clean off the sticky stuff off the temp gauge and allow it to work again - or replace with a new type of non mechanical fuel sending unit available at Frybrid) Side Note: I have been able to restore and fix lots of things on many cars over the years by using the vast Internet DIY fixes from forums. Forums can describe how to fix things in simple terms and will allow someone of minimal mechanical ability to maintain their automobiles (Mercedes, VW, Audi, all of them). This car would be perfect with some restoration. This car has not been through a restoration in as much as it has been well maintained reliable family car. Local: www.FryBrid.com www.MercedesSource.com Lots of local shops Specialize in Mercedes Service as well as Restoration. Internet: www.BenzWorld.org www.peachparts.com More out there, but these are my primary sources.

Roy Harvey 425-398-8615 or email See the Specs for this Mercedes - Click Here