Eberhard,

I am always amazed at how inexpensive Mercedes-Benz are in some markets, particularly the US. Only recently have new Mercedes prices here come more into line with overseas markets. If you go back to 1993, the E320 coupe my father owns was over $175,000 AUD as a new car. In good condition today they still command over $50,000 AUD. If it were a cabriolet it would be around $75,000 AUD. Our '90 300TE with its options was around $150,000 AUD on the road new. Today, in good condition it should still be worth around $30,000 AUD. We did not buy them new. The cheapest early W124 sedans (230E) are around $10,000 and you won't get a decent 300E for under $15,000. Everyone tells me what a bargain my '90 190E 2.3 Sportline 5-speed was at $13,000 a few months ago despite its 211,000km at the time, considering it is rare and in great condition. I recently saw another 2.3 Sportline (automatic) advertised for $23k although it had only about 120,000km. Even a common 190E 2 litre automatic of that era is around $10k with average kilometres.

Getting back to older "enthusiast" models 107s are considered good buying here at the moment. A 560SL will set you back around $65,000. An early 350 or 450SL in good condition is still around $30,000. $15,000 will get you an early 107 SL requiring a lot of work. 107 SLCs are a bargain here at $10k to $25k.

If you want go older, how about a 113 SL (230, 250 or 280) or a 121 (190SL) for between $40k and $75k depending upon condition. A 111 coupe in reasonable condition starts at around $20k for a 220SE and the rare 280SE 3.5 cabriolet commands around $150k.

As you suggest, it depends upon the market in a particular country. The market will determine the true value. When considering these prices remember that currently $1.00 AUD equals about $0.60 USD.

Greg

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107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.