PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Better purchase-- 84 300sd Vs. 05 e320cdi

pawoSD · #12 05-29-2020, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WDBCB20

Yes, the youngest of those would be 35 years old and with the exception of rust (the definitive deal breaker and yes w126 not the ideal rust belt DD) redoing all the items you list would be $2000 in parts tops after which you'd be good for another 35 years or as long as your engine/trans hold up.

You cannot fully re-do everything on a 300SD for $2000, not even remotely close. Then there's the part where half the important parts are not even available anymore, and those that are, often are china junk and not original quality. Try rebuilding a 722.3 trans, finding a flawless working rear window glass, or rebuilding the climate control unit + accompanying system. $$$$$ And thats the tip of the iceberg. I owned one for 12+ years and 120k+ miles and while a very reliable car overall, it still cost many thousands to keep going during that time frame along with hundreds of hours of work....which all ended when the rust finally destroyed it here in MI.

I have been doing some work recently on my dad's 500SL, a 2001, and have had a VERY hard time finding OEM of several parts, including the basics like engine mounts!! They either don't exist or cost a fortune.....its planned obsolescence.