my first MB was an '86 300E... I'd buy an '86 - 92 300E with the straight SOHC 6... My advice would be to find one that had the AC replaced - that was a money pit for me... Also, the early models would need the valve stem seals replaced... Other than that, you'll enjoy driving them for a long time... plenty of oomph as well...

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Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)