Hello,

I am new to this forum. It is tremendous! I’ve spent the better part of the last week reading posts and trying to give myself a crash course. I am looking to buy my first car. Most all my family’s cars have been MBs or BMWs. Recently, I’ve driven a 98’Pathfinder; a 94’740i; an Acura RSX Type-S; and occasionally my friend’s 82’ MB 300 TD with an odometer stuck on 226k from a couple of years ago. This car was a real gem. Mostly just changing oil and minor routine service. I really love the way the w123, w126, w124 and look and how solid they are. To me, there is something magical about seeing these cars on the road and I see a lot of them in the greater NY area. The best car my family ever owned was an 85’ 300TD. I’m not sure, given my budget ($5000-$11000), that a MB is for me though as I’m not a DIYer, know next to nothing about cars, and won’t have endless pockets for repairs. I have recently finished college and will be using the car as both a daily commuter car, fifteen minutes round trip a day and for much longer trips from VA to TX; from TX to CA; CA to WY and WY to NY Metro. It will spend a good deal of the summer in TX and a good part of the winter in WY, both places not garaged, but in covered parking. Ideally, I’d like something that I could very comfortably cruise in at 75 to 85mph and take up a bit higher occasionally.

I like the idea of getting a lot of miles out of a diesel, but I’m looking at gas MBs as well. Since this car will also be driven my younger brother (18) an airbag would be nice.

Recently, I spoke to the sales manager of a MB dealer in CT, who said he couldn’t sell me a gem if it came in on a trade. It’s against their policy, since they wouldn’t put warranties on older cars. He did offer to direct any great trades he took in my way via his wholesaler. He also offered to put me directly in touch with his wholesalers, so I could tell them what I’m looking for. He told me he’d run any VIN #s and give me his opinion of both what he thought the relative quality and price of any car I’m seriously considering. Reading this forum and from personal experience, I’d rather buy from a private party, unless the car is coming from a trusted dealership that specializes in older European imports. Nonetheless, this sales manager is a good guy. I told him I had put a deposit down on a 92 300CE with 93k.

http://www.bimmers-benz.com/bb/inventory_level3.cfm?CarID=207

[http://www.bimmers-benz.com/bb/aboutus.html]

He advised me that he didn’t think that this car was particularly reliable and when I told him the price ($9500) and that the car didn’t have records, he told me not to go down this route. He said, if in my position, that he’d only buy a MB diesel as he said they are more reliable, last longer, and usually cost less to maintain. He did also recommend low mileage gas w124 and w126s. So I’ve spent the last few days searching.

I just missed out on a one owner, garaged, close to mint, 86 420 SEL with 75k for $5800, which I think was a very good deal. I’m also looking at a one owner 1985 380SE with all books, garaged with for around the same price and miles.

Then there are diesels from dealers:
92’ 300D 157k with owner’s portfolio and books (no service records) - $9995 (from what looks like a very reputable dealer).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6330&item=4546399626&rd=1

“You are viewing a very beautiful car indeed! You are looking at a 1992 Mercedes 300D 4 door sedan with over 157,000 miles! As you can see from the pictures this car is simply gorgeous!! The Taupe paint shines so deeply it is amazing. The rich Palomino tex interior is in as new condition! The 2.5 liter turbo charged diesel engine runs like a clock and makes great power! I took a 100 mile ride the other day and the car ran beautifully with great gas milage and still had plenty of passing power. The automatic transmission is smooth and silent with perfect shifts! Everything in this car works perfectly! THERE ARE NO DISAPPOINTMENTS HERE! The air conditioning blows ice cold. Whoever is lucky enough to get this car will not be disappointed. The car has recently been serviced and has just passed New York State Inspection by an independent facility. When I bought the car it was smoking and further diagnosis confirmed rings so we spent $2000 overhauling the engine. This car has a completely rebuilt engine that will give hundreds of thousands of trouble free miles to the new owner. We also installed new front brakes!! This car is ready to go! Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to own this wonderful example of the well made 4 door sedan! Bid today and DRIVE IT HOME!”
____________
Any idea how long this car will last with a rebuilt engine?

92’ 300D 124k (recently sold at auction at 123k in Nov. 2004 and then again with 124k in March 2005) dealer claims MINT - $9900 (less than confident in this dealer)
95’ 300D Special Edition 162k w/Bose stereo - $10999 (from what looks like a very reputable dealer)
95’ 300D Special Edition 141k – $8000 (haven’t spoken to this dealer yet)

96’ E300D 150k - $12000 with all service records. This last dealer currently uses the car as his personal daily commuter car and says it’s great. He also emailed me all it service records -which I was very impressed by. I’d be very grateful if someone could look over them for me. The oil was changed often 3-7k initially, but at longer intervals, up to 10k recently (maybe they brought it somewhere else). Here are the highlights:
05/20/1998 – 37,336 miles – 37K mile service, rear axle seals
01/28/1999 – 48,191 miles – oil change, ignition switch
02/05/1999 – 48,471 miles – replaced door handle
04/09/1999 – 53,249 miles – 60K mile service, brake fluid and fluid flush
05/09/2000 – 71,223 miles – new alternator, new battery, oil change
07/10/2000 – 74,140 miles – oil change, new generator
04/19/2001 – 83,533 miles – oil change, aux fan replaced, blower
08/24/2001 – 88,738 miles – lower control arm bushings, oil change
04/03/2002 – tires
03/27/2002 – 99,885 miles – rear axle and pinon seals replaced, oil change,
Air filter replaced, cup holder replaced
07/02/2002 – 105,782 miles – replace intake manifold, replace all 6 Glow
Plugs, oil change
08/16/2002 – 110,118 miles – Recharge A/C
08/19/2002 – 110,344 miles – Climate control switch, oil change
01/02/2003 – 113,689 miles – brakes replaced
07/08/2003 – 123,239 miles – A/C Compressor, Tank, Pipe Line,
Condensor, Temp Sensor, Seals, Rings, Freon
07/09/2003 – 123,240 miles – Blower Motor, Switch and Harness Replaced
09/23/2003 – 127,172 miles – Glow plug relay, V – Belt
01/12/2004 – 127,798 miles – bulbs replaced
06/22/2004 – 142,577 miles – Replaced Radiator, Head Gasket, Hoses,
Pipes, Thermostat, Timing Chain, Ring Seals,
Engine Wash, Oil Change
08/03/2004 – 146,237 miles – Replace fuel injectors and replace seals
12/31/2004 – 153,800 miles – oil change
02/01/2005 – 155,211 miles – replace intake manifold
03/15/2005 – 157,333 miles – upper intake manifold and fuel line replaced

All services are documented buy a Mercedes Benz Dealer
_______

Is this regular service for this car or is it indicative of problems? Or, since a lot of work has recently been done, will I be getting value and lower maintenance?

83’ 300SD 153k - $4995. (Not nesc. confident in dealer)

Private Party:
85’ 300SD, 90k - $8800. Original owner. Car rarely used. Not sure about the shiny high gloss gold (it looks different than standard gold I usually see around, was this an original color?).

GAS:
1985 380 SE 73K. $5800 – Original owner
1988 420 SEL 92k - $9900 - Original owner

There are also quite a few other gas that I have some interest in:
92 300E 4MATIC AWD,75k - $6000
93 300E, 65k -$10000
93 190E 2.3 82k - $3000

Sorry about such a long post. I’d appreciate any feedback. I plan on getting this search down to two or three candidates and then having a PPI performed using specialists recommended on this board.

Thank you for any feedback.

Sean

Hey Sean-

C-ville, VA here-

As far as reliability, with a minimum of fuss, the turbodiesels are the way to go- older 123's if you like the more classic style, or a 124 if you want slightly more 'modern' performance and/or equipment.

You just missed a pristine 91 420sel w/ 106k on it from the BMW dealer in town, test drove it Sat, it sold today.

Good luck,

JAS

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94 E320
71 350SL

that e-bay one looks pretty good, id be tempted to buy that one, but i would go see it and put a lower offer on it instead of buying it over ebay. id like to think that mine is worth that much, but i doubt it. i wouldnt buy it without driving it. it looks like it has an aftermarket replacement radiator, which might mean it was in an accident, but it might have just needed a new radiator, mine did. i dont see any other reason to think it was in a wreck. i dont know about any of the others.

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1991 300 D 2.5 Turbo, 220k
also in the family:
1981 240 D 185k
1991 350 SD 185k
2006 S 500
2005 SLK 350

I'm a big fan of the 95 E300D and I think that model car would be a good fit for you from what you've written. I think the car with 162K miles is overpriced. I keep an eye on the asking prices for these cars, the prices seems to have leveled off (which is good for me as a seller someday). I think you should be able to buy a nice car with 100K miles for $9K. There are at least 3 95 E300Ds in the DC area on autotrader, 1 on cars.com, and 1 on Ebay (in PA). Reputable dealer or not, it is the car that you are buying
Of course have any car that you are considering checked out. Any car with high miles will need stuff like brakes, tires, battery, suspension bushings, rear suspension links, shocks/struts, etc. Good luck with the search!

if you are buying a 124....you need to see if the air conditioner evaporator has been replaced.... if it's a gasser...headgasket....

a great 1990 300ce mint with 56k miles just went for under 8300 on ebay...

diesels seem to carry a premium.... but are probably more reliable in the longer run.

good luck.

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1989 300ce 122k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines)

1997 s320 103k (what a ride)





1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

ditto on the evap coil, thats about a $2500 repair. the 5 cylinder diesels also seem to crack cylinder heads more often than the 6 cylinder ones.

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1991 300 D 2.5 Turbo, 220k
also in the family:
1981 240 D 185k
1991 350 SD 185k
2006 S 500
2005 SLK 350

Wyoming winters can challenge an older diesel Mercedes starting capability. I would avoid the diesels unless you know that you will be able to plug in the engine block heater.

Having spent several winters with a 1984 300D in New Hampshire and Maine, I know what it is like to plan ahead so that you can plug your car in for the night.

260E/300E might be a good bet for your situation

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Anders

2005 Buick LeSabre (104K)
1977 240D (179K)
2002 Subaru Legacy L Wagon (77k) (Wife's)
Gone but not forgotten:
1998 C230
1984 300D
1983 240D
1981 300SD
1974 240D
1974 Fiat 124 Spider
1968 Triumph TR250

A 1981-1985 300SD would be a good choice, they are a big car, and have great economy. Parts aren't that expensive on them, and good examples can be found for under $5,000.

I know Im going to get hounded for this, but have you looked at a A3 Jetta or B4 Passat TDI?

The engine is more up to date with the Direct Injection and the variable geometry turbo and it has an intercooler, wear items would be cheaper like the 14" tires, manual instead of auto, no aluminum body panels, and most have cloth interiors so the A/C doesnt have to be used as much. Dual airbags, ABS, simplier climate control, and the benefits of having OBD (II?) for figuring out whats going on more quickly. Plus servicing MBZs usually require a higher hourly rate.

They also get twice the fuel economy of the 617 engined cars.

Head over to Fred's, www.tdiclub.com and read the FAQ section. Or go to www.stealthtdi.com and read about modifications.

Dont get me wrong, I love MBZ diesels, but if your going for inexpensive long haul driving, I think a TDI would be a better choice. Just add a GTI driver's seat for those long trips!

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2002 VW Golf TDI-169,000 miles B20

go for the 85 SD with 90K, you won't be disappointed. Great rides and the cold start won't be an issue if you make sure the glow system is in good order. Just my humble opinion.

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83 300SD- 223,000 miles {mine}
85 300D- 187,000, {wifes}
82 300D- 374,000, {parts car now, my first diesel}
74 Triumph Spitfire {constant PIA}
72 Jeep Commando {snow ride}

If you can make it:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/events-gatherings/120978-northeast-gtg-post877153.html#post877153

For about $10k you should be able to find a nice 94-95 E300D. The 96 could be a good deal as well. A properly tuned 606 should fire off like a gas car in the winter. Just as long as the fuel isn't gelled.

I would also consider late W124 gas sedans. 94-95 E320/420's. A nice 1995 E420 could be a real gem.

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2005 Chevy Silverado, white on black.

"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it."
— John Adams