Well the little fender bender I had on my car looks like they are going to total it out. My question is I am looking to replace it and have around $10,000, what wold you buy? It must have 4 doors is the only requirement. I have been looking at an '87, '88 & '91 420SEL an '87 and '88 560SEL and an '89 & '91 300E. All of them are in what appears to be good condition and between $7900 and $9500. There is also a '92 400E for $11,000. Which would you choose and is there anything I should look out for on any of the models listed.

Thanks,

'82 300SD (for now)

Sorry your "fender bender" resulted in a total. Mine did too.

I'd lean towards either 300E from your list, but if you are addicted to the W126 then by all means those are good too. I've heard the 420 SEL series are bulletproof, while the 560 SEL will put you in the lap of incredible luxury for a much higher maintenance cost when things go wrong.

If you still crave the smell of diesel in the morning, you might try to find an 190D or 300D with the 2.5 turbo; I drove an 87 300D before I bought the late 85 300SD, and it was a LOT peppier and I understand it gets better mpg.

That said, look them over carefully and then go with what makes you feel good. USE THE FORCE, LUKE!

BCingU, Jim

As far as the 560SEL and high maintenance costs: I think this is a bad rap! Think about it...the only things on the 560 that differ from the 420 are the active rear suspension, requiring nitrogen cylinders as a PM item, the power rear seat, (mine does work, but I would not care if it did not), and the poor gas mileage. Timing chains, guides, and the front suspension maintenance, transmission problems, (if they occur) are all the same as the S body V-8 cars! (420, 380, 300, SE and SEL) With the 560, you get a nice ride, terrible gas mileage, and a V-8 that gets up and runs! The diesels are great on gas, and you get the same smooth ride. But again, same suspension up front, etc.

I like my 560, but would take a 420 also. Just keep looking until you find THE one for you.

And do not fear the mighty 560!

__________________
1989 560SEL (172k)
1989 325IC (122K)
2004 Suzuki Volusia LE (3500 miles)
2005 Yamaha Road Star (20 K miles)

I think any of the cars you mentioned would be great. However, a 400E is an AWSOME car if you crave performance. No matter what you choose, you won't make a mistake.

__________________
Mr. BILL

91 300E 120K
90 300SE 275K (sold)
92 BMW 525iM 120K
90 BMW 525iA 175K
85 300D 175K (sold)
84 300SD 245K (sold)

Was the fender bender truly minor? When I talked to my insurance agent about my 560SEL, he said that the insurance company rates the car "15" on their cost chart. My old 1999 Honda minivan was a "9". This, he said, implies that a moderate accident will result in them totalling my car rather than paying to repair it.

__________________
VR
1967 250SL

How about an older W116 450SEL or even a 6.9? I know these cars are aging, but if you're going for a 560SEL, you might as well go all out and put a copy of the mighty 6.9 in your stable. The regular 450SEL is also a very nice car, and the 4.5 engine is even more "bulletproof" than the later V8s. If you live in a warm climate, a 108 or 109 would also make a cool ride. 280SEL 4.5 is an incredible car for daily use if you don't mind putting up with the occasional worn out part replacement, usually due to age. I personally think the 116 is a much better riding car than the 126 and it even feels safer too (at least to me). Diesels are also a very good choice, whether it be a 123, 116 or 126. Since you're used to the turbo, then a 240D would probably be out of the question. You could find a pretty decent 300D Turbo for little money and use the rest for a fun summer rag top like an older SL or maybe something British like a Triumph TR6 or an Austin Healey. Those are a blast to drive and repairs are generally reasonable.

__________________
Regards,
Aaron

Yes it was really very minor. I was hit right behind the left front wheel and put a pretty good dent in the front fender, however it did no damage to the door or suspension. The door does not open quite right now, I think it busted the door keeper is all it still lines up fine with the rest of the car. The plastic stone guard and chrome strip at the bottom of the fender was broken. I had an estimate to replace the fender and paint it only and it was $1200. That didn't include anything for any damage done under the fender if any. I was thinking of getting a newer MB however before the fender bender.

300SD listed in the Macon Telegraph newspaper at $5900. It is listed as being in excellent condition.


http://content.macontelegraph.com/class/

look for 300SD

If it has been in this area for all of its life you can bet there is no rust on it.
I would be willing to go check it our for you if interested.

Jim
'95 E320
'97 CRV
'85 300D

Here is the whole ad:

MERCEDES 300SD '83, diesel, exc. $5400 474-5988, beeper 736-8029
Classification: Passenger Cars

CJ has an ad in Classifieds (this forum) at which you might want to take a look.

__________________
David

His:
2003 Dodge Durango SLT
2002 BMW E39 530i Sport
1988 Mercedes 300TE
Hers:
2003 Chevrolet Suburban
1999 E430

Here is the link to my add.

http://classifieds.excite.com/cgi-cls/ad.exe?P61+C14+R1110485

In addition to the regular service books, I have a huge three ring binder with records from light bulbs to tires to a hood star, etc... Since the previous owner of the car, owned the local dealership in town Silver Star, the car looks, drives, smells, brand new.

David,

Where in Texas are you? I'm looking for a car for my son. If your car is driveable, I might be interested in buying it. Tell the insurance company you want the car.

E-mail me at bill.ford.homeco@mindspring.com.

__________________
Mr. BILL

91 300E 120K
90 300SE 275K (sold)
92 BMW 525iM 120K
90 BMW 525iA 175K
85 300D 175K (sold)
84 300SD 245K (sold)