As the title implies, I'm thinking of selling my 1996 E300. I'm not sure whether to believe the Kelley's Blue Book and Edmund's Values that I'm turning up in internet searches. Anyone have any idea of the possible value of this model (I know, what ever the market will bear...).

I don't know what the market will bear either, but I paid fairly close to the KBB value for mine.

I'm looking for another. Where is yours?

I'm in the western suburbs of Chicago.

You need to give condition, current miles, and options.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

I saw a 1996 E300D on the dealers lot last year for $21,500. It was in the front row right next to the new cars. 30k miles, bought new at that dealer, serviced at that dealer, traded in on CDI at that dealer. Zero imperfections, looked for all the world like a new car, fresh tires and major service, plus a 2 year warranty; perfection.

I have also seen some beat pos 1996 E300D's for $8k.

More info is needed!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Let's see...it has 147,000 miles on it. White, tan MB Tex interior, sun roof, aftermarket CD changer. It has 4 Nokian WR's on it which were put on in February 2004 (I'm averaging just under 12,000 miles per year). I just had all six glow plugs replaced and four new brake pads (not rotors) installed. The body is in good shape as are the front shock mounts.

And yes, I do have some photos if someone would like to see them.

Sure, post a link to the photos, and give an idea of what you want to get out of it.

Note that you can't tell the condition of the front spring perches by looking, if that's what you mean by shock mounts.

How can you tell the condition of the front spring perches if you can't do it visually?

Once I work out how to attach some photos, I'll do so.

I'm guessing that I will be told that the car is worth about $8,000 on a good day and for that price, I'll keep driving it. Am I incorrect?

Seriosly without seeing it I will do a WAG of $10k+/-. Maybe a bit more, check autotrader.com for comparible cars.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Unless there are some serious problems with the car, or some expensive needed service, I'm with you on the 8K. I'd wouldn't sell mine for 8K and it has more miles than yours. If the body is in good shape, I think you'll find that KBB lists it at over 8K.

As for the spring perches, what you can do is inspect the sealing. That's all you can see before they just fall off the car. The rust that kills them is completely hidden from view.

Ever venture down near Madison county, near St. Louis? While I'd prefer another black on black '96, I really am looking for another to replace the 126 we have here.

Between my job and my family, I never seem to get out of the Chicago area.

I did ride the E300 for about 3 hours today and it really is a nice car. I'm really not sure now that I want to sell it. If only it were a wagon....

Thanks for all the input.

I certainly wouldn't blame you for deciding to keep the car, especially if it's been good to you mechanically. I really like mine. I do prefer sedans though.

I saw a '98 in the local paper, but the asking price is 23K, where KBB values it at under 19 for the milage listed, and that's assuming a dealer is selling the car and it's in "excellent" condition. I'm not sure that I want to pay 19K for a car anyway, much less 23K, so I hesitate to go see it, lest I somehow decide to write a big check.