Money Saving Thread - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

log673 · #1 01-18-2007, 04:28 PM

Being a perpetually broke college student, I began to worry after reading that thread about how much money people are spending on their Mercedes. I wanted to know what is the least amount of money people are spending on their cars so I can be reassured that my Mercedes won't drive me into the ground.

In the three months that I have had my 1983 300D, which is my daily driver, not including routine maintenance, I have spent a total of approximately $35.00 on my car. I have only had to replace the fuel lines and the shift linkage bushings.

probear · #2 01-18-2007, 04:46 PM

If it makes you feel any better, so far, after I spent a lot getting the car initially set up, I've only had to replace a starter because the bendix went out AND I think that when I got the car, it was pretty much on it's way south. I have put 23K in a little over the last year with only normal expenses. Oil, oil/air filter, fuel filters, and topping off fluids. I did go through about 5 fuel filters, but that's because I ran B100 and it really cleaned the fuel system out.

bgkast · #3 01-18-2007, 04:50 PM

I would post my list but it would not make you feel any better.

I only paied $400 for the car though so needless to say it had some issues.

kerry · #4 01-18-2007, 04:56 PM

The 77 300d I've put a new water pump, ACC servo, center link and upgraded the starter to a turbo starter. Also filters. I've owned it about 6 yrs and 25k miles.

Dubyagee · #5 01-18-2007, 05:29 PM

Once the initial outlay of cash is spent getting the car up to par, maintenence should be your only expense left to deal with. My biggest unexpected expense so far has been an alternator pulley that tired of my company and left. Around $40 to fix. If your car is running well just keep your eye on the gauges and keep all fluids topped off. With what you said you have replaced so far it seems like you care enough for the car and thats all you can do.

Knightrider966 · #6 01-18-2007, 05:31 PM

You did well getting a W123! They are the most dependable and the best built and if your reading this forum, others will agree. It really depends on condition and proper maintenance.

toomany MBZ · #7 01-18-2007, 05:40 PM

Keep an eye on the threads, you'll get a feel for rountine difficulties. Enjoy.

vstech · #8 01-18-2007, 05:45 PM

My SD has cost me little more than routine maintenance and tires... although, I am planning TONS of things to make it better... I started with a VIN correct Ignition tumbler and a pair of spare keys. (still working on that one)
I got the car for FREE cause the PO was rich, and didn't care for the wife's "old car" it didn't start, so I got it. two new alt belts and a good battery, two glow plugs and I am smooth sailing. very nice rust free car. seats cracked to pieces no radio, etc... running quite nice. approx 300K miles. oh, the tranny was not shifting smoothly into 4th it slipped a bit. I understand I could have adjusted it to make it smooth, but I got a Transmission shop that does free work for me... I fix their computers, So I just had them rebuild it. take care of the Transmission. keep the fluid changed on schedule, change the oil, change the brake fluid, keep track of the brake pads, keep it clean and you should have the car longer than you may like. get used to the car.
John

bill murrow · #9 01-18-2007, 07:19 PM

Hey Logan,

Pm Hattie and ask him what he's got in his. He's a special MBZ owner.

Cheers,

Bill

estod · #10 01-18-2007, 07:40 PM

I don't have my log book handy (I DO keep one), but I have driven my 240D for 2.5 yrs/40,000 miles, and have replaced the radiator ($150), glow plugs ($50), primer pump ($25?), battery, and one door check ($18?). This is on top of tires and oil & filter changes, of course -- religious about them.

Now I am starting on the front suspension with upper CA, all steering rods & shock, sway bar bushings, front shocks. That came to about $400 in parts. Next will be new front springs (it's got longer springs installed to jack the bumpers up to Fed height), lower CA bushings, ball joints, rod bushings. Then I will start on the rear susp and driveshaft.

In the meantime, I drive 900 miles/week with confidance. I plan to see 500K -- currently 235K.

JackG · #11 01-18-2007, 07:49 PM

I paid $1500 on ebay......bought a parts car. drove it home, put new tires on. I got it in May. since then, I put a new regulator($28), new back brakes($30), and normal oil changes and filters......oh and I have put about 15k on,12k in the last 3 months alone. If they want a perfect car, they will rack up some money. If they just want to get around and aren't proud, just drive it and keep up with maint. it will last forever

Hatterasguy · #12 01-18-2007, 09:42 PM

$500 SD, lets see this winter maybe $100 so far. Rack dampener bolt, air cleaner mount, oil+filter, a couple fuel filters, one air filter. Thats about it.

That car has been cheap to run, bought it for $500 two years ago, when I sell it this spring I will probably have another $500 into it.

TWeatherford · #13 01-18-2007, 11:15 PM

Hello from another broke college student!

I got my car because I wanted to learn about diesels and cars in general (which a 22 year old car is good for), wanted to run vegoil, and because there is so much info available. I've tackled all sorts of stuff, simply because I had a good pictorial to show me how.

My main expense has been fuel, a problem which I solved tonight by completing my conversion. I had to replace the vacuum pump - $130. I've done the basic filters and fluids, not much else. It runs great, love the car. Also, since they're so stinking well built a lot of parts can be salvaged from the junkyard, or just refurbished. Took my siezed auxillary coolant pump out a few nights ago and had it going strong in ten minutes, for example.

iNeon · #14 01-19-2007, 12:29 AM

A thread I know something about!!

Purchased a 1979 240D for $2,000, about $750 in repairs over 27k miles. It was great until 2 months ago.

The car has begun to come apart at the seams and a student of the lowest social class simply can't spend the money the car needs. Save your pennies-- You *WILL* get blindsided by a large repair you can't make yourself.

The car is undrivable because I ran over a tire tread in the interstate. Boy, don't I feel good about spending my last $500 car dollars on a new stereo-- The car just ran and drove so well, I didn't see this coming.

JimmyL · #15 01-19-2007, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iNeon

A thread I know something about!!

Purchased a 1979 240D for $2,000, about $750 in repairs over 27k miles. It was great until 2 months ago.

The car has begun to come apart at the seams and a student of the lowest social class simply can't spend the money the car needs. Save your pennies-- You *WILL* get blindsided by a large repair you can't make yourself.

The car is undrivable because I ran over a tire tread in the interstate. Boy, don't I feel good about spending my last $500 car dollars on a new stereo-- The car just ran and drove so well, I didn't see this coming.

Just keep it around until you can afford to fix it and/or have it fixed. Mr Shlomo is too good a car to give up on. Maybe some folks in your area can help you with your repairs once things warm up.
Don't give up on Shlomo........