mid 90's S350D's - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

matthias08 · #16 11-30-2007, 11:01 PM

well, I took some peoples advise into consideration, and I drove a '97 S420.
I detail cars so I get my hands on a lot of different things... and one of my clients has a 97 E420 that I love... but it has some issues... the engine is amazing tho. very strong, very comforting. I figured the S420 would give me a relative idea. it like i said was a 97 w/ 150,000 and they were asking $7500. I'm seriously thinking about it. i have a feeling i sure will feel the gas bill tho.
great shape. grey on grey.
the one thing i didn't like... is well, all the grey. reminded me of a funeral car. also... I'm adjusted to driving big bodied S class, the swb was bothering me due to lack of back seat look. i mean, i could fit my 6'2 self in there. but... it just looks small for a star car. had heated seats & CD changer.
the single button flip key still worked (both) and origional spare.
had all books, not many records because nothing serious has gone on yet. there was an SRS service in 2002. I'm going to car fax it to check that out.

i've only driven 2 big gas 320 cars. an 98 ML and an 97 E w/ a bad transmission
the ML was a dog. and the E... wouldn't kick down on demand. lol.
so I'm going to go searching for an S320. we have the 01 SLK 320 && i love it. its a rocket... but then again. its like half the size.

question... once i have my floor pans replaced, body work done, paint, new trim type stuff, redo carpet, replace nessicaries, such as front subframe and stuff... what would market value be to you guys for a 79 240D?!? be honest. i don't wanna be one of those like insane crooks like on ebay asking 10,500 for a rust bucket...

sixto · #17 11-30-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthias08

i've only driven 2 big gas 320 cars. an 98 ML and an 97 E w/ a bad transmission
the ML was a dog. and the E... wouldn't kick down on demand. lol.
so I'm going to go searching for an S320. we have the 01 SLK 320 && i love it. its a rocket... but then again. its like half the size.

The 98 ML and your SLK have the M112 V6. The 97 E320 and all S320s have the M104 inline 6.

Sixto
87 300D

matthias08 · #18 11-30-2007, 11:11 PM

its the little things im learning.
thanks.
i come from a family of fast cars, so my 240D is KILLING ME!
haha

bustedbenz · #19 11-30-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthias08

but... it just looks small for a star car.

That's my main complaint with nearly all the "modern" ones. They don't look big and elegant enough.

matthias08 · #20 11-30-2007, 11:28 PM

ya. the 123.123 is big, just not big enough
i've been watching this 94 C280
but.. yet again. same boat... too small. although nice and only 128,000.
heated seats, sunroof, headlight cleaner pkg.

Hatterasguy · #21 12-01-2007, 12:44 AM

If you want a fast car that doesn't cost a fortune why not a late 90's E55? Its a W210 which IMHO is really good, because they are easy to fix, parts are cheap, and they are all around great cars.

Now AMG improves the already excellent W210 with:
AMG wheels which, you just have to have on a MB.
AMG suspension.
AMG front brakes.
AMG engine.
AMG interior with some S600 touch's like two tone leather, nicer wood and dash ect.
AMG electronic's, to improve the already excellent 722.6 and traction control.

Throw on a louder exhuast, maybe something from Brabus and you have a real sleeper.

The best part about the E55 is that while the AMG stuff is expensive, it usualy doesn't break. So other than gas, tires, and breaks it shouldn't cost you much more to own than a regular E320. Which IMHO is a small price to pay for a 180+mph Mercedes muscle car.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=232725099&dealer_id=620359&car_year=1999&model=E55&num_records=&systime=1196487658938&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&first_record=1&make=MB&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2000&pager.offset=0&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=368&superSpotlight=

If you think an SLK320 is fast, your in for a shock when you plant your foot on that AMG V8.

Hatterasguy · #22 12-01-2007, 12:51 AM

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=230952750&dealer_id=51681542&car_year=1999&model=C43&num_records=25&systime=1196487976856&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=MB&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2000&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1626&superSpotlight=

You can get a C43/36 for less, and its still fast enough to keep sane people happy.

Any MB with AMG in the name can run over 120 all day long without breaking a sweat.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=234940856&dealer_id=100017190&car_year=1995&model=C36&num_records=25&systime=1196488079288&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=MB&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2000&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=480&superSpotlight=

The C36 is interesting because it uses a tweaked 3.6L M104 I6. To bad it never got a 6spd stick because it could have run with the M3 than. The C36 was AMG's first real effort through MB so its a very significant and car.

Something different:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=221080648&dealer_id=8311522&car_year=1995&model=JAGXJR&num_records=25&systime=1196488196775&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=JAG&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2000&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1109&superSpotlight=

Don't laugh its more sporty than a MB,(handles better, runs and ducks

) and a different take. But an XJR is a beast, and they use the 722.6 so its kind of MB.

If you are looking for a car to mod a bit, go for a W210 or W202. They actualy have an aftermarket following. Unlike our cars you can get chips, exhuast, blowers, cams, ect. Lots of good bolt on stuff for these cars and engines. None of if is cheap, but they are Mercedes after all.

wrench56 · #23 12-01-2007, 12:53 AM

We really like our S350D. I use it on my 600 mile roundtrip commute to get offshore. It's the most comfortable car we've ever owned. I can sit in it for hours without getting claustrophobic, there's enough room in it for a barn dance. Fuel economy isn't bad, around 28mpg at highway speed. Not bad for a 4600lb car. Sure they have a bad reputation for bending rods, but you can't beat the feel of the car on the road. Just make sure the AC works as advertized and thereare maintenance records available. Find someone who know what he's doing to check whatever you decide on before you fork over a bunch of cash.

greasybenz · #24 12-01-2007, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthias08

I'm adjusted to driving big bodied S class, the swb was bothering me due to lack of back seat look. i mean, i could fit my 6'2 self in there. but... it just looks small for a star car. had heated seats & CD changer.

The S420's are LWB only, there wasnt an option for a SWB S420 AFAIK. The early W140 with the 4.2L V8 (400SE) was a SWB but not the later S420's.

S320's all years had the long or short wheel base option. My dad is the same height and fit in the back and front of my 96 S420 no problem.

matthias08 · #25 12-01-2007, 10:14 PM

ya. i've got mercedes benz of cincinatti searching high and low.
i was down there today.
my dads thinking about trading the SLK in for an 00 C43. black on black.
37,000 miles. one owner. asking 24,000 they'll take 21.
its a FLAWLESS CAR.
I still want an S. end of story.

amosfella · #26 12-02-2007, 12:38 AM

I have a 95 S320. I great car, except I still have to fix the flaps for the front footwell heater. Other than that, it's a wonderful car. Great to drive. Does well on fuel. If you buy a S350D, you have to worry about the cold starting prlblem with the 603. It's a beast to start at just under freezing. Have to plug it in all the time. And if anyone mentions glow plugs......

matthias08 · #27 12-02-2007, 05:21 PM

haha. i will continue my search tomorrow