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  #1  
Old 08-17-2001, 02:53 PM
JimKiinMA
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Question I need a recommendation!

Greetings, MB fans.

I am the former owner of a 190E. Bought it used from a MB-specializing dealer/shop. Had it about two months, used it normally, and it became an unmitigated mechanical disaster. After much anguish, the dealer made good on the sale, and I left with a vehicle of another make. There was a defect deep within the engine (crankshaft, etc.) that just caused havoc.

Anyway, the lure of owning a MB is still there, and it is drawing me back. I need to buy used, with a max budget of $6000. There are lots of classifieds and resale dealers that give me a wide selection in my area, but I need to know:

Which model/year for a daily commuter (150 miles round trip) should I check into?

Would I be better served by a diesel vehicle?

I had hoped, last time, to buy a MB and drive it for years. Sadly, this was not the case. Can I tap into this group's knowledge to guide me with another selection? Time is not of the essence...I can afford to wait, and I will travel if needed for the right vehicle at the right price. I prefer the formal-looking body styles (sedan), since they impart a sense of elegance. Beyond that, who knows?

Any suggestions?

Sincerely,
Jim

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  #2  
Old 08-17-2001, 03:21 PM
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a 300e seems to be calling you....or diesel as 2nd choice (depends on your preference)

all the +/- are available here using "300e" search and "M103" (motor) for the 300e,. and there's a whole Diesel Forum here...

most if not all 300e's at this point will need a few $$$ to refresh certain items, so $6k probably wouldn't net you an "as-new" "over maintained" "never wrecked" "non odo roll back" "one-owner" vehicle....all older cars will generally require a little refreshing.

once you decide, post a "wanted" here in the swap shop..

good luck
-fad
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  #3  
Old 08-21-2001, 02:55 PM
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The problem with the W124 diesels is that they are expensive to repair once they start giving you trouble, and a tired 300D is a nightmare waiting to come true.

For a bugdet of $6000, a well-maintained W123 (300D) would be, for me, a better choice, although they are extremely difficult to find (becasue the owners do not want to sell them if they are in good shape).

A. Rosich
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  #4  
Old 09-13-2001, 11:09 PM
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Well, I must say that the 300E's are not very good on gas, and considering how much you travel (150 miles round trip) then that might be a negative..a big negative. My 300E only gets about 17 mpg on the highway, but from what I understand others do better (Ummm maybe my driving habits might have something to do with that )

Try a W124 Diesel, or any other Mercedes Diesel, as they will keep clacking foever as long as you take care of them I agree with A. Rosich, about the fact that many M-B owners whom own these older diesel Benz's that are in good shape are reluctant to part with them.
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Old 09-14-2001, 02:18 PM
mbz380se
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Or, you could find a nice '85 380SE. Make sure that the car has had timing chains done around 100K. Also, they tend to need head work around 180-200K. Mine is making some lifter noise right now, has been since my dad bought it at 140K (40K miles ago), but doesn't use excessive oil or present any other indications of imminent need for attention.

but we will most likely drop a rebuilt 3.8 from Adsit or some other benz rebuilder in, rather than spend the $2500 on heads/cams/valves with labor charge, and still have the original engine.

-Sam
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  #6  
Old 09-15-2001, 10:30 PM
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$6000 Car

Given $6000 I'd probably try and find a clean 1981-1985 S-Class. The diesels (300SD) are reasonably priced, reliable, and plentiful. The V8 counterparts perform much better, but command a higher price from my experience.
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  #7  
Old 09-16-2001, 01:44 PM
mbz380se
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Yeah, I have seen nice 380SEs in the paper for $5500-$6500 in the Seattle area. Diesels tend to run almost as much in good condition, also, you might find a Euro 280SE/SEL for the same price too. DOHC 185 hp sixer, and some came with a 5-speed manual, too!

I'd love a W126 5-speed.

-Sam
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  #8  
Old 10-01-2001, 10:54 PM
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And if you take your time and hunt carefully you may even find a cremepuff for less than you expect. One of the guys that works for me had been looking at many different MB's. He would often drag me out to give a car a once over. The last one he drug me to looked good and I pointed him in the direction of my local Indie Tech for a pre-purchase inspection.

This was on a 1984 300D Turbo. While there for the inspection, the Tech pointed him towards a customers 1983 300SD that was there on consignment. Looked like new and only had 104K on the clock. He purchased it for ~$4,500.00, which was less than the 300D.

Plus this cremepuff had all the records - another thing you want to try to get, a car with all records.

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