What would be the next best?

[mr benz]

We have heard a lot about the 500e's, the 190e 2.3- 16v, which great cars from mercedes, even the 400e sounds like a winnner, My question, are the 300e's any good and if so what model/year would u recommend. I wouldloike some power as well as low maintenance.
I would like to own a 500e, but right now i think i may need to move up gradually.
Your opinions are valuable.
Should i just stick with the 190 e 2.3- 16 or the 400e or just go for the 500e.
also can i transplant a 190e 2.3 -16 to just a regular manual tranny 2.3 yr 87 , and wud that be a good thing to do.
thank you.

[Mike400E]

I had an '88 300E for 6 years and about 64,000 miles. I bought it with 134K miles from my mechanic who had gone through it stem to stern. The condition of the car and the care taken will matter more than the year. I recently bought a '93 400E, and there is a huge difference in the power and transmission between the two cars, but many similarities in terms of fit and finish, quality of the car, and how it rides. The '93 naturally has a few more features like dual air bags, much better stereo, better wood trim, and very nice leather. The 500E will be another jump in performance, although I've never driven one. (Too bad for me.)

The 300E was good for about 137 MPH and 0-60 in about 8 secs. The 400E tops out at 150-ish and 0-60 in a shade under 7 secs. (Depends on the tester.) The 500E was ohmygod fast and 0-60 around 5.5.

The real question is - how much money do you have? I watched AutoTrader for months, and I don't think I saw ANY 500E for less than $30,000, when they DID come up for sale, which was rarely. (they only made something like 5500 units.) I paid about $15K for my 400E with only 69K miles on it. I know I paid a little more in Denver because there are very few of them around. Autotrader had them for $10K-$17K, but I would have had to travel to pick one up. I think I got a decent deal.

A 300E can be had for less still. Very low mileage examples are pretty rare, but will go for less than $10K. Cars with 100-150K miles will be $6K or so. I found the 300E to be a very nice highway car, but it was not quick off the line. They also had terrible stereos, and jerky transmissions. All of these cars with over 100K miles will start to cost you in little things - electric motors, switches, mufflers, tranny bushings, etc. I spent $4500 in an 18 month spell on a ton of little niggly stuff. But the car was as tight as a drum when I sold it with 198,000 miles on it, it handled superbly, and was still extremely smooth.

If you have the money, I think the 400E is a much better car all around. There are also a fair number of these around compared to the 500E. The 500E is really a Super Car in every respect, and carries a commensurate price tag! I think you can also assume that only enthusiasts bought the 500E whereas there are some low mileage, "little old lady" 300 and 400E's to be found still. (Like mine!) Email me directly if you'd like more info on my experiences. Good luck - Mike.

[mr benz]

love the 400e and 500e,want to buy one soon.