Fun Car Conundrum

[Lawson1923]

I've been looking for a fun car and am looking for some input from board members whom I know are more knowledgeable about these series than I am. My first two models are 560 SEC and Cl 500, though the CL's may be higher than what I'm prepared to spend, which is $5k plus/minus. I know some, not all of the pitfalls of the M117.768 motor, the M119 seems to be highly regarded. I like the big coupes, but not the W140 so much.

So, I know the CLK's can be had for around the same kind of money I want to spend, but I do not know too much about this series. Even with it being mid-sized, it's really not that small. Should I consider the 320 and/or 430? If so, why?

I should add that future value of the car is not a concern, if I go with the W126 and it increases in value I would just consider that a bonus. Thanks in advance for your help and insight, I really do appreciate it. I've been without an MB for too long.

[Hogweed]

The w126 coupe has always been on my wish list and possibly my favorite body style, but i know what would happen now that I've been driving a more 'modern' car for the last couple years. i would probably not enjoy the car because i would be comparing it, in a negative way, to the ride and comfort of my w210.

Originally Posted by Lawson1923

I've been looking for a fun car and am looking for some input from board members whom I know are more knowledgeable about these series than I am. My first two models are 560 SEC and Cl 500, though the CL's may be higher than what I'm prepared to spend, which is $5k plus/minus. I know some, not all of the pitfalls of the M117.768 motor, the M119 seems to be highly regarded. I like the big coupes, but not the W140 so much.

So, I know the CLK's can be had for around the same kind of money I want to spend, but I do not know too much about this series. Even with it being mid-sized, it's really not that small. Should I consider the 320 and/or 430? If so, why?

I should add that future value of the car is not a concern, if I go with the W126 and it increases in value I would just consider that a bonus. Thanks in advance for your help and insight, I really do appreciate it. I've been without an MB for too long.

[jake12tech]

Originally Posted by Hogweed

The w126 coupe has always been on my wish list and possibly my favorite body style, but i know what would happen now that I've been driving a more 'modern' car for the last couple years. i would probably not enjoy the car because i would be comparing it, in a negative way, to the ride and comfort of my w210.

That's why I've owned 5 w210s. Wait until you drive a w211 one day. I've been driving a cdi this weekend and fell in love

Btw lawson, the CLK430 is the best bang for your buck as far as reliability, power and economically affordable. Not a lot goes wrong with them. It's better to buy a hardtop than a convertible. I've fixed a few hydraulics on them and they are not fun to do and very expensive

[TX76513]

Owning 126, 140, 210 You are going to get the best bang for your buck with the 210 as the parts prices have tanked and there is soooo much face lift stuff available to create an enjoyable ride. Worried about technology? The 210 is very easy to convert to a 2DIN system and add on rear cam, satellite, nav, blue tooth. Going with a 320 gives you ample room to work in the engine bay (as compared to a 420/500).

[97 SL320]

What are your other parameters? Number of doors / seats?

The 90 -01 SL R129 market is dead for driver level cars. Find an 94 ish to 97 320 inline 6 car and , for the most part, it won't cost any more to keep going than a similar year 95 - 00 C class / 96-7 E class as they share the same power train. For general use the 320 is fine and makes nice sounds when leaned on.

The top can be operated manually so don't worry about the hydraulic system ( you can used a leaking system as a bargaining chip. )

If you want to go buzzing around town, the 97 C280 has pretty good zip and is more nimble than the R129.

The 96ish and all 97 SL / 97 only C and E had the 722.6 electronic shift trans and 97 the last year for the M104 inline 6 unless you get a 99 and older S320.

[jurassic marque]

Sorry how is this a car for sale ????

[Lawson1923]

Originally Posted by jurassic marque

Sorry how is this a car for sale ????

I read the forum classified guidelines and therefore put this in this thread. While specifically not asking for a certain model it may be in the grey area. I also posted it here because I know many people see this and as I stated they know more about these than I do. I have now narrowed the choice so I'm not that far out of the guidelines. I would gladly take this elsewhere if the mod's say so.

[Lawson1923]

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I've narrowed the choice to the W210/W211 CLK coupes. First choice is the 320. The most prevalent item I can recall about these is the spring perch's rusting away. What else ails them? Should I consider searching for one in a dry climate area? I've looked and there seem to be an abundance in the southwest.
I'm going to use this car about 9 months a year, that is about all I'll get in SE MI. Probably take it on some trips and general driving around. The extra fuel mileage will be a plus compared to the 560 SEC. I'll always love that design, but I know myself and I will take the newer technology (and in some cases the misgivings of it), and hopefully lower maintenance. I do wish I knew what it would mean to change the W210 to a 2DIN system and I know I'll find that out and more. Thanks again for your help.

[TX76513]

Originally Posted by Lawson1923

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I've narrowed the choice to the W210/W211 CLK coupes. First choice is the 320. The most prevalent item I can recall about these is the spring perch's rusting away. What else ails them? Should I consider searching for one in a dry climate area? I've looked and there seem to be an abundance in the southwest.
I'm going to use this car about 9 months a year, that is about all I'll get in SE MI. Probably take it on some trips and general driving around. The extra fuel mileage will be a plus compared to the 560 SEC. I'll always love that design, but I know myself and I will take the newer technology (and in some cases the misgivings of it), and hopefully lower maintenance. I do wish I knew what it would mean to change the W210 to a 2DIN system and I know I'll find that out and more. Thanks again for your help.

The newer radios (command systems) that are touchscreen are 2 DIN racks and as the name suggest take up twice the room of your conventional radio space. In a W210 you can easily move the climate control to the space on bottom that has a retractable door - allowing you to convert the two spaces above to a 2DIN rack. I have found the ML Command Radio's with touch screen work very well and look factory fit. If you are leaning on technology rear camera, etc is pretty straightforward on wiring doing the same route as the factory would have.