Hi all. I'm looking for a reliable commuter in a 300E. Could you please
advise me what to stay away from, and what to look for. Also, if you could
give me the names of a few shops in the SF Bay Area (San Jose to San
Francisco) I would really appreciate it I've found that one of the best ways
to buy a car is to buy it through a mechanic who's worked on it for years.

Thank you all in advance, Spiros Bouas

I have a 1986 300E which belonged to a friend who is a MB Mechanic. I am currently looking to upgrade to a 500E and may consider selling either my 300E or my 1984 380SE. Both have all service records. If interested, respond via e-mail.

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dwight

How much do you want to spend? I would probably stick with the 24-valve model ('93 and later??). Also, for the '94 and '95 E320, if you're patient, you can find them for around $15K (usually high teens/low 20's). If you want an old one, they made a (rare) 5-speed between '86 and (I think) '88. I had one. I sold it. I miss it.

Mitch is right on the M104 motor if you want the extra power. However, if you are trying to keep cost down, the earlier M103 single cam engine is not bad. If it's an early car, see that the valve seals have been upgraded, or better yet guides and seals. The climate control is the achilles heal of any of the 124 cars. See that the air conditioner works and that all controls give the desired results. The rest of the car is so nice it's worth putting up with the risk of climate control problems.

Good luck,