I'm moving to my new hacienda this fall and will have a full heated barn to spend my winter hours in and would like to get a MB diesel. My heart is really set on a W210 ir W140. I don't plan on a total over haul fixer upper but ust one that needs some TLC and I'm wondering what the realistic market prices are.

You lucky, lucky, lucky bastard. I have been DYING to get out of this college town and into the country. A few years and I may be able to afford it. What I wouldn't give for some property and a couple of out-buildings. A barn would be great, but I'll settle for a pole barn.

Congrats on the new digs; I am sure you'll enjoy them. And good luck with the car search!

__________________
1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

I personally think a W140 diesel is totally out of the question unless its had an engine replacement. They have the notorious "rod bending" 3.5 sixes. A W210 would be a better choice, with a Turbodiesel if possible. I think the market prices on early year 210's is around 18-23, with later models being higher. This is for cars in good shape.

I'd recommend a W123, W126, W116, or W115. But thats because I can't afford maintenance on the newer diesels you are looking at.

__________________
http://www.betten.mercedescenter.com...n_banner_1.jpg
1976 300D
190,000 Miles
Colorado Beige

1975 300D
Parts Car
78,000 Miles
Rustbucket
Also Colorado Beige

1984 190D 2.2 (Dad's)
156,000 miles
Champagne Metallic Clearcoat

You bastard.

Isn't a W123 the car to get for tinkering? You got to love an entirely cast iron, mechanically controlled engine, IMHO.

You should find something like that in the $10-13k range

couple of past examples..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-E300-DIESEL-1997-E300D-W210-6-CYL-DIESEL-GRAY-GRAY-WARRANTY-CLEAN_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6335QQitemZ4564775700QQrdZ1

and one with the "engine can go 500,000 miles or more)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-300S-Diesel-Mercedes-Benz-300SD-DIESEL-NO-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6336QQitemZ4564982672QQrdZ1

Well, glad you finally came to your senses.

NO GO on the W140 diesels. Sorry, but there is way too much risk in the 603.970 engine. If the engine bends a rod, you are looking at $6-$8K, minimum. And, there is a chance that this will happen.

Furthermore, although the W140 is probably the pinnacle of MB ride and engineering, the maintenance costs for it will make a grown man cringe.........even you.

Now, a W210 is a different story. A very well made automobile with a fine engine. Find a 1997 or a 1998 vehicle in the price range of $11K to $20K and you will be all set. There is a wide range of prices on these, for some reason. Naturally the lower mileage examples (100K or so) will be at the upper end of the range.

Good luck. We'll be seeing you on DD.

Or a V10 Touareg Diesel.

__________________
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Diesel G?

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

The problem is I drive 36K+ a year and the new Avalanche every year has panned out pretty good with 0% interest and being able to depreciate them in one year. Were changing the way I get paid so the depreciation won't help me as much and too be honest $50.00 a day in fuel is hard on the pocket book since I don't get paid for how much I drive.

With rationality aside I want another MB

I really like the s-class diesel but with the miles I drive it might not be a good idea, I want a cheaper car that i can drive until it dies. If I buy a S-Class for $15 and blow it up I'll be in better shape than eating 40K in depreciation on a mega car.

I would go for a W124 deisel. Stick with years 94 or 95. Can get one for about 6k.

__________________
1992 Mercedes-Benz 400E
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500

You really need a '98-'99 E300D turbo. Just have the spring perches welded to avoid catastrophe.

Or, you could pay me $ to build you a 400+hp '87 300D or 300+hp '90-'93 300D 2.5...the choice is yours. Either version would probably shame your Ferrari.

I'll take that into consideration

This may seem shallow but I judge cars by their seats, with four blown discs up top and a new found blown one on the lower unit and getting in and out of the car over 30 times a day (I counted for a week, one day I had 96 in and outs) and six hours seat time comfort is everything. I really like the trucks because I step up and there's very little back bending. I think I can manage with a roomy sedan with a bend and swoosh motion.

The new E-Class wagons give me major wood but I don't feel like rolling that $70K dice....... I need to retire again.

Just send me the check next time

Proper use of smilies 101: you should have used the .

I think if I were to go to hell that would be the car I would drive.