Look at the hood alignment again in your picture, it looks like it's off some. That paint looks pretty oxidized too, it may take a lot of buffing to get a shine. Interior looks pretty beat for a "garaged car". One way to tell if the car has been left outside is to look on the back bumper, two "drip circles" at the approximate width of the trunk trim indicate a lot of time spent out of doors. On another note, the headlight doors are in bad shape. My '87 560 was a low mileage car when I bought it at 87k in 2002. I would look for a better maintained, higher mileage car given the choice again. My car has needed a lot of rubber items, paint, suspension, etc. Good luck with your search, there are a lot of decent cars out there. It doesn't pay to get in a hurry. Someone gave some excellent advice, don't get emotionally attached.

Jim

Ok. Thanks Jett. Seems like everyone is in agreement that I should steer clear of the white 560SEL for $2K. So.. I guess I will put that one out of my mind and look elsewhere. The 300SDL is still not out of the question. If I HAVE to, I will pay up to $3K, but thats all I can go. Wasn't there some type of problem I have heard about the 300SDL? Something about it being prone to blowing head gaskets?

Here are photos of the 90' 300TE wagon I can get for $2K. It may belong to someone on this forum. According to the owner, it is being driven daily, very dependable, but needs rear struts and the temperature guage "fluctuates". Has a new water pump, but still does it according to the owner. That is my only concern about this car. Knowing my luck- it would be a bad head gasket. I have been told my members here that it could be a bad thermostat. Again, I would love to do a PPI, but this car is also 4 hours away. These cars are pretty popular in western North Carolina. Also today- found a local 1985 500SEC 2dr hardtop coupe in VGC for $3000.

My uncle has a 90 300TE wagon and his has been very reliable, but it is a 1-owner car, with 162K well maintained miles.

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Here are engine photos of the 90' 300TE wagon and the 87' 300SDL :

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Tell the owner of the wagon to fix the temp problem and you will buy it. Afaik wagons have the SLS suspension in the rear and those shocks are pricy. $400 each I think, for the W126 at least.

I'm still voting for the SDL.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks Hat. That is probably why he has not replaced the rear struts (or whatever they are) is because of that. He said it was bouncy. He said he spent $$$ on a new waterpump about 3 months ago- thinking that was the problem, but it was not. He said he has been driving the car daily without problems though. He said back in the winter when it would do it, it would do down when the heater was on. He said it never really overheats- but the guage will swing up and down. He said he was told it was a temperature sensor and I have been told it could be a thermostat. I don't think he is going to spend any more money on it, because he said they got a newer car and no longer need this one and did not want to spend more $ on it.

Still watching the 300SDL, but not looking good.

Another found was this 84' 300SD. It has over 300K, but is a 1-owner, well-kept car, with most all records. Has had some previous rear 1/4 panel work due to crash years ago. NO leaks, or oil burning. Claims that the tranny shifts like it did when it was bought in 1984. A/C is cold, but mechanic told him it needed a new center air duct. Do these go bad? Would it be worth $2500?

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Jeez, never seen a confederate flag on a Mercedes before

I'd say if he took care of it and has the records it would be worth it, just get it inspected... no oil burnt on a 300K mile engine sounds like BS, i wonder what else he is exaggerating.

__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

AFAIK, 'bouncy temp guage' is pretty normal with these cars. As long as it doesn't go over 100C it should be fine. Mine regularly fluctuates between 80-100. I believe there have ample discussions of this phenomena on MBs within this, and other MB forums.

Bouncy rear end on SLS cars usually indicates spheres are shot (also expensive). SLS 'struts' (which are really just hydraulics rams) rarely fail. Usually they will begin leaking, and result in harsh ride. Again, also a subject that has been extensively discussed.

Whoever said "there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Merc" is absolutely right. Sure you won't consider a nice 280E / 300D 123?

Cheers,

P.

__________________
Osteopornosis - A Degenerate Disease

300k is 300k, the trans is due, the suspension is due, and 300k is edgeing up to the point where rebuilding the engine is not out of the queston.

No offense but I will be frank:
All of the cars you are posting are great project cars. They are all about the same; higher mileage, no maintaince records, problems, beat. Every car you posted will need a bunch of work.

Some are better then others if the body is nice on the 300SD then with a bit of work you could have something, same with the wagon. With the wagon assume the worst when buying (head gasket) and be happy if it is something cheaper.

A member on the diesel forum picked up a very very nice 300D a few months back. $2,800 nice paint and interior, under 200k, with lots of records. Very nice car, he got a lot for his money.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks Hat for the input. That is why I was concerned about the 300SD was the mileage- diesel or not- that is a lot of miles. You may remember a while back I was considering a local 84' 300SD, with 336K. It was a 1-owner car, with ALL records- garage kept, 100% rust free, but it had the bad engine shake at idle and the transmission was very jerky.

I am going to forget about the wagon I think. It has about 250K- needs the rear suspension work and who knows what else with the temperature guage. I have been told it could be anything from a head gasket, radiator or thermostat. Its not worth the risk I do not think.

The 300SDL is still a possibility. If I can get it for $2900. I may get it, but anything over that- I will forget it, because it too has 263K. I will know tomorrow if the person that offered more will get it or not.

Another strong possibility is a 91' 300SE 4dr with 171K close to where my uncle lives. The car is in VGC- inside and out. He is asking $2700 firm for it. Again, no records, but it looks like a very well cared for car. No leaks or oil burning- but again, it is 6 hours away. The only problem mentioned with this car is that the HVAC controls are "tempermental"- meaning it requires frequent adjustments to get the setting where you want it. Seems to be a common Benz trait.

The only local Mercedes I have found within the range I want to spend are the older 70s models and the black/black 82' 300SD for $1800. There is also a local 85' 190E, but I have not checked it out. I really like the S-Class sedans, rather than the smaller models.

I have found a few within a 200 mile range I may also check out.

OK- the 300SDL is out. It was a strange auction, as the high bid kept going up and down. Some of the bidders kept cancelling the bids. It was @ $2800- which is when I said it was looking like I was not going to get that one, then it went back down to $2400, because of cancelled bids. Then this afternoon, it had dropped down to $2075. So, I was thinking maybe. 2 hours before the end, it went back up to $2600, then $2700. 10 minutes before it was up to $2750, then $2800. I did not even bother bidding. Then, during the last 15 seconds, the bid rocketed to $3407. With 263K, I thought that was a bid much. Whats funny is that his reserve was a mere $1900. Too bad it was not advertised locally for that, or I would have been there in a second, but with 263K, I am sure it was time for something to go... or at least that is what I keep telling myself.

Now, I am really thinking of the 1991 300SE for $2700. These seem to be good cars from what I have researched here. This car has 171K, but is very nice and is rust free. Engine stated to run smoothly, as well as the tranny. Needs some minor trim work, but the interior is fine, except for some cracking of the wood near the shifter and some wear on the front driver seat.

The 90 300TE wagon I still feel like I should not completely rule out. Yes, it needs the rear struts/spheres (whatever they are) and like Hattaras has said- they are expensive, but I am thinking I could let these go for a while- depending upon how bad they are. The temperature guage problem from what I have been able to gather is more than likely a faulty sending unit (NABD). This car is $2000. I think if I spend $1000 in repairs, it would be a good car, but for $3K, that would buy me the lower mileage 300SE, in better shape.

There are a couple of other 300SD's fairly local I may check out as well.

I think I should just stop worrying and buy a MB, then if something happens to it- well, it just happens- its a risk when you buy any car- even new. I have seen brand new cars have something go on the fritz.

Thanks again guys for the replies/advice.

[QUOTE=86560SEL]
The 90 300TE wagon I still feel like I should not completely rule out. Yes, it needs the rear struts/spheres (whatever they are) and like Hattaras has said- they are expensive, but I am thinking I could let these go for a while- depending upon how bad they are.

I think I should just stop worrying and buy a MB, then if something happens to it- well, it just happens- its a risk when you buy any car- even new. I have seen brand new cars have something go on the fritz.

QUOTE]

Letting the spheres go if that is the problem could blow the struts. The SLS system is not a system to ignore. Ignoreing a set of leaking spheres or dieing shocks can cause other damages and probably will double the price of the repair.

I second the last paragraph just buy something already!
I mean you owned an early LS400 now those cars I am afraid of!

$3,400 was somewhat high for the SDL but about right if it was in good shape.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks Hat - What exactly are these "spheres"? I have never heard of them before? So, in addition to this- it also has struts? I just think that $2000 is too much for this wagon. $1500 is more like it, but I do not think he will come down on that price. I guess I could offer him $1500 and see what happens?

Well, I was seriously considering the 1991 300SE which is in VGC for $2700 and was actually thinking of closing the deal on that one tonight, but another problem cropped up that killed that idea. My problem is that it is 6 hours away and with very ill grandparents- which I help out with, it is impossible for me to get away that long- in addition, I would need my father to take me up there to get it and he is needed here as well and cannot be gone for 12 hours at this time. That would be 12 hours round trip- totally out of the question. Initially, it was willing to meet me closer- where I would only have to drive about 3 hours (one way), which I could do, but something happened and now that is not possible. This was a possible problem I was aware of in the beginning, but I thought it could be worked out.

Now that this has happened- it is making it easier for me to just bite the bullet and get the fairly local 86' 560SEL I posted above for $2000. Everyone keeps saying it is a money pit and it could very well be- which would be my luck. I really love the look of the extended wheelbase S-Class, but if I have to put $$$$ into it, probably not worth it, but then again, it may be a mechanically perfect car that would last another 100K without woes, but who knows?

You have a good memory Hat- remembering about the Lexus I had. It was a potential money pit. The front suspension bushings were going out, as were the front struts. My A/C was on the fritz, which was going to be a $1400 repair. I can say that the electrical was still in perfect working order- no issues with anything, exept the radio was going bad. Engine and tranny was still silky smooth- no leaks or oil burning- which was pretty impressive. I liked the fact that it was a non-interference engine, so I had some comfort knowing that if the timing belt snapped- it would not destroy the engine. Parts were very high- I did not have to do anything, but I checked on prices on some items. Starter replacement on my aunts LS400 was a $1000 repair.

Shock Absorber Sachs IN STOCK $474.32 x 2

Ok I was thinking about the W126 this car doesn't seem to have sphere's. Their only about $100 each and control the fluid on the 560's rear suspension.

From the parts Fastlane offers the W124's rear suspension seems to be driven off an even driven pump and controled by valves? I'm not sure how this system works.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I sold a 1992 LS400 last month, engine compartment had a fire so it went for $1500 to a guy who had a '93 with a bad exhaust system and two bad radiator fans.

He bought the car for parts 'cause it was cheaper then paying for repairs, I guess they're notorius for that.

If you buy the 560SEL and slowly put money in it, at some point you will have the car you want. There is nothing quite like the 560, and at the time it came out there was no better production sedan on the market.

My '89 rides and drives like the well-built machine it is. My kids and my wife love it, it looks great and I get compliments all the time. Plus it's comforting to know that if I ever get in a serious accident, that car won't fold like origami around me.

-gil