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  #1  
Old 01-13-2001, 05:13 PM
dug
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OK I have finally convinced my dad that his '99 accord coupe is boring. He says that he'll sell his accord and buy a used MB if I can find one under 13K that is not as slow or as small as my '85 190e. He wants a quick and responsive car that is fun to drive but does not guzzle gas. I was thinking maybe a 300CE might be best but I have never driven or ridden in one so I don't really know. What was the first year that car was produced? I thought about a 90 to 93 2.6 190e, but i think that it will be too small if it has the same interior space as my '85. He said that he liked the appearence of the 300e. How does the 300e handle? Is it nimble and quick for its size or is it as slow as my 2.3?
If you can help me out thanks
later
doug

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  #2  
Old 01-14-2001, 04:08 AM
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The CE was introduced in 88. I have one with 125k miles on it. They are very reliable. They are quick (much quicker than the 2.3), but the earlier Mercedes models have that dead pedal feel. They'll keep up with anything once in motion.
You should look into the 24 valve models or the 92+ that have the 104 engine, like the one in a C280. However, I doubt that you'll find one under 13k with low mileage.
I recently sold my 90 300E with 65k miles on it for $12k.

They have excellent handling abilities. Especially if you do some mods like springs and wider rims.
I want to post pictures of my CE, but I recently sold my 17" chrome Monoblock II rims. Stay away from chrome, doesn't last. Anyway, the car looks kinda weird with the aero kit and stock rims. I'll post some pics when I get my new rims.

Good luck with the car hunt,

Vin



[Edited by vinamg on 01-14-2001 at 09:56 PM]
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  #3  
Old 01-14-2001, 09:52 PM
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The 300E is a very well balanced car, it seems like I can do anything with my, car. I love the nimbleness of my 300E. The 300E is a great size, and is considered by many as the "one of the finest sedans ever produced". I think it was Money Magazine that rated the 300E as a best used car buy. Trust me you'll love the 300E, mine grew on me.
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  #4  
Old 01-18-2001, 12:35 AM
ocpdba
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Doug,

Check out the 92-94 400e. I have one, and it is a sweet, low profile screamer. Might have to work to find one under 13k, but might find one for 15k or so.

Imagine taking your nice 300e to the hot rod shop and getting a 275 horse 4.2 v-8 dropped in, along with lowered suspension and body mods.

Everyone loves this car, it is fast and has that great late-model MB musclecar look. Plus, most drivers mistake it for the 300e, and surprise!

Very reliable, 20 mpg, should last a long time since the engine has so much power it just loafs along.

Jack
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  #5  
Old 01-18-2001, 12:47 AM
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I would agree with ocpdba on the 400E, I am looking for one right now. Maybe not quite the handling of an early 300E, but lots more power, and comparable highway gas mileage because of the more economical final drive ratio. My tech says they don't have the potential for bothersome oil leaks and head gasket problems like the 6 cyl cars, but do cost about 2x the tune up price because of 2 dist. caps, 2 rotors, and 2 more plugs. He says they are at least as reliable as the 6 cyls. Only problem the 92-94s go for 18-20k in SoCal with avg miles on the clock, and I have seen a couple of privately sold at $26k with low miles! Getting close to a new C240 at that price.
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  #6  
Old 01-18-2001, 12:55 PM
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Yes, John...

...but would you really want a C240 instead of a 400E? I know Larry Bible really likes his (w/5 speed). I drove one and didn't really like it, when compared to my 300E, and I think with the new C-class you'd be compromising yourself with respect to the size and cargo capacity of the E class that can be attractive. Your Golden wouldn't be as comfortable in the back of a C-class and I don't think there's as much room in the trunk for kibble. I would ask a C240 owner (Larry?) to correct me, but I also don't think that the C240 would be as quick as a 400E. [BTW, John, if you find your 400E before June and I can go, I'll fly down to SoCal and pay for much of the gas for the drive to Georgia (remember your offer about the 500E) to get to know the car....]

Doug: I think that the 300E as sold out of the box was a nearly perfect compromise/composite of: agility, interior size and comfort, cargo capacity, fuel economy, looks, build quality and reliability. Mine continues to grow on me to the point that, as John knows, I want a 500E. If I didn't have 2 kids, 2 dogs, 3 road bicycles, a spouse and clients who expect me to drive when I host them for golf, I would (heresy for this forum, I know), prefer a 6-cylinder BMW Z3 or an M3 coupe. The spouse problem would be that she'd always be out the door first with the Bimmer keys... But real life intrudes. If I were given $13K to buy a car, with patience and diligence, I think here in NorCal I'd be able to find a very, very satisfying example of a 300E or even a 400E. For some idea of what people are offering and asking in your area, hang out at cars.com or autotrader.com for awhile. You might be surprised.

Good luck
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  #7  
Old 01-18-2001, 01:00 PM
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Who would want a C240 over a 400E. I really like the 400E however they can't be found for 13K 15 maybe, if you're lucky and the car is not in great shape. you can get a nice 300E for 13K, however not so with a 400E. I'll be skipping the 400E and be moving right up to a 500E, because of extraordinary power, handling, and the exclusivity of a Porsche/Mercedes hybrid.
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  #8  
Old 01-18-2001, 01:25 PM
Grapes
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I got a buddy of mine that is selling his MB

It is a 1989 420 SEL
It has 70,000 miles on it
Its in great condition, and the color is white.

If your interseted let me know...

He might give it to you for under 13K
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  #9  
Old 01-18-2001, 01:27 PM
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I recently purchased a 1994 E420 with 99,000 miles for $17,700. Absolutely pristine inside and out, with new tires, new front brakes. After replacing the radiator, I think this car is poised to go at least 250,000. The way I see it, even if I have to rebuild the head, the bottom half is totally bulletproof, so the car might just go to 400,000! Anyone in So Cal might want to check out acvwholesale.com, who is located in San Diego. Probably the best part of the sale is the relationship they have with a local repair shop, so that you only pay wholesale on maintenance and repairs. It probably trims 30-40% off of parts and labor, which brings maintenance costs down to the price of a boring Japanese sedan.

I couldn't be happier.
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  #10  
Old 01-18-2001, 01:37 PM
ocpdba
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The w124 e class is an excellently balanced car - space, pace, build quality, looks, the whole package is fantastic. It is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned.

Once I upgrade to a 500e, I will probably have the car that I will keep forever.


Regards,
Jack
93 400e
MBCA, North Texas
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  #11  
Old 01-18-2001, 02:04 PM
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Absolute agreement on everything said above. About the only consideration that would make a C240 more attractive than a 400E (IMHO) would be $6.00 per gallon euro gasoline prices .
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  #12  
Old 01-18-2001, 03:09 PM
ocpdba
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Agree.

Be advised, Mercedes v-8 motors drink premium gasoline, but when want a little Sturm und Drang to decompress from work, you know where that money went.

Jack
93 400e
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  #13  
Old 01-18-2001, 05:28 PM
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Jack:
Unfortunately, premium is what is recommended for the 6 as well!!! However, lots of people seem to run mid, and once I didn't pay attention at a new gas station and put in regular - no pings. I usually run mid, with an occasional tank of premium and Techron. Still get about 22-23.5 on the hiway, and 19-20 around town, regardless of grade. I have heard the 400E (94) gets around that as well - what has your experience been?
Regards,
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  #14  
Old 01-18-2001, 06:11 PM
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I put mid range gasoline

in mine one time and was too paranoid to nail it. I only run premium.
Jim
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'97 CRV
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  #15  
Old 01-18-2001, 06:31 PM
ocpdba
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I seem to get 19-20 around town no matter what I do. I think they lowered the rear gear ratio for fuel economy. The .224 in the rear is NOT the correct gear for this car. Way to low, car doesn't even wake up until 65mph.

My manual calls for 91 octane, but 'round these parts we have 87, 89, and 93 octane available. I run the 93 octane just to be safe.

I am not sure that I would run the 89 octane even if I thought I could - since 93 octane is about a $.10 more than the mid-grade, and I drive 15,000 miles a year, at 20 mpg I am using 750 gallons of fuel each year, times a thin dime for each gallon, $75 extra a year to make sure I run the good stuff. Cheap at the price for peace of mind.

Anyone have comments about running too low octane in the tank? I feel sure that the fuel injection computer would dial back the timing a little to compensate.

Jack
93 400e

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