What is the easeist MB for a beginner to work on?
 

Hello everyone,

When I get back from college for my summer break, I was planning to start work on a 'new' car.

Now, please be advised that I do not want the project car to cost more than $1500... I know its low, but I think it can be done. :o ($1500 is for the initial car, this does not include parts price and outside labor cost!)

I am looking for a car that is VERY VERY DIY friendly. So, I am guessing a 4 banger? maybe an inline 6?

I would like to stay away from a W124 as I already have one, it's my primary car, I love it, my 1989 300E started as a project, I mean, it was running, but it was in rough shape... I BROUGHT IT BACK!! WHOO! (It honestly did not require much, needed OVP, front suspension work, wood refinishing, my own touch of gauge faces, new shift knob, new spark plugs, new distributor rotor and cap, new cosmetic parts everywhere, new antenna mast, headlight doors, brake pads, lots of cleaning and love... ) Still needs flex discs and motor mounts...

I plan to have any major work like piston rings and valve guides done by a professional, as I do not have the proper equipment for that...

I just wanted to ask you all, which Mercedes-Benz would you reccommend I purchase? Is there a 2 seat roadster I could afford? Could I do a vegatable oil project in this budget?

How about a different make? (I want a fun and somewhat unique project, so no friggen Civics or CRXs please! :-))

If you have experience, how about an older BMW 3 series, 5 series, or 7 series? We used to own a 1982 733i, I fell in love with that car! But we sold it because it was ugly(needed a paint job). So my mom kept complaining and finally my dad sold it... Had lots of electrical issues, HVAC offline, weird buzzing sounds... etc.... Never had time to fix it up... That was because this car was meant to be my brother's fun car... but he lost interest and this was before I even got interested in fixing my own cars and all....

83 240d or 82
 

stick

hands down the simplist and most reliable and most cost effecient

get crank windows and no sunroof if possible


tom w

Does the 82-83 have ACC? I'd go a a year or two older for an AC temp control knob vs the newer thumbwheel. But that's nitpicking.

Sixto
87 300SDL

no acc
 

at leat i have never seenone so equipped.

tom w

actually a 68 to 72 or so 220 with manual steering and no ac would be simpler. but rarer to find.

tom w

The heater blower of a 115 is a PITA to get to. Some cut the firewall to simplify R&R.

We're kinda forgetting the maintenance history aspect. A car that's been neglected will need more work than a car that's been properly maintained. Even in the $1500 range it's possible to find a car that's had the major items serviced recently vs a car that looks pretty but needs front end work, rear wheel bearings, tranny service, etc.

Sixto
87 300SDL

Pre-94 with the horrors of all the added electronics! ;)

I've got the 71 220d and an 83 240d. both manual tranny. the 71 is definately faster than the 240d, but it is a sweetheart of a car, as is
the 71. Long trip: 240D; short trip: 71. good luck!!

I would have to say that the 190e is a very easy/straight forward car to work on. If you'd like to do a vegitable oil project an 84 - 85 190e 2.2D would be an ideal choice. I am positive that you can find one of these in decent shape for under $1500. Might even find a manual transmission! If you didn't want the vegitable project an 86 - 88 190e 2.3 would be a good choice. 4 cylinder power, cheap, reliable, and easy to work on.

If you're looking for something different go with a 300 CE (turbo or non). They are extremely easy to work on and have that classic Mercedes look. I've got an Ivory non-turbo 78 sitting behind my shop Just begging me to restore it. These cars are an absolute pleasure to drive. Also if you can find an early w-126 style SEC these cars are awesome fun. W-126’s were the last of the DIY cars from Mercedes. For a Build on a budget how about an early 380SEC with a small block Chevy?

ford
 

would be a better fit. they are a lot narrower than the mouse, about the same as a mb v8 i would think.

tom w

FORD???? Who puts a small block Ford in anything?

carrol shelby
 

for one. you know, 289 cobras and gt 350s.

i have wanted a small block ford since the sixties. but have never yet.

tom w

Thanks to you all for the suggestions.

Does anybody recommend a non-MercBenz car?

I just want to see what people think about other cars too...

(I know that most will say MB only, this is after all, a MB forum. :D )

Oh man, would I kill for a Shelby GT500.... yeah, thats right, just like the one from Gone In 60 Seconds... awww yeah.....

Everyone on the brickboard.com forum likes the Volvo 240 cars.

True - if you think Mercedes owners have gone sour try Brickboard sometime - seems like about three-fourths of Volvo owners are nostalgic for the old rear wheel drive models.