Hey,

I'm new to the site, but I have a question. I have always been a domestic car guy, but I am finally venturing out into foreign territory. I'm thinking I want a Mercedes-Benz. I want something something from the 1970s or
1980s, gas-powered, V8 engine, four-door. I haven't decided on large car or small car so that's why I'm asking...what particular V8 four-door car would be not only great beginner Benz, but affordable in price?? What about the 4.5 or the 5.0 engine?? How reliable are Mercedes cars, are parts high, etc. For whatever car you recommend, what prices am I looking at? If I get a car, it will only be driven a couple days a week. It will not be a primary vehicle. Thanks in advance.

Frank Slay

would make a nice car. excellent engine with the dual chain, simple electronics, no computers, no abs, an excellent ride and good handling, not rust prone and pretty easy to work on.

the acc is the most trouble prone part, and they are better than many other similar aged benz models.

reasonable prices too. look for a clean one. can get pretty nice one for $5k i suspect.

i think the 85s are pretty much the same.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

since mercedes is (and has been known) for its straight six engines I would consider one of these as a starter car. The w123 and w124 are great automobiles with relatively simple electronics (esp. the 80s models).

Just my .02

If you're stuck on the V8 I'd look at the SEC coupes (84? - 91), these are becoming collectors pieces and are some pretty nice 2-door cars. (I know you said 4-door, I just thought I'd throw this on the table since you say the car won't be used as a primary driver)

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

No small car V8s in that era. 70s-80s/V8/4 door narrows the field substantially to S-class cars - 108, 116 or 126 chassis. The obvious answer is 126 chassis. Prices are so low that you might as well go for the newest car you can get - which would be a late 80s 420SEL or 560SEL. Unless you want the power for some reason the 420 would be the way to go - simplier suspension. I believe it was made from 86 to 91. Shouldn't cost more than $5k to $8k for a good one.

My first mercedes was a 4.5 . Good workhorse. I still think I would get a six. My only advice would be to stay away from the "S" class as a starter car.

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

i would agree that s classes have too many features to maintain.

the best starter imho is a 123 body. the best 123 starter is a 240 stick.

hands down.

but he asked originally what is the best v8 to buy, and i still recommend an 84 85 500se or sel or sec (if he will consider a 2 dr.). all excellent cars not too complicated and cheap to buy now.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.