I've been driving 300D's and 300Sd's for a long time, but my commute really sucks. I want a big comfy car with airbags and ABS. My commute is 90% interstate and very easy on a car. I want something besides a 126 or 123.

I've found a 1993 300SE with some RF fender damage going for cheap. It's a two owner car, with 183k. The headgasket is new and the car looks great except for the damage.

My 300D gets 24 mpg on my commute. At the price differential, if I get 19 mpg on unleaded, it's a wash.

So my questions are:

Can I use 87 octane gas? I know the engine management system senses knock (I think on each cylinder) and should compensate with lower power. That's ok, I'm coming from a 300D with almost a half million miles so the power is not an issue. The potential for damaging the engine is. What's the professional opinion. Has anyone run one of these sixes long-term on low octane gas?

Second, I know little about body repair. Assuming only the RF fender has to be replaced, what is my cost to do it myself and then have it painted? Are these body parts outrageous? Even at the junkyard? Doesn't have to look perfect, just nice.

What's the likihood that this car can hold up for another 30-60K? Assuming proper previous service and on going. I see E300's for sale with 250k...

I know this isn't an ultra simple and reliable 123 diesel, but frankly, I'm ready to move up. This car is half the price of local 1990 300D's. I can buy a lot of parts and gas. I've read many posts about the 140's - not all flattering, but I've kept my cars going pretty well. I don't care if the door closers work (as long as I can close the door) or some of the other foofoo stuff, but I need it to get me there. I like the size and looks and this one seems to have some extras (headlamp wipers and a couple of switches I don't get on the console to the right of the defroster and headrest buttons - what are they? One looks like a key in a pouch and the other looks like a filled in arrow and a hollow arrow between a rectangle with dots or dashes in it).

I know it's a gamble, but I got a little money coming back from the IRS and I'm going to sell my wife's 300SD since she doesn't drive it any more (hint: it's a beautiful white one with 225k and 50k on an MB trans).

What say you? Let me hear it!

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1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer