BCA,

I'll second everything Ashman and Dakota said. Especially about the head gasket and transmission. I found a 1988 300ce last Dec. that had 41,000 miles. It was a Fla. car and winter used most of its life. Had an MB dealer inspect it and they found a number of problems..some big (weeping head gasket at rear of head (replaced))and some small (pin hole in rear muffler).. The seller and I worked all this out but it was money very well spent.

If the mileage is only 51k, things like the paint in the wheel wells should still be in VGC. Mine were shining like new. How clean and dry is the pan under the engine. Is the exhaust original and what is it's condition. I'd say the system should still be original. Mine is!

I believe I have read threads here about wiring harness problems with some of the early 90's 124's..some other members might know more about this.
Not sure where you (or the car) are located, but the 51k reading is not really suspicious..probably accurate..some people don't drive their car(s) a lot, especially in areas where second or vacation homes are common.

Repeating those before me, get the VIN and do a carfax. find out where it's been before it got to where it is now..how many owners, etc. If it's been retitled a number of times, be careful.

Finally, thoroughly test drive the car under as many different conditions as possible. If you are not used to driving a W124 chassis, find someone who knows the feel, sounds and soul of this car.

If it all checks out and you get it, you are gonna love driving it just like we all do. Yours sounds like everyone else's ...drop dead gorgeous!!

Good Luck!
Jim

The wiring harness is only a problem from '93 to '95 so this car is safe.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I would like to thank all of you for your invaluable info, and have to say how totally NEAT it is to have this kind of feedback. I will take all of your advice to heart, and let you know how the PPI goes, and if I get the car.
Ashman, it is in another part of the country, but I sure appreciate your willingness to refer me to your mechanic.
If it turns out that I get this car, I owe you all a couple of beers.
Seriously, thanks for sharing your expertise and knowledge!!!!

BCA

I have a '91 CE....daily driver and BEST car I have ever owned (I also drive an '02 CLK55 AMG). If the car is 'right', it will last a very long time!

Make sure to find out how many owners the car has had. This may account for some of the spotty service history.

Also, see if you can run a VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) at your local dealer. That will also provide you with valuable information on the car (whether or not a recall repair was made, etc.)

Good luck and let us know how it turns out

BCA

Let me know if how it went with the car you were looking at. I'm finally going to have to part with my 93 CE. I thought I could keep it as my daily driver after I got my 500e, but...

Wiring harness, motor mounts, all of the standard problems have been resolved and quite a few upgrades (OEM Euro headlights with wipers, remote entry, new speakers, MB battery, etc). If the weather cooperates I'll be able to get some pictures and get them online this weekend. Let me know if you're interested.

Yes guys I'm back. Been gone too long, the withdrawal was a killer!

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1992 500E

Brad, where you been? Did you just get out of jail as the result of testing the upper limits of that 500E?

To jail me they got to catch me!!

Too much work and not nearly enough play (although I have had a couple of sweet kills). No boring details, we all have our complaints. But it's good to be back.

[I]

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1992 500E

I may purchase a red 1994 E320 coupe, this car has 100K, decent service history, the car is in good shape except for a scratch behind the driver door. This car is not starmark, but have all the documents. How do you guys like this car, how much should I be paying for a car like this. This thing is a beauty.

Thanks,
Eddie

Personally, I would shoot for a price in the low to mid-teens, maybe $12K-$13k.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I would agree with Suginami.....Definitely below $15k with that mileage.

The car is in good condition, I've been able to negotiate down to $10,500, I think this is a good price. Do you think I can drive this car for a year and sell it for the same $?

The depreciation curve on this car has pretty much flattened out, so the value is not going to change much in the next several years.

You're pretty likely to get close to what you paid for it.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I have a 1991 CE.

Probably the most durable car I have ever owned.

140,000 almost flawless miles.

Unfortunately I am selling it since my family is growing and we need a larger car.

It is on ebay as of today (april 19, 2002).

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David
http://www.leonoff.net

2002 SLK 32 AMG
1991 300CE
http://picturemanager.mbnz.org/uploa...s/new32jpg.jpg

I'm sorry for not joining the band-wagon sooner but just wanna tell u fellow CE owners out there that I'm really honoured to be part of the club.
I own a white 1989 300CE which is decked out with 17" Brabus Monoblock II wheels and Lorinser exhaust.
Am constantly in the process of trying to keep the car immaculate much to the chagrin of my wife who hasn't a clue about my very noble intentions.
Shall send pics as soon as practically possible.
In the meantime............keep the tradition going guys...

Got my 1993 in 1998 with about 64K miles... car just exceeded 90K miles. So far, so good.

Any updates on a plan for another MBZ COUPES get-together ??