Whats a nice MB for around 3-4K?

I'm only 16 and my parents won't let me get a Corrado (drats!), the E30 BMW's look ugly so I turn to Mercedes . The 190Es look nice but I think I can get 300Es for about the same price? Are the carburated engines by MB more prone to breaking down than the fuel injected ones? BTW, I know about 4K won't get me a showroom car but my dad is a auto-painter so paint condtition really doesn't matter and me and him can fix up minor problems Thanks!