i agree about parts prices; I get teased and laughed at all the time by my non Mb friends. They say what are ya gonna do when something breaks and have to spend a fortune...I just smile and walk away, knowing what i know now from this website: I have always been able to find an inexpensive alternative to every maintenance issue that has come, and if you really want to compare; I've been several times to the dealer and was shocked to find the part i needed was at a very reasonable price, considering what these cars give back...and besides, the leather couch and starbucks coffee was really nice while I waited for the part....TRY THAT AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP....

yeah:P its something youll have to deal with on any vehicle the real question is will you love the car you choose?

rstl99, the line at the fuel pressure regulator is a fuel bleed line to the breather hose in case the FPR diaphragm fails, not a vacuum line. You may want to have a MB-trained tech evaluate that 1990 300E so you get a more accurate assessment of its condition. A tech unfamiliar with MB automobiles may miss some obvious problems.

Thanks Fred. Indeed, if I decide to go forward with this car I'll insist on having it assessed at a reputable MB shop (dealer?). Based on what you say, if that line is compromised, it could result in leaking fuel around a hot engine, which could spell F-I-R-E ?? I know next to nothing about the MB gas engines, so should educate myself a little bit I suppose! :confused:

I would also request that a good check be done of head gasket symptoms (compression test, coolant pressure test). Any other useful tests recommended to assess proper engine health on those, if I am going to ask a shop to check it out?

I agree on the PPI or at least a very thorough inspection by someone who know Benz's. I wouldn't pay more than $3k in this economy, but there are lots of 300E's for sale where I live. I disagree with worrying about the head gasket, I have 2 300E's with over 200k and only one of them needed a gasket because it overheated in Las Vegas 100+ temps. Cruise control may only need an amp but they aren't cheap if you really want CC. Other things to check are: all the vents work and if the AC is working properly, not just blowing cold air. If you buy it, have the fuel system flushed, get a new OVP, fuel relay, and replace the alternator regulator.