More on 86 300E 5speed...Opinions?
 

A quick check of the maintenece records has, I believe, revealed the source of the worn 1st gear synchro. The records show that the tranny slave and master were replaced. How much to bring this tranny back to new? Any sources for parts? Am I nuts for buying this car? Stats; 112K All regular service done, new cam and valve stem seals Body had a light hit in rear bumper, 6 outta 10 in quality of repair...Cracked ft grille and headlight lens broken. Some door dings, no rust, 8 outta 10 on paint medium blue on dark blue leather interior is a 8 outta 10, A/C works well but has all the original parts except expansion valve (Stuff ready to break, like compressor, vaccum valve actuators?) All you 124 buffs, chime in! Thanks!:confused: PPS $7500$

I think I've already made my highly biased opinion clear. These are great cars with a manual transmission. It will be worth whatever it takes to be driving one.

My totally biased and humble opinion,

I agree with Larry. Even without the 5 speed, you car is worth about $7500, by the sound of it. If you are worried about the A/C, I believe there is a special oil that you can have added. I had my complete A/C done with conversion to R134 and it was under $2K. Getting the valve seals done is a $1500 job that you don't have to do. The synchro parts are cheap, (readily available, I would think), but the tranny has to come out. Two good shops in Denver would be:
Ritter Stu Mercedes Benz Technician
1250 S Inca St. Denver, CO. 80223
(303) 698-2431

Star Technology Mercedes
2630 S Broadway. Denver, CO. 80210
(303) 744-7021

Stu Ritter's old shop was Star. I didn't know he took business anymore. I would start with Stu to get a quote, he is the master.

Once you have one, you can be like me:
Mechanic: That car of yours, it's really rare, you know.
ME: I know.
Mechanic: I've never seen one before. Lots of 190's.
ME: Only 781 5 speed 300e's in 1986!
Mechanic: I hear that Larry Bible has a really rare one.
Me: no comment.