From forum posts, I understand that MB improved the quality of valve stem seals on the M103 and timing chain guides on the M117. If my 91 M103 is any indication, the new valve stem seals aren't good enough Also, MB went from KE3 to KE5 Jetronic. I don't know if the engine designation changed.

BTW, I didn't mean to trample on your right to do whatever you like. I could have worded better what were considerations, not attempts to discourage you.

And I've done my share of buying a $500 project car, spending $2000 to get it running and selling it for $500.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

I am thinking of replacing my 85 190E 2.3 with a late eighties/ early 90s 300 series car, between the 124 and the 126 series, so this discussion has been very useful so far. My potential picks (based on reading other people's experiences) are the 91 300 SE/SEL or the 91/92 300E (of course, different sizes totally). WHat's the most reliable 300E / E300 model year (with the 103 motors?). ALso, how does the E320 124's stack up (94-95 I guess)? Again, my primary criteria are - must be solid, reliable, reasonably easy to maintain, and either 124 or 126, gas, 6 cyl., under $20K (preferably under 15K).

thanks.

If DIY is a consideration, the W126 gets the nod. There's more room around components and the suspension is much simpler and easier to work on.

On this matter, Larry Bible has good advice: buy the car in the best condition your budget allows.

maybe selling my E320 (1995). If interested email me.

__________________
Jim

Thanks sixto,

I really appreciate your kind and considerate words. I did get your point and by no means was there any offence taken or misunderstanding.

I've had a bitter experience with my W201 and I'm just trying to be a little wiser this time round and with your help and the help of other members of the forum, looks like I'll do just fine

philipminion,

Which city are you in? if you are in Toronto, you may find a lot of W126s and W124s, when I was looking for a Mercedes in this August, I took a week vacation and drove to Toronto 3 times, visited a dozen of dealers, I have seen quite a few W126s in excellent condition, no rust at all, they all had service records from day one, I guess they have never been driven in winter, and they are reasonably priced, below Cdn 12K.

My W124 92 400E is also in excellent condition, the body shows no rust at all, despite it has 200K km on it and it has been winter driven.

I am in Ottawa, it's such a small city, I tried about 3 month couldn't find one locally, they were selling a beat-up 1987 560 SEL for Cdn 15K here, I know in Toronto I can buy one in excellent condition for 5K less.

Be patient, you can find a good one even in salty Canada.

__________________
99 BMW 540i 6-speed 110K Km
03 SAAB 9-5 wagon 80K Km
92 400E (Sold) 245K km
Still missing the days with the Benz, it kept me busy.

To carman850:

You are right about being able to find a good example in Toronto. I know from my experience that Toronto does offer the best European car selection in Canada, considering that it is the largest city in Canada with the largest population. Prices for cars in Ottawa will generally be higher, since there aren't all that many benzs in the used market there. Stay away from Montreal, cars tend to be more abused there than anywhere else in Canada. Again, my opinion only.

Just by looking at www.autotrader.ca a person can get a good idea of what's available and if I do by a car from Canada, more than likely it will come from Toronto.

The reason why I'm thinking Germany is $$. Cars there are cheaper. I may buy 2 cars from there for the price of 1 here. That's what it looks like right now.

If case you are really considering buying car for Germany try to avoid Turkish car dealers. They are more or less known crooks. Stick with well known dealers or take your chances.

Btw. German autobahns are really a pleasure for anyone enjoying fast driving. (in case there are no "staus" though..)
Usually I cruise around 130mph.

Thanks Pasi for the tip. Wish I were driving on the autobahn everyday