The cabriolet I lucked out on. I think I put maybe $750-1000 into it.

The 300D I haven't spent much on it yet. I do know I want to do the vacuum pump, the ball joints are getting done in a week, refresh the interior, update the trunk liners, updated hood and lights, etc.

But maintenance stuff is probably going to be low since it was well cared for.

Now THAT'S realistic!:)

1991 300E

2011:
Replace Headgasket $380.00 (Self)
Blown engine 1200 miles later with tow to shop...$60.00.
Transmission rebuild $500 (has always needed it).
Replace engine $875.00 for used / tested (?) Engine + $1200.00 labor to take out blown engine and tranny and reinstall Tested (?) engine and rebuilt tranny.
Praying that it works every day after dumping all this money into it...stressfully priceless!!!:(

I had to put a bit into my 300E when I got it a couple years ago, but since then the repairs have been minimal. This year all it has needed was a trans fluid/filter change (about $65), a new starter (about $240), and a new oxygen sensor. ($78). Also slapped a new belt tensioner pulley on it ($51) Just took it on a 900 mile trip last weekend and it got 28.3MPG at 72Mph average. Ran perfect the whole trip. Not bad for a gasser with 157k on it!