I'm afraid I am approaching a sad day.... my 1995 w124 wagon may be on its last leg. Here are some quick figures: It has 271K miles on it. The tranny was replaced with a used one which now has 183K on it, (currently shows no sign of problem). Head gasket was done at 190K and is holding up fine. Wiring harness is fine.

Here is what is going wrong: both rear axle seals are leaking, front transmission seal at pump gasket seal leaking, engine oil level sensor is leaking. All of these leaks have been ongoing for a while so they are probably in need of repair soon. I also have a feeling the water pump is going, I replaced that about 10 years ago so I think that is where the coolant leak is, (have not confirmed this yet but it does have about 150K miles on it). There is an exhaust leak somewhere around the center of the vehicle. The car needs 4 new tires. I think best case scenerio the battery is going, (lights dim when the car is stopped with heat running). The battery may be original, (it didn't look new when I bought the car 11 years ago).

Here is my dilemma: Do I drop $2-3K in a car that is worth probably $1500 and could have more issues arise in the near future? Do I find another 95 w124 wagon with lower mileage and repaired head gasket, wiring harness and tranny? If so, it will probably be about $6-9K and a bank won't finance that. Do I get into a 2009 w211 wagon, (which seems to be the best new one out there?) Or maybe a 2003 w210 that will become a rust bucket up here in NH?

Thoughts anyone?

By the way, I averaged the original cost of the car and every repair since I owned it, (11 years) and the average cost has been $250 a month. This is having all repairs done by an Indy MB mechanic with all high quality parts.