Alright you Mercedes Elite!! What was the last car they made that an owner could actually work on without having a degree in Electrononical-Metalurgical-Chemomolecular-Fluiditical Engineering? Before the days of computer control!!

I think it depends on how advanced of a diy'er the owner is

__________________
Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

a 115 chassis 220d the easiest car they made to work on
m

I guess that description IS pretty vague. :p O.K. Let's say someone that can disassemble any mechanical component, replace the worn parts, reassemble it, adjust it and make the car run. Notice there is no mention of COMPUTER here!!

I would say a 108 chassis 280 SE (with the straight six) or 108 chassis 280 SE 4.5 (4.5 liter V8).

They are pre-smog era car, no catalytic converters, basic mechanical fuel injection with a distributor cap and rotor and no ECU, EHA, ABS, or any other computer controlled acronym.

Plus, they are not only shamefully undervalued (beater cars can be bought for $2k-$3k and wonderful examples for $5k - $7k), but they are alos considered by those at Stuttgart to be the best Mercedes ever built. Refer to this article in the Star Magazine:

Comments on the 108 chassis in The Star Magazine 1997 issue

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I loved my 108 280sel 4.5 but the efi was always a pain without the right equipment to keep it in perfect shape.

For me it was an 83 300SD - great car 240000 miles and still gets 25 mpg average with minimal care.

Here is what Frank Barrett says about the Bosch fuel injection in his illustrated buyer's guide:

"Used regularly, mechanical fuel injection is reliable. Nonuse typically cause dried-up seals, corrosion in the injection pump, and more."

The Bosch fuel injection pump usually lasts 100,000 miles before needing overhaul, which is best left to specialists. Keep yours away from anyone without proper equipment and experience."

Frankly, I don't know anyone DIY'er who can work on fuel injection. I think it is an item like automatic transmissions - should they brake, you leave it to a specialist.

Having said that, fuel injection is far superior to carburation. I know Cap'n believes he has trouble with his 300E's fuel injection system, but I believe the facts prove that Mercedes fuel injection systems are incredibly reliable.

Come to think of it, it is quite hard to find any fuel injection related complaints on this site.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

W123, 240D with manual transmission. I can have the engine out in under 4 hours and I work pretty slow.

__________________
Jim

I second that nomination!

The 1991 model cars were still DIYer friendly!!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

THE W140!! LOL hahaha not!


Not sure, maybe the w123 then the w126.

__________________
99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

The 123 diesels are a great car, a tough one to decide between the 115 and 123 diesels.

the W126 is pretty much maintenance friendly.

...and luckily there's SO little need to go under the hood!

Only my straight-8 Packard is easier to access or repair...and then not often, either.