My first MB, owned for 18 months. Paid $7k for one owner, 76K miles and records (including new head).

PO paid $30K new so the car lost about $2k/year, plus the work done durning that time and interest on the loan.

What I have had fixed in the last 18 months.

charge AC $105

New drivers door lock parts $354, labor $35
Seems like a lot for parts?

Muffler $217 parts, $36 labor

Flex disc parts $96, labor $105

total $948 or 632/year.

Not too bad so far and my wife loves her baby benz.


Dave
73 bmw 2002
96 outback

Yikes - its a lot for parts and labor!

I just replaced drivers door lock on my wagon with matched (to VIN) unit plus a new matched key because mine was near smooth. Total cost was £65 (icl taxes) not sure of exchange rate but guess no more than $120 US.

Also fitted myself, tools required one hex key, time taken less than 5 minutes (honest).

NormanB

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NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

not sure where this thread is heading, but the cost of maintenance is variable to the condition of car when first acquired, mileage usage, and driving habits.

for those of you who nickle and dime the cost of maintenance, just take the bus!

AW, y'all left out one factor in maintenance costs for our cars: our kids! My SEL suddenly needed flex disk after my son borrowed it to go on a long trip to see some friends. Not long after that it needed a left rear CV joint. Seems after son or daughter borrow the car, the rear tires look a little smoother. I can't complain too much. I blew a u-joint out of my father's car when I was a teenager...and then blew another one out of my own 6 cylinder Mustang years later-and that ain't easy!

joel, I agree with you in that the condition of the car, driving habits of any/all of PO, and maintenance has a lot to do with what has to be done/spent as the car gets older. Mine was bought from a 'lil ole lady who......j/k, but she did take very good care of it, was serviced regularly, and, more importantly, not abused

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1991 300SE (my ride, 279,000 miles, looks almost new
1954 Cadillac (21 yo son's car, he bought when age 15)
1972 SeaBird 19 ft runabout (old but solid, slant six, Volvo sterndrive perfect condition, undergoing complete overhaul and refit)
1998 Toyota Rav4 (my sons daily driver when he is in the Continental US, PROUDLY serving in US Navy)

where ?

add on : 2/16/04

OKAY that explains it.
Now, next time, trust yourself
Brakes are normally about 4 bolts - compress the caliper
replace pads, bolt together.
Then you will have a brake job for $20 !

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Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

Brakes pads for the 126 model are relatively cheap, however I must apologize, I have reviewed all my receipts the front pads cost $33 and $55 install. $88. The muffler cost $176.00 and not $200. so I guess it balances out, everything else is accurate.

I had the pads done at a meineke close to where I lived. I got the pads online, then went to Meineke and I was out in less than 30 minutes if I remember right.

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**A few Hondas etc... etc... Not Worth Mentioning**
83 Euro W126 380 sel Money Pit (Sold)
91 W124 300e 2.6. (Sold) 3.0 Motor is Much better!!
93 BMW E34 Touring Wagon (Sold) Sweet Car!!
91 300e (Just 200k with Ease.)Best car ever ???(Sold)
90 420sel (Black with Tan Interior) Best car ever!!!!!!!

A lot, and I've only had it a month and havn't driven it. I think I'm at $3,500 per mile.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I have'nt added it all up but I've proberly spent nearly
a 1000 euro since I bought my 190e (cost 1800 euro) but 420 of that was due to failed heater core (which could happen to any aging car).

That said it now runs smooth and quiet, as compared to the lurching, rattly monster I took charge of last summer.

Still have to get it through the National Car Test in 6 weeks though

Needless to say I'm hoping that the next few years will
see only regular maintainence bills.


Mike.

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http://img4.photobucket.com/albums/0...nd_sig_pic.jpg

1990 Euro 190e 2.0l Petrol Now Sold Maybe a w116 280se next