Which early Coupe to buy?

[jtoon58]

I am looking to buy an early coupe, either 200 or 300 series. What model would you recommend. I am looking for the most relaible, ease to support, and live with. Would appreciate any advice/experiences you may have had.

[POS]

You'll need to first decide whether your after a w111 coupe, a w115 coupe, or a w123 coupe. Then, you'll need to decide gas or diesel. My recommendation would be a w123 280CE - reliable, fun to drive, quite quick, easy to work on, timeless.

[alabbasi]

W114 280CE is also very good looking and a great drive if you can find them.

[vipercrazy]

if your gonna take it out of the garage and then drive it, the only car to get would be the 123 280ce

[Graham]

Originally Posted by vipercrazy

if your gonna take it out of the garage and then drive it, the only car to get would be the 123 280ce

My choice would be a W123 300CD if you want trouble free driving.

[pch2021]

here are all the facts:

How much are you looking to spend?

the w111 coupes mean about a $15k-30k budget. The 220SE is certainly a great car, if a bit underpowered. The best pick of the 111 is the 6 cyl 250SE or 280SE.
The 280SE 3.5 can be expensive, but fun to own.

The 250C and 280C are ok, too, but the best of the lot is the '73 280C. NO emisisons, great bumpers, sweet inline 6.

the 250C can be a bit of a bear with its zenith carbs. Don't covert them to webber's either. Then you will really regret it. But a 250C set up right is a nice car to own, if a bit thirsty.

the 250CE and 280CE are Euro models with d-jetronic injection. These are superb cars.

the later 123 280CE and 300CD are nice to won. The 300CD is really a better car, but if you see a good 280CE, it is certainly worth buying if is solid and has no issues with its engine or interior., body, etc.

The 280ce is typically affordable, and there was also a euro 230CE.

The 380SEC and 500, 560sec are also nice cars. Well kept ones cost upwards of $6,000.

[thebenzbar]

I concur with Pierre... good advice and a fairly unbiased opinion, IMO
Now go find & get a coupe YOU like, and have fun with it... you'll be hooked.

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by pch2021

here are all the facts:


the 250C can be a bit of a bear with its zenith carbs. Don't covert them to webber's either. Then you will really regret it.

Zeniths can be worn/warped and thus trouble, but the Weber conversion works well. I'm quite impressed by the set on my car, and have observed two other M130 engines with Weber conversions over the years that also ran quite well.

Jim

[Q45Denver]

Originally Posted by jtoon58

I am looking to buy an early coupe, either 200 or 300 series. What model would you recommend. I am looking for the most relaible, ease to support, and live with. Would appreciate any advice/experiences you may have had.

I may be biased but I would go with a low grill W111 280sec. Second choice would be a 250sec. Condition would be more important than a specific model. If you are looking for a reliable daily driver I would go with the best W124 300CE or 560sec you can afford. My second choice would be a W123 300CD.