Just recently registered with this site, as I have become obsessed with buying an older Mercedes. The 60's appeal to me, the Fintails and the various Coupes. I'm not opposed to looking at the 1970's also, but nothing after that has a body that I could live with (except perhaps, the G 500.......a little out of my price range!) Not looking to spend too much money; I know enough will be spent after I buy my car.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm a total novice at this Mercedes Benz mania. When I was in my teens and 20's, I used to autocross (B Class) and I did a lot of my own work on my cars, which were British and Swedish (Jaguar, MG TR6, Saab). I know, German engineering should be a giant step up. What can I say; I was young, and those Brit cars were so gorgeous to look at.

Also, the name of a really good Mercedes mechanic in Los Angeles who could check out possible purchases for me; this would be invaluable.

Thanks in advance,
Alexis

Alexis,

find a car with the least amount of structural rust possible. It is incredibly expensive to fix. Be prepared to spend every dime you have to get it (and be sure to haggle a great deal).

Costmetics are your next hurdle. What you will see, is what you're going to live with for a while, so make sure it meets your standards and don't expect to spend money making it cherry, since there isn't that much money in the world.

Mechanically, the rest is simple basic engineering. OK, maybe not so simple and not so basic. But if you rebuild a motor, you can rebuild a motor.

Once you've invested in the car, the next step is to invest in the service literature. It's all available still direct from factory, don't bother with Chilton's or haynes. Get the real thing.

-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

If you want a good book to read, check out The Illustrated Mercedes-Benz Buyer's Guide by Frank Barrett. It's published by Motorbooks International (1-800-826-6600). It covers all the models from the beginning to 1994. All models from the 50s and 60 are covered and tips given on what to look for, what models are good collectables, easy to repair, good candidated for restoration, etc.

Good luck, and let us know what you get.

__________________
Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

Thanks so much for the tip. I know what I want I think, but I wouldn't be able to afford it if it's in really good condition; a 220SE coupe 1961 to 1964 or a 250SE coupe 1964 to 1966. I also realize that I'm going to need something with some conveniences like AC, etc. as I live in LA. Another one that I'm liking a lot is the 1971 280SE coupe, 3.5. I'll definitely check out the book. It's mad for me to even be thinking about an older model Mercedes right now, but I am so disgusted with the way new cars look. I just had a car checked out yesterday. It's a 1976 European (purchased from the factory in Germany) 280E. The woman who owns it bought it from her cousin who was the original owner. He shipped it to CA where it has been since. The cousin was a fanatic with this car. He never even drove it in the rain, put only 50,000 kilometers on it in 10 years, and you could eat off the engine. He also wanted the car in Mercedes' Signal Red (which it didn't come in) so the factory took it off the line and put it on the Signal Red line. It's a little "new" for me and needs a bit of work (tierods, possible brake booster, front crankshaft leak) but a good car if the price is right. I'll let you know and thanks again.
Alexis

CTH, you sound just like my brother (except he is into the less expensive German Cars, VW's). He says the same thing about rust. I'm old enough to understand the bit about living with what you get, but it's good to be reminded. I am close to Mexico and since I'm not looking at this time for a "perfectly restored" car, I can always run down to Tijuana for upholstery. Many folks here in Southern CA have been very happy with the results at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for responding to my post.
Alexis

On these models, the mechanics are fairly pedestrian and shared with the more common sedans of that era. I wouldn't shy away from a candidate because of mechanical ills, BUT, when you evaluate one of these models, be sure that all of the exterior and interior trim unique to the coupe is there and in restorable condition. These pieces are rare and $$$.

Thanks for the advice, Paul. I'll take it to heart. I'm wondering if you can advise me on what one of these models in good condition should cost.
Alexis

I have heard from several sources that the front end parts are expensive for the 116 models and that repairs require alot of labor time. Also, I was thinking of a 70 280SE coupe until I saw what the parts cost. Power window regulators for this car cost more than my whole car. Also with the 60's coupes the mechanical fuel injection parts can set you back a bit too. The fuel system would most likely be one of your first repairs on an older car from my experience. Good luck!

??????

German version I would imagine, but straight from the factory??? Adress?

Tell me more, whenever I go to a Mercedes dealer I get told that my car/bus is too old for their databases.

Better than Haynes?

I'm intrigued.

__________________
306D 1975 (camper) - rusting away
W116 450 SEL 1975 - sold
W114 long wheelbase ambulance, 3 litre diesel 1974

VW Golf 1 convertable - midlife crisis item
VW T4 van - support vehicle

Call the 800 number at the top of your screen, their operators are standing by...

Or some such thing like that. The folks that run this web site sell lots of parts AND the service CDs.

There is NO reason to visit the dealer for anything, until AFTER you've checked elsewhere for the price.

-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

Um, I live in Holland, about 30 km from the German border.

Must update my profile.

Richard

__________________
306D 1975 (camper) - rusting away
W116 450 SEL 1975 - sold
W114 long wheelbase ambulance, 3 litre diesel 1974

VW Golf 1 convertable - midlife crisis item
VW T4 van - support vehicle

oops. Yeah, its says "The Netherlands" plain as day. I hadn't noticed that. In that case, send these guys email rather than burn phone time.

-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

Hi Richard,
I have just recieived catalogues from a company in Mannheim, Germany. Looks like an extensive listing of parts.
Heinrich E. Niemoller Ing.
Markircher StrabBe 6
68229 Mannheim
(Gewerbegebiet Friedrichsfeld)
Telefon 0621-472046
Telefax 0621-481151
Fa.H.Niemoller@t-online.de

Try this company for us and let us know...I cannot read the catalogue because I do not speak German!!!

Firstly cth350, I just changed my location on my profile, it was me who was the lax one.

CMC, my Germans not the best either, so an e-mail to Mainheim wouldn't benefit anyone much in the short term.

I am curious as to whether CD-roms or english repair manuals exist for my car and bus though, Haynes drew a negative.


Richard

__________________
306D 1975 (camper) - rusting away
W116 450 SEL 1975 - sold
W114 long wheelbase ambulance, 3 litre diesel 1974

VW Golf 1 convertable - midlife crisis item
VW T4 van - support vehicle

Niemoller speaks english...that is how I ordered the catalogues. I will bet that they carry factory manuals for your vehicles. Try sending an email.