New to purchasing old MB's so would like to hear some opinions. Owner is asking just under $3K and I plan to buy it. West coast car all its life. I had a fellow take at for a test drive and he was impressed at how seemingly well cared for it seemed. But I have not had an independent inspection of it done yet. owner says it has 102K miles on it and service records go up to 81K. Last owner used it daily I'm told.



Got a nice surprise when I asked the owner to take the chrome moldings off the fenders.

beautiful car.

driver's seat will need work

rust on our left / car's right engine compartment and radiator.

differential a bit leaky?

just aa few observations; not trying to rain on your parade

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"The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread."

Looks like a nice honest car....not tarted up.

The price seems ok too but have a benz expert check it out before buying. Some of the repairs can be pretty expensive.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I had seen what you pointed out. I don't know how big an issue the differential is, so that's why I need the advice that is offered here.

I don't mind the rain; I want to hear the good, the bad and the ugly.

Skip

I would certainly buy it if I was looking for one.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

Euro bumpers and headlights. May or may not be an actual euro since it has the 4.5, but it's a very clean looking car.

Well worth the $3k just by looks. It appears well sorted by these pics. Only a PPI can really tell. I have never seen one with a squeaky clean diff. This indicates how clean it really is I think, it hasn't been steamed down...

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

The cover is still on the map sensor. It's rare to see one that hasn't been adjusted.

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With best regards

Al

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I thought it might be a Euro also, but new it went to Hawaii and to CA in 1976 and has been there since.

I've heard these cars get 12 mpg, is that true?

Some of the the owners comments...

"I've been driving it some over the last week. The car started up perfectly (after sitting for 2 weeks) with zero timing chain noise. It drives beautifully, smooth and quiet."

"The service stamps in the service booklet run through 80114 miles and were very consistent from new. Vacuum door locks slow to open when drivers door unlocked - takes about 20 secs with engine running for the 3 other doors to unlock Perfect cold start characteristics. Perfect hot start characteristics. Driver's window regulator slightly noisy RR window inop from both switches Overhead courtesy light between visors missing. AC weak. Turn signal switch does not hold to right side Slight steering freeplay on the highway. Vinyl trim wrinkled passenger "B" pillar where seat belt feeds Very smooth idle and excellent shift quality. Full handbook packet."

"I'm struck how nicely the car drives. Most of the 450SEs I've seen have been worn out, hobbling old cars."

That is a DAMN FINE 116!

Do I see the antenna moved from the rear quarter to the front passengers fender?? I'd look for signs of a collision in the left rear flank.

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RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

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FACEBOOK: PANZER450

Yes they do.

The Antenna is where it's supposed to be on a 73. It was moved later for safety reasons.

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With best regards

Al

Ahhhh I see... See! learn something new all the time

I was a bit floored when I was told that these cars are low MPG cars, but when you drive that car, and stop at a light and people go out of their way to look, that 12mpg is worth it.

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RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

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FACEBOOK: PANZER450

Yeah, maybe right now but when a gallon hits $4.50 again, they may look at you differently

Seriously, when gas was that high, I still drove my 6.9 3 days / week. It's still cheaper then what I paid to fill my 90 BMW 318i back in England.

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With best regards

Al

No wonder guys that drive classic MB's V8's are trying megasquirt.