PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 1990 300SEL- have good engines? 85 380SE (require chain replacements?)

86560SEL · #12 04-28-2009, 03:13 AM

I know this is a OLD thread, but wanted to kinda update on my history here...

Its funny, I was going back and reading some of my old posts from years ago (including this one) before I bought a MB and how I was so hesitant.... some people were even getting rude at times, agitated that I would not buy a Mercedes, but since then I have owned THREE Mercedes (bought one for $900, 85 380SE, one for $1800 84 190D and the one I own now for $2000 88 300SEL) and never have had one major issue with any of them. I did have a stalling problem with my '85 with 280K, but sold it for about what I paid for it, so that was good. Then my little 190D was a super car, but I needed a bigger Benz... that car seemed like it would go forever mechanically. My current 300SEL has also proven to be a good car. I remember years ago when I wanted one I was kinda scared off by the oil consumption and headgasket issues that plague some of the M103s, but either my car has not had the problems yet, OR it has already been repaired, because at 156K, it dose not leak or burn not one drop of oil. I have only put 2500 miles on it since I have bought it, but the oil level always stays on full and the oil stays clean. I feel I got a good car for $2000. The paint is still good, interior is nice, but has the typical dash cracks, transmission shifts perfectly, cold A/C and everything works (I hope I am not jinxing myself). lol. Aside from squeaking brakes (posted in another thread) the only issue I can think of is a seeping EHA valve, which I am addressing soon at the local MB shop when they get time to do it. All in all, I am very happy with this car and glad I held out for a LWB model... really had wanted a 86-87 300SDL, but this car is fine. Alot of people said that the LWB 300SEL is no power house and its true, but this car is plenty powerful for me. I normally only drive this car on my days off or vacation and never in a hurry. I have never even had to take it over 3200 rpms for that matter and normally keep it under 3000 rpms.

I still have my Lexus LS though (giving to my mother), which has actually turned out to be more of a money pit than ANY Mercedes I have owned. The fan bracket bearing went out, costing me $350 and now I am in need of motor mounts on the Lexus which are about $100 each and $200 labor AND valve cover gaskets, about a $300 job on a LS400 and a leaky PS pump which is very common on older Lexus'. After that, it should be good to go another 220K. Mechanically its a fine car too. 220K and everything still works, burns and leaks NO oil and tranny shifts flawlessly.

Anyway, here is what I have ended up with 5 years later... 1988 300SEL (156K miles) - I took this about a week ago around April 20th

Thanks for all of the advice over the past 6 or 7 years I have been on here.