I own a 300SEL, if I had driven it first before purchase (long story) I would not have purchased it. They are turds to me, weight difference between the SE and SEL is about 250lbs apparently, so pretty insignificant.

They are underpowered and far too much hassle for its worth (how about 3500rpm @ 70mph worth of accessory drive wear). A 420sel is the deal currently of the gasser 126s, not a huge gas guzzler yet not a true fuel miser... at least it has enough power to get out of its own way and burns 87 just like the M103 car. Yes, I have had no problems running 87 in my gasser 126s.

My climate is very different so I cannot say what works well for your situation. I would probably look for some used 4x4 or AWD vehicle to minimize my chances of being stuck should that situation arise. Just remember two open diffs on a truck/SUV are pretty worthless if you get the weight shifted wrong... BTDT and cost me $250 to be pulled+towed out of my own driveway.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]