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Old 05-31-2013, 10:38 AM
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JimFreeh JimFreeh is offline
Benz addict
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Posts: 3,366
Quote:
Originally Posted by byronnash View Post
My budget precludes me from looking at too new a model. One shop said to steer away from the dual cam engines and stick with the single cam which are earlier years of the W124(?).
Why, exactly?

Quote:
Originally Posted by byronnash View Post
He had a 92 300TE in pretty good shape mechanically although it had high mileage.
Oh. Nevermind.

Quote:
Originally Posted by byronnash View Post
That same shop also had a 2002 C-Class wagon for a good deal because the A/C doesn't work. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Wgn 3.2L - Inventory | Gunter's Mercedes Sales & Service | Auto dealership in Rock Hill, South Carolina That price it a bit higher than I am looking but it seems like a nice car.
Isn't that a twincam?

Again, the W104 is a nicer engine. 30+ more HP, and better economy. Plus, a first gear start and a lower diff ratio.

Whilst I could have purchased a W210 wagon for less than I spent on my pristine 95 (in 2005), I did not want to deal with the issues that bedevil the W210 chassis. Newer technology, coupled with MBs first foray into cost cutting their components have made me bearish on owning one. (EX 1: one window switch fails, all switches need to be replaced as a unit. EX 2: Tailight assemblies melt due to overheating circuits. EX 3: Headlight switch doesn't turn on headlights. It only "request" that the lights be turned on, a computer "decides" if it's going to actually turn them on. Needless complication.)

My 95 wagon has not been problematic, and has required very little other than routine maintenance during our period of ownership (40k miles/8 years). The only big ticket item that I had to replace was the evaporator shortly after I bought it. After 20 years spent maintaining W124 cars, I'm as comfortable with them as I am with the older models.

Jim
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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles
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