Alan:

The 300SE-300SEL was sold in this country from '88 thru '91. I've read that MB put better valve guides in this model beginning in '90...don't know for sure.

My '91 300-SEL gets about 20-22mpg on the highway and is a very nice road car. If you do alot of driving/parking in congested areas, any 126 car is going to be more of a challenge to maneuver.

I just replaced front brake rotors at 68,000.
I suspect they would have lasted a bit longer if i had done a better job of watching pad wear. These cars have the M103 motor and most either "burn" oil(bad guides-seals) or "leak" oil(various places out of the front of the engine).

Basic maint. is easy if you have diyer experience doing so on other cars. Some feel this car is a bit under-powered; there's no doubt it doesn't have the zip of a 420/560; then again, it may be cheaper to maintain. My 2 cents.

Mike Murrell