300SDL bought with 225K miles:

The radiator had a plastic neckpiece that broke off and spilled coolant everywhere on the highway, one day. Fortuanately, I was smart enough to notice the coolant light flash on and off. Then I watched as the temperature of the engine started to rise quickly. I pulled over immediately and didn't let it go past 105 - 110 degrees (ALUMINUM HEAD HERE!). Got to be careful, and keep a watchful eye.

My '97 E420 (bought with 89K miles) needed a XENON HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY $2,000 +!

My ABS and ESP lights came on in the car, called 1-800 FOR MERCEDES, and they told me to:
1. Turn the car off
2. Start it
3. turn the wheel all the way to left
4. turn the wheel all the way to right
5. center the wheel
6. shut off engine
7. restart and PRESTO everything's OK

My 350SD (bought at 236K miles) needed an AC compressor, and driveshaft mounts. Has been using oil quite a bit lately. Uh oh! But wait. I have the second-stage engine! Must be valve seals, right?

My 560SL needed an electronic idle control box. That's it. Bought it with 121K miles, and it had the timing chain replaced at those miles.

The 300SE (bought with 132K miles)seems to run a little lean when starting it up cold. Doesn't take the gas too well. Other than that it's fine.

But I don't care. These cars (to me)are worth it. I would never buy a '00 + Benz model. The 420 is as complex as I can stand.

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)