Interesting thread ..

Just a couple of thoughts/observations ..

1) Other than MB what other brands are owners
actively seeking out +20 year old examples to
use as daily drivers ?? And are these other brands
any cheaper to repair/restore or more or less reliable
than the comparable MB's ??

2) The 'consensus' on this forum appears ( to me ) to be
that the late 1970's to 1985 model years for both gas and
diesel versions are worth acquiring and making road worthy
once again ..

3) In my area ( SW Ct ) labor at any car repair facility
will run you $70-90/hr .. so unless you are a DIYer ..
expect to pay the big bucks for any dealer/indy repairs ..
The only relative cost of ownership 'winners' are the dedicated
DIYers and the few indies that will allow the customer to
provide the parts ..

I've owned the 124s and 210s in both gas and diesel versions ..
They've all been used when purchased and expensive to service
but have all proven reliable and I've never been stranded due to
mechanical failure yet A few 'beefs' .. design
a functional window regulator .. and if you own a late model
diesel 96-99 .. remove and clean the intake manifold on a
regular basis

I haven't done it yet .. but at some point I'd like to
find a well cared for 1983-1985 SD ( see the 126 owner's
thread ) and for future reference keep your eyes open
and wallets ready for the 1999 E320s ..
there's a lot of them and I'm speculating that they will
prove reliable used car buys as the years roll on and
the prices come down ..

Jim in Ct ..

1996 e300d
1999 e320