I would not buy either unless I could review the maintenance history of each and have a Pre-Purchase inspection done. For instance, how do you know whether these cars have used the correct MB anti-freeze? Oil changes? Transmission serviced regularly? There are predictable things that these cars need in a mileage range between say 90K and 150K. How do I know this?

I have a '92 300E (purchased at about 100K) with 225K, a '93 with 254K and had a '90 (purchased at 100K) with 175K when traded. The '92 and '93 are both factory Sportlines. All needed, A/C compressor, mufflers, '93 had wiring harness and evaporator done, '90 needed valve seals, all had belt tensioners replaced, radiators, all had head gaskets done, etc. etc. The '92 had $6,500 worth of receipts in the year prior to my purchasing it at 100K miles. The '93 has receipts for $36,000 of repairs, 1 owner and serviced at a Dealer.

I would rather pay more up front for a car that has had a lot of these items repaired/replaced.

I have found that while the '93 is faster, it is also less linear. The power comes on at high revs. The '93 is less smooth from a stop. I think this is due to the Hot Film system. '92 is a simpler engine. I prefer the M103 to the M104.

Just my 2 cents,

Steve