go for the 450 since once its fixed up and looking good it will be worth a lot more money than the 190D

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

A two grand 6.9 is a guaranteed money pit. If you don't want a boat, a M100 engined car is just the ticket for disposable income.

There's a reason that car is 2 grand.

The 190D turbo is a much better choice...

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

I've got a black on camel MBtex, 87 190dt that runs and is in reasonably good shape plus a complete 5 speed changeover from a 190 gasser (trans, shift linkage, flywheel & clutch, driveshaft, dif and axles.) If you're interested. Runs and drives but the automatic skips second gear and shifts from 1st to 3rd, then 4th. Drove it home from Atlanta but we're now hooked on the 98/99 E300's so probably won't get around to this project. I still think it will be a great little car with the manual. I've got $2600 in it but now need the space more than the car...can't keep them all Anyway, let me know if you (or anyone else is interested). Car does start and drive. Some assorted other parts stripped from a parts car go with it (manifolds, turbo, right front fender, a few smaller bits).

in terms of practicality(sp?) yes.

But in terms being a collectors items and gaining value as it gets older the 450SEL is the one you want. a pristine 450SEL fetches a good amount of cash. Saw a pristine one on ebay that sold for 80grand

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

The 6.9 waterpump costs $500 from the MB dealer new, the distributor cap costs $50 and wires cost $110 from aftermarket sources...

The person with the 6.9 has two other w116 450sels with v8's for around the same price. All of them are euro, and all in "decent" shape. If I want a w116 and not a diesel I may go over and have my pick of the litter. Two of them are longbody w116s, and my favorite combination of all factors happens to be the 6.9.

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1980 240d
1999 SL500