She's 17 and she needs surgery!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

euronatura · #1 08-21-2005, 09:45 PM

OK - the topic might of have thrown you but she is still my baby!

1988 W201 - 190e - 2.3L.

She has 167K miles under her hood and she still runs well. But I feel that I need to intern her into a shop! She needs to get her whole suspension redone. I am thinking that she needs at least US$1200.00 of suspension work to make her feel right again.

My question:

Is a 17 yr old car with 167k MILES on her worth the investment?

I could easily go out and get a Kia Sorento Diesel (or something similiar) with the triptronic box and make monthly payments of 300 bills and forget about the old hag. But should I do this or re-invest in her to make her feel young?

Iggy

Tymbrymi · #2 08-21-2005, 10:20 PM

I've spent about $1500 on suspension work for my car (new everything, including driveshaft rubber, and all new rubber...). Did a 90% of the same job on my white SD that my brother now drives... only thing I regret about that is the white SD will never be "nice" to my perfectionist self. It is a dead reliable daily driver though. If you think your car will be nice and are happy with it, spend it. It will make the experience a whole lot better, and you won't have to spend >$2k and buy somebody elses problem.

BrierS · #3 08-21-2005, 10:29 PM

Your signature holds your answer . . . you love the car. Can you do some of the work yourself in order to reduce the cost or would that create more havoc? Ones financial situation enters into the equation. We all understand these are high maintenance vehicles and with that carry a certain price non-MB drivers don't always understand. Have I ever thought, "why am I keeping these when I could go back to new a Toyota and do nothing but oil, filters, and tires"? Certainly but only fleetingly. I happen to enjoy the challenge and entertainment these Mercedes offer. Frustrating at times. Seemingly expensive at times. However, since hobbies always cost something my means of transportation being also a hobby makes it more practical. Best of luck and keep us informed on what you decide to do.
Steve

wbain5280 · #4 08-22-2005, 12:13 AM

Get the proper spring compressor and do the work yourself. I'm redoing my 300SE and while it's tough work, it's quite rewarding.

MTI · #5 08-22-2005, 12:18 AM

I bit the bullet last year, with about 140K miles on an '85 190E, spent about $1K to refurbish the front suspension, Eibach lowering and Bilstein Sports all around, along with tie rods, ball joints, steering damper, bushings and more. It was worth it.

#6 08-22-2005, 01:13 AM

I think its generally better to fix what's already working than to buy a "new" car. My MB needs a little front end work. I don't drive much so it isn't a priority, but its coming. I intend to have it done. These cars are too good to let a little maintenance get in the way.

I also spent about 1500 to get my Explorer up to snuff again. Debated over and over about getting a new car. Finally decided it was better to fix the freakin thing. It aint pretty and it eats gas but the thing starts and runs like nobody's business and it goes over the rough stuff easy.

BobK · #7 08-22-2005, 12:16 PM

A word of warning. Check your timing chain if you have not don eso recently. fried had an '86 2.3 and the chain let go with less than 200k miles. She trashed the car. (actually, her teenage son had already trashed it. Whole left side was crumpled from multiple incidents). That said, they are nice cars and well worth the effort to bring back up to spec. the rear suspension is a little "new-fangeled" for me, but I'm sure I could figure it out if needed. Since I have a 124, I guess sooner or later I will.

euronatura · #8 08-22-2005, 12:24 PM

Thanks for the replys.

BrierS-
I used to do a lot of the work myself on the car. I can no longer do that since I have neck problems and can not overexert myself. Good thing is that here in Guatemala labor is not that expensive as in the states to get someone else to do it for you.

MTI-
I figure that I need new shocks all around. Here in Guatemala the shocks never last me more than a year and a half at most. I also figure that I need to do that whole SubFrame bushing mounts and all that good stuff to the rear end.

BobK-
Had the timing chain changed at 150k miles

I know that I should keep her but I have doubts that make me feel whether or not I should dump this amount of coin into a car that old.

Iggy

BobK · #9 08-23-2005, 07:21 AM

What brand of shocks are you using? I have had good luck with Bilsteins, although I don't think they are as well made as say 25 years ago.

euronatura · #10 08-23-2005, 10:37 AM

At this moment I do not recall what brand. Boge - I think? I know that I will most lilely need to change them. If I recall correctly I changed the front ones about 1 1/2 years ago or maybe almost two years ago. The rear ones have easily like 3 years on them. The problem is that they do not last too long in this country. I live in Guatemala and some of the roads, even in the city, leave much to be desired.

Iggy