Some of you may have followed my story in the other tech thread, but if not, here goes.

Well, after selling my 1984 190D (which I loved), because I needed something larger and I am giving my mom my Lexus LS400. I really wanted a 300SDL, but no luck. Everything in my price range in these was junk. My next choice was a SEL, but I wanted a 300, rather than a 420 or 560.

I ran across this 1988 300SEL. Its 20 years old, 154K miles, so its not perfect, but its a nice 20 year old car that runs very nicely. The ride is soft and supple. It just arrived this morning, so I have not drove it much and I do not have insurance yet. The car is dirty, but I am going to fix that this week. Just thought I would share. Hopefully this car will last me awhile.

Looks good. I actually like the brown interior a lot.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Thanks. Well, I was not too sure about the brown, but after I got it and seen it, I like it and can live with it I suppose.

Very nice looking car. I bought a 1989 420SEL last year for a daily driver, until gas went to $4+ gallon. Now it serves as a weekend cruiser. It's a rocket compared to the Saturn I use as a commuter, but it don't get 40mpg! Be nice to the peddle and you'll get 21-22 mpg.

Nice looking car. I hope you have many years of luxury riding!

What a great car and enjoy many many miles/years. Another rescued Benz.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

Ugh, hearing you talk about your car makes me want another W126.

Damn my W140!!!

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Im sorry... Those W140s are nice though. I love the looks of them.

Why did you sell your white 300SEL?

I normally buy and sell alot of cars (I get tired of them quick, or too quick to find faults), but I think this 300SEL is a keeper. I am pleased with the amount of power, the ride is amazing (soft and floaty, which I like) and its smooth as silk (engine and tranny)... for now anyway. I am now aware that some of the problems that the 300SEL's exibit over time.. I am hoping this one does not show any of that for awhile. It is 20 years old, over 150K, so its not perfect, but I am quite pleased with it at this moment. Some things I want to do is get a new sending unit for the fuel gauge and change out the GREEN coolant!

Kinda off topic, I remember them being geared a little lower, but it seems to to me to be about the same as my old 1985 380SE and not nearly as low as my old 1984 190D. It would run 3000 rpms at 60 mph, whereas this 300SEL runs about 2600-2700 at 60 mph, but you cannot tell it and it even has a slight exhaust leak, but at least I can hear the engine that way.

I drove it to the mall today and when I was coming out, there was a couple pushing a cart that was checking it out. I guess they either really liked it and was admiring it, or was thinking "gee, a old Mercedes is still on the road"?