Was this a decent car? Any known major issues? What would be decent price for one with 80K? I'm considering one in good condition but don't know much about them.....Thanks in advance.

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1982 300SD
1967 250S
...what was I thinking......

Better be a good mechanic. head gaskets can be a problem... Depending on the year, if the wiring harness hasn't been redone, don't touch it with a 10 foot pole, unless you have an extra $600 and the knowledge to install it... Ball joints and tie rods can be an issue every 60k...
The T hose just behind the engine on the drivers side has a problem with having the plastic break... Leads to big problems if you don't shut the car down in time...
Depending on the year, the Tranny can have issues... 97+ is better...
What options does this car have??
The duovalve can sometimes have problems with one side not opening... requires replacement of the whole assembly...
Evap core was a huge problem.... And really expensive time wise to fix. If you can DIY, it's not bad money wise....
Other than this list, it's a pretty damn good car.... I like mine...

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All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing.

Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor

'95 S320 LWB
'87 300SDL
'04 E500 wagon 4matic

1993-1995 will have bad engine wiring harnesses and should probably be avoided.

I'd look at the latest year possible, 1998-1999.

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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".

They are great. My friend just sold his, never really had a problem with it. They also return pretty good mileage.

Just buy the best example you can, 97-99 are the years you want.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I toyed with the idea of an S320 for about one year. Finally decided on the BMW...........280 hp..........better looks..........and better fuel economy.


It wasn't a hard decision.

wiring harness is not that big of a deal and few nice ones are still actually rolling around with them. Maybe its more involved with W140s versus W124s?

The only horrifying job I hear about is the AC evaporators.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

It's a 1997. I've had an '83 300SD, a '77 450SE and a '66 250S. Generally, they were all good cars. I do know that many years are hit or miss. I need something reliable. What would you all advise for a reliable MB for $10K or so?

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1982 300SD
1967 250S
...what was I thinking......

For $10k? A 2000-02 E320/430.

Can't beat a well sorted W210.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The best choice is a '99 E300. Find one with as few miles as possible (ideally less than 75K).

I don't know I rather change spark plugs than pay Metric to extract glow plugs.


I doubt my friends head will leave Metric for less than $1,500. Havn't heard the final total yet...

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Depends what you mean by "reliable"?

Are you looking for something you can maintain yourself, or are you looking for something where you never have to open the hood?

I mean I don't mind doing a tune up, I don't want to be swapping a tranny.
I used to do ALL my own work. I even welded new cross members into my 250S. I just don't have time for it anymore.

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1982 300SD
1967 250S
...what was I thinking......

OK, then I agree that you probably want a fairly new e-class. Just shop for the best low mileage car you can find for your price.

Anything I would buy is likely to need a tranny replaced to make it "reliable."

The lifted skirt and perfumed inner thigh of the W140 simply keep me from ever totally ruling them out. I fear the evap more than any other issue. I'd rather replace the tranny.
I am also teased by the big body Bimmer, but would prefer a 735 to the 740. Would rather keep those cylinders all in a line......

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

For $10K, I agree wholeheartedly.

I'd look for a 2000-2002 E320 / E430. The W210's have proven to be among the most reliable MB's ever produced.

The 722.6 5-speed transmission was completely sorted out by 2000 and bullet-proof. The a/c system almost never goes bad (evaporators don't leak like they do in W140's), the engines don't have oil leaks, the and the wiring harnesses are fine.

I have a 2001 E430, and I am averaging 19.7 mpg in mixed driving. In 100% freeway driving, I get 25 - 26 mpg. Not too shabby for a V8.

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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".