That was the appeal of the '02 E320. But I really like the styling of the '95 124. (What I would like better would be a 95/96 two-toned SWB S320, but those seem very rare.)

Right now, the decision is to keep it.

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black

Reinforcing my decision to keep the car, here is my reasonable budget for essential work to make the car run “like new:”

Front Suspension: $600.00 Parts; Approx $300.00 Labor
* Left Control Arm – Ball joint is dry – currently lubricated with Wurth HHS 2000 but that will not last.

* Right Control Arm (may as well do both, even though the right is OK).

* Sway Bar Bushings, Steering Shock, and perhaps idler arm bushings (may as well do these if doing the control arms).

Suspension labor estimate applies whether I outsource the work or do it myself since, if I DIY, I will need to spend $200+ on a knockoff version of the Klann spring compressor.

Paint Touchup: $500
Remove, sand, repaint, blend and clear coat paint blisters adjacent to rear window and door trim.

Front Bumper Trim $100.00
Tow hook cover – replace
License plate insert – replace current one, which has some minor impact damage.

Center Muffler: Approx $300 parts; Est. $75 Labor
Remove old one and install new.

Total Essentials: $1,875.00


Non-Essential but Desirable:
Replace current head unit with a newer, ipod/mp3/USB-capable unit

Lower Insurance Deductible to $100.00 from current $200.00: $7/month
Reduce risk of a a minor fender bender being declared a total loss

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

------------------------------------
Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black

W210s are very DIY friendly so I wouldn't worry about not being able to do things yourself if that is a consideration. On the minus side, W210s have their own rust issues, so inspect very carefully if you go for one.

__________________
Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)

If I had a W210 i would also be replacing just my ball joints and not the entire control arms. Don't know what MB was thinking on that one.

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

------------------------------------
Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black