which newer model to upgrade to, for a longtime w123 owner?

[dudemanstan]

I've had 4 or so w123s over the years, a w201, and an r129. currently have an '81 240d 4spd daily driver and feeling like upgrading to something more modern, powerful, and good looking.

I'm really attracted to the c215 (ie 2002 CL600 / CL55 AMG) as well as the w220 (ie 2002 S55 AMG) but totally uncertain whether my years of wrenching on older models will translate to these newer cars. I hear both those platforms can be very high maintenance.

Can anyone opine on the ownership of the above, or something like the early 2000s E and C classes, for someone like me who has a history of dropping engines and rebuilding most everything on older benzes?

[P.C.]

Originally Posted by dudemanstan

I've had 4 or so w123s over the years, a w201, and an r129. currently have an '81 240d 4spd daily driver and feeling like upgrading to something more modern, powerful, and good looking.

I'm really attracted to the c215 (ie 2002 CL600 / CL55 AMG) as well as the w220 (ie 2002 S55 AMG) but totally uncertain whether my years of wrenching on older models will translate to these newer cars. I hear both those platforms can be very high maintenance.

Can anyone opine on the ownership of the above, or something like the early 2000s E and C classes, for someone like me who has a history of dropping engines and rebuilding most everything on older benzes?

Can you give us a sense as to the maximum amount that you would spend to buy a car?

[iwrock]

If you've got money to burn on parts, a W220 S55/C215 CL55 would be a fun toy. If you're looking for something you can run on a shoestring budget that will blow away 60-70% of the cars on the road and isn't too small - W210 E55. No fancy electronics to bite you in the butt, bulletproof engine (M113), bulletproof trans (722.6) and a fairly basic chassis. If you're feeling spendy and wanna go fast - W211 E55. Parts are plentiful and cheap with a chassis that's fairly easy to work on, but be prepared for the occasional electronic glitch, SBC brakes with no feedback, and airmatic.

[dudemanstan]

Originally Posted by P.C.

Can you give us a sense as to the maximum amount that you would spend to buy a car?

No more than 7k, which is why I'm not sure if the early w220 / c215 is wise. Its hard to suss out the cost of diy maintenance on those as it seems most people aren't doing it. don't have a good sense of whether diy makes these cars reasonable to own

[P.C.]

There are few stories about early w220 owners having an inexpensive ownership experience. With your budget, I would move back to very late w126, maybe a 300SE, or even a 420SEL, if you can verify that the timing chain and guides are relatively fresh. If someone offers you a "cheap" w140, thank them profusely, get behind the wheel, and if it starts, use it to run them over...

[iwrock]

Originally Posted by dudemanstan

No more than 7k, which is why I'm not sure if the early w220 / c215 is wise. Its hard to suss out the cost of diy maintenance on those as it seems most people aren't doing it. don't have a good sense of whether diy makes these cars reasonable to own

The early W220/C215 are hit and miss. Plus at that budget, you're going to have a tough time finding on that hasn't been run through.

Definitely consider a W210 E55 or even a W202 C43. I've had a bunch of newer MBs and those have been the most fun to drive given the $$$ I've put into it!

(inserting my plug here) I am selling my 2005 C230k with 6 speed manual for $4k!

[Delibes]

I would say W210 E420 / E55 AMG, C208 CLK320 / CLK55 AMG and W202 C36/C43 AMG (fun!); if you miss the diesel, a W210 E300 Turbodiesel, or the W211 E320 CDI (awesome car) should be great fits.

[dudemanstan]

Originally Posted by iwrock

(inserting my plug here) I am selling my 2005 C230k with 6 speed manual for $4k!

link? not seeing it in your post history

[iwrock]

Originally Posted by dudemanstan

link? not seeing it in your post history

I haven't posted it on here.

PM me if you're interested... I was planning on a local sale, but if you're interested, I can work with you.

[Idle]

I once considered a W140. I looked deeply into them, spoke to current owners, some indy Mercedes shops...

Stay away. Stay far away!

I do like the W126 unless it has the twin cam six. But that's only because I don't like dealing with the twin cam six.

[oldsinner111]

later model w140s are ok,had mine 7 years now.The newer models need expensive star computers.Mine I can do all my own work,like my w126.

[gatorblue92]

I would look for a nice W124 400E420 or a W210 E55 if I was going to DD an older Mercedes again. Both should be available within your 7k budget.

[oldsinner111]

these new ones with ABS I read you can't even change brake hose,without a a MB tool to activate the ABS so you can bleed lines.Makes me think about removing control and retro fitting brake lines.I heard w210s the front wheel will rust off.

[Idle]

Originally Posted by oldsinner111

later model w140s are ok,had mine 7 years now.The newer models need expensive star computers.Mine I can do all my own work,like my w126.

I have heard other people say the same thing. Look for something 1996 and up if you must have one.

And then go for the S500.

At least that's what I have been told.

[MTUpower]

spend a little more and get a w211 cdi from 05/06. it's worth it.