im thinking of buying a 1990 420 SEL for $2600. Its in great shape with 175,000 miles. Anything to be aware of? Is this a reliable car? I have a 1990 300E 4 matic that I love. Want to purchase this for my wife. Im a little concerned about driving this in snow ( Wisconsin ) No traction control, or 4 matic on this big boat. Thanks for the imput

Take the rear light covers off from within the trunk and pull out the trunk liners. Check for rust in the side wells. This often comes from water leaking through the rear window seals of from the rear tail light seals. The link is to the saga of my having to repair mine. It was a pita, but I learned a lot.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=124667

Make sure all the windows work all the way. The window motors are kind of expensive, but you can get used ones for about $40 for scrap yards.

Another area of rust on the W26 is on the fender just behind the rear wheel at the bumper. This is how I fixed mine. Some people just slop some bondo on top of it and paint it over, but it will come back. If there was prior repair there see if it was done with metal work.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=125002

Of course, as is important to any MB, check for service history.

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80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic

Look for P/S leaks. Listen for ticking while idling - if it ticks, it's going to ask you for $ down the road. Check the vents to make sure the air is coming out of the right places. Check the radiator neck for signs of fatigue. Check the suspension (ball joints/tie rod ends/etc). Check the alignment - make sure the back tires do not stick out of far on the road as in /--\ (looking at the rear of the car). And, lastly, check to make sure the antenna works.
btw... they don't exactly sip fuel, so maybe you should check your gas credit card too.

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09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Most important item to check for IMO (or have done if not verifiable) is the $4 plastic chain slide rails lining the upper front of the engine just under the valve covers and supporting the timing chain. These buggers when old are very brittle, and will shatter, causing catastrophic damage in all but the luckiest of cases, and the best case scenario is just one bank of valves bent, but normally both heads are worked over (repairs start at $2400 and go up to $8500 assuming block is still salvageable, if the piston skirts are busted and/or rods bent -- rare). Should cost around $550 to carry out the labor, + or - $100.

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I would look over the all car carefully.I have a 91 420 sel,bought it with 150000 miles.I now have 200000 miles and the timing chain guides have broke.They are suppose to be replace at 100000 miles.Yes they can cause extensif damage if the chain skips a tooth or two.Fortunely mine didn't.The parts are to expensive,but the labor will kill you.I would try to get any history on the car and maintenance record.Mine as traction control,and it's a blast in the snow.Common problems for that car with that mileage are timing chain guide,sunroof problem due to lack of lubrication,heat and ac problem,Wich most of is cheap to fix if you now what to fix and how.

Have a thorough inspection performed by someone who knows these cars!!!At least you'll be able to weigh the overall cost ( purchase price + repairs ) against the use and enjoyment you'll get out of it. Good luck.