300SEL vs. 420SEL. In the end, which model you get doesn't matter that much.

What does is the condition(not what you CAN see) and how much you are going to have to shell out to get it functional/reliable.

These cars are 15-20 years old. I don't care how well the car was cared for, it will likely need work and that's probably why it's for sale.

I'm rather fond of my 91 300-SEL, but I do about 80% of my own work. If you can't do most of your repair work, you could end up spending 2-3 times what you pay for the car.

Cars this age often times end up becoming cash pits.

My 2 cents.

I own all old vehicles minus that Chev, the maintainence does not scare me... I'm still on top in payments and insurance. PM, rebuild the front end, swap timing chains, pull heads, etc. Even have access to a lift if needed. That's not the big deal.

Just concerned with the quality of the 4.2L motor, I know the 722 trans is simple and have somone that rebuilds autos.

The only real downside to the M116 is that the timing chains were a bit weak. They should be changed along with the guides every 10 years or 100k miles. However it doesn't seem to be a very difficult job.

Other then that the bottom ends last forever, I was told that over 200k and expect to need some valve work.

MB makes such a good gas engine that they pretty much last just as long as the diesels.

i think
 

that the 300sel will be easier to work on as an inline motor. because of turning higher rpm it will prob not last as long as the v8, but the 300 motors are pretty well respected for durability, i think. the v8s are too, but i think a little more to keep up.

the person who said just buy the condition probably had the right idea. buy one that is very well taken care of and you prob cant go too far wrong.

tom w

Currently doing a 1990 420SEL...has timing chain noise cold.....211,000 miles....Did all steering to chassis bushes last week and lower ball joints. Drives great and quiet too.

Would not think the 177 hp of the 103 engine would be so bad though...my own '92 300E beats my friends warmed over 1984 VW GTi by several car lengths on the interstate ramp...Factory 0 to 60 is 7.9 seconds.

I've been servicing a 1991 300SEL for a while out of Texas...she says the mpg is about 22 to 24.....My 300 is 24.6 mpg on a run to Florida.

The weight of a 300SEL is 3322 lbs.
420SEL is 3520 lbs.
300E is 2948 lbs.


.You do the math.

.

those weights sound
 

a little light.

are they euro spec.s?

tom w

Picked up the 420SEL yesterday, I'll have it home on Tuesday evening. :)

Congrats! The 420 is a beautiful motor.

Thanks! :) Probably take me about two weeks to spruce up before I give it to my brother. I must say, it's a pretty sharp ride. It's a dark charcoal color with a light creme interior, very nice.