Hey guys. What I'm toying with is the idea of buying a second car purely for DD use. My E30 is in good condition with relatively low miles, and I'd like to give it a rest and relieve it of the duty of driving 70+ miles each day for work.

So my question is this, and I know it's rather subjective: given that I understand no older used German car will be quite as low cost/maintenance as an old Honda, which older model Mercedes cars would probably be the best bet for lowest cost per mile? The only MB I've had experience with is a W202 (2000 C230K) and I found that to be a lovely car. But for my purposes I'm open to anything.

Obviously the iconic W123 would be a lot of fun if it worked, but I've read a lot and it sounds as if they may be getting too old to live up to their reputation as one of the most reliable cars ever in 2013 under DD conditions. The W124 is also of real interest, but I've heard some things about wiring harnesses and some head gasket issues that have me slightly concerned. The W201 sounds fairly solid but generally not quite as trouble-free as some of the others.

Sorry about the long post, and I know things like this come up from time to time, but I would really appreciate the help. Anything under probably $8k is okay - less is certainly welcome, and I would definitely prefer to spend less than $6k for a very good example. For the record, I'm also of course at least considering an old Honda, but truth be told I get more enjoyment out of cars like these. Another option would be an E34 525, but a change might be fun.

Thanks!

I have a 90 w201 I am using as a daily driver. The main enemy has been rubber. Anything that includes rubber is toast. Unfortunately, that includes a great number of areas. I would guess this is true of any car this old.

Certainly. Actually, my renewed interest in MBs stems from an absolutely pristine W201 I saw on my morning commute the other day. It was black, and the guy looked like a business man on his way to work in the 90s. A really fun thing to see.

My E30's only issues for the past year of ownership have been rubber-related.

Stay away from ~ 92 to ~ 95 Mercedes anything, the engine harness insulation crumbles. It also appears the entire car is wired with the same material.

I just got a 97 C280 ( W 202 ) for Mom to drive. 97 is the optimal year, last year for M104 straight 6, first year for the 5 speed auto 722.6. 96 would be a 2nd choice as it has a 4 speed auto.

These cars have pretty much bottomed out in value and since they were popular cars there are lots to choose from.

I'd stay away from "old" cars because the local auto parts is unlikely to have much on the shelf or ability to get parts next day.

I have an 89 300e with all new rubber on the suspension. Runs perfect, with cold ac.

It's getting rusty, and I just bought a wagon. Pm me if you have any interest.

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Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

My 1990 300e maintenance has been virtually nothing after performing routine stuff at the start of my ownership (brakes, ignition components, fluids, filters). I think the only thing I had to replace was an EHA valve which coincidentally I bought from Lorain who posted in this thread. I also have mine for sale, but he gets first dibs here I suppose

If you're looking very long-term a 617 powered diesel might be your best bet for absolute cost cutting, but IMO the smoothness and refinement of the gasser w124 beats it out (I've had both) on a day-to-day livability basis.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

Then, that's the car you ought to look for used......pretty simple.....

My DD is a 2007 Kawasaki, supplemented by my '83 300D. It's true most of the W123's have too much use in them already to DD, unless you want to repair or rebuild many things (as I've been doing). If you can find a well kept low mile example, you will be able to do many more miles with little trouble. The same is true for W126 and W201. It is also possible if you find a W116 diesel that has been maintained to the gills. Newer models I cannot speak to.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

I second w123,or w126

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

Let me recommend something just on the cusp of the digital age: W210

Mine has been extremely reliable, almost disappointing for a DIYer, and the ride is great.

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Prost!

I'd have to say W124, W201, or W210.

W126/W123 if you live in an area without snow as they rust too easily.

My bro's W210 has been fantastic, he's put 8k on it in the past 5 months with 0 issues. I just completed a major maintenance servicing for him and it was quite easy to work on, way easier than a W123!

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Our 2001 E430 (W210) has been flawless @ 130K. Radiator was recently replaced. That's it.

Assuming you're not looking for a restoration project and want to get into the car for $5K-$6K with some money leftover for taking care of details, I would recommend looking at the w203 C-class. These are very solid little cars with virtually no weak points. It received a facelift in 2005 with a more attractive dash, though a model that recent might be out of your stated price range. The later C230 Kompressor and M272 24 valve V6 engines all had their difficulties, so I suggest avoiding those models. Focus on a C240 or C320 with the M112 18 valve V6.

+1 for W210 (E320 model) 28-30 highway mpg!

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

Hey guys, thanks for all your suggestions so far. Re: W124, what years/models are sort of known to be the least problematic?

As far as the W123 and some of the other classics go, I do live in So Cal so rust isn't a big issue. But obviously finding a lowish mileage, well-maintained one can be an issue.

What would you guys say a good W124 and a well-maintained W123 go for? I'm also considering these others you've mentioned; I had never thought of the W210. I figured it was affected by the quality slide.