This isn't really technical, but your opinions are appreciated.

My 2002 E430 (W210) was rear ended, insurance totaled car. So now looking for a 'toy'.

I have three (3) choices, all happen to be convertibles

What are your thoughts.

1. 2015 E550 - Convertible, with 65,000 miles (A207)
   2016 E400 - Convertible, with 63,000 miles (Least expensive) (A207)
   2017 E400 - Convertible, with 45,000 miles (Most expensive) (A238)

Let's assume all three are in top tier condition. Saw the E550 today and was quit impressed.

Please share your thoughts.

I have been buying older cars, and feeling like a more current car. Last car was a 2002 W210 - yep, 22 years old; good but tired. (And yes I have the 86 R107)

__________________
Thanks for the help
Bill Fisher

'86 560SL (186K) - Now a 'classic' : Registered as an Historic Vehicle
02 E430 in the stable
'14 LS460 (Lexus)
- - - - -
'95 E420 (198K) found a new home
'99 E320 (80K) (gave it's life for me as we hit a bumper)
'95 E420 (231K) Sold to a happy buyer, new to Mercedes
'90 300E (65K) Sold to an Mercedes Lover
'92 190E (215K) - retired to the salvage yard
'93 500SEL (214K) - Moved to another family, still runs like a young pup

Please excuse typos.

__________________
Thanks for the help
Bill Fisher

'86 560SL (186K) - Now a 'classic' : Registered as an Historic Vehicle
02 E430 in the stable
'14 LS460 (Lexus)
- - - - -
'95 E420 (198K) found a new home
'99 E320 (80K) (gave it's life for me as we hit a bumper)
'95 E420 (231K) Sold to a happy buyer, new to Mercedes
'90 300E (65K) Sold to an Mercedes Lover
'92 190E (215K) - retired to the salvage yard
'93 500SEL (214K) - Moved to another family, still runs like a young pup

I'd advise the 550. I'd prolly buy the 45k car..

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I assume the totaled W210 is a 2002 not a 2022.

As far as the three choices are concerned, I have zero knowledge of their reliability or problem areas, but all have relatively low miles for their age. (I'm the original owner of a '88 190E 2.6 special order five speed manual transmission, currently with 87K miles, and I know this generation of Mercs fairly well.)

So I would think it would come down to things like how long do you believe you will keep this car and how many miles a year will it accumulate.

Then things like maintenance/repair records for the specific car, if they exist, and whatever you can ascertain for each models' reliability/problem areas, and finally colors and equipment.

It does appear that convertible top hydraulic folding mechanism can be problem areas on most generations, so that's definitely something to look into.

Do your homework and make an informed decision.

Duke

I like the look of the c238 much more, the 208 just doesn't wear the lines as nicely. That said, my vote is also for the e550. The 4.7L engine can be tuned very easily over 500hp as well.

I have an earlier 2010 e550 sedan (with the naturally aspirated v8) and love it. If I have to replace it itll be with an e63 or another e550.

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

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

Thanks for the suggestions.
Duke, you are correct, the dead soldier is a 2002.
Not really much damage to the W210, but 3 of the seat belts don't work any longer.

__________________
Thanks for the help
Bill Fisher

'86 560SL (186K) - Now a 'classic' : Registered as an Historic Vehicle
02 E430 in the stable
'14 LS460 (Lexus)
- - - - -
'95 E420 (198K) found a new home
'99 E320 (80K) (gave it's life for me as we hit a bumper)
'95 E420 (231K) Sold to a happy buyer, new to Mercedes
'90 300E (65K) Sold to an Mercedes Lover
'92 190E (215K) - retired to the salvage yard
'93 500SEL (214K) - Moved to another family, still runs like a young pup

A whiff of wd 40 may free the belts.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

It doesn't take much to total a 22 year old car. My '88 190E 2.6 five-speed is insured with American Collectors with a current agreed value of $6000, but it wouldn't take much damage to exceed this value, and I check BaT a few times a year to see what primo W201s are bringing.

Basically the car is irreplaceable.

Duke