Amazing, amazing! Very interesting reading posts from Hatterasguy - one of the forum members most experienced on MBs, the 300SDL to be exact - when he knew nothing! I just cracked up reading your posts asking questions on cars that you now know very well inside out. :D

What actually brought me to this thread was a search for information on the 300SE. I just looked at one in pretty good shape. Most of the leather is good, interior is red and exterior is light brown, 155K, R12 a/c system blows really cold (my thermometer in the vent showed it at 44 F on the highway, awesome), '89 model. Issues: while on the highway "SRS" and "Check Engine" lights flash on and off, dies once in a while at stop lights, some cracks on the leather covers of both front seats (otherwise rest of interior is great), not many service records (just a few from the past 8 years) and vibration at high speeds (tires probably need balancing). Several months ago the car was being sold for $7K but now the car dealer lowered the price to $3K as he just wants to sell it. He said that's his best offer. I guess I'll be passing on the car due to the oil consumption issue.

For you 300SE / SEL owners, how much has a valve job cost you? List prices & hours charged if possible. Thanks.

Yeah we all start from ground zero! :D I knew nothing back then thanks for bringing this thread back up!

Now I know the W126 like the back of my hand. :D

I love the 80's S class benz' all of them

but you did the best choice for a college student with a diesel.