I bought my 92E320 in Jan 2003. It has 40K mile back then. Put in another 41K miles in the last 13 months, car still run smooth like the day I bought it, and not much different than the 2003 E320 I test drive at dealer

Here's my repair bill

* Air Mass Sensor: $230 (part & labor)
* Steering column cover get loose: $70 for labor
* Light bulb: $7

Here's my maintenance bill:

* Fuel Filter: $90 part + $20 labor
* Brake Pad (front & rear): $105
* Front brake rotor: $120
* Brake labor: $80
* 4 oil change (Mobile-1 synthetic, change every 10K mile): $75/each, $300 total
* 4 Micheline MXV-4 at Costco: $560

Here's my ...enhancement bill (zero labor, since I did all the works)

* Clarion TV & Monitor: $300
* Diversify antenna & filter: $40
* MP3 Jukebox: $150
* DVD player: $120
* VCR: $140
* New style (2000 & later) tail lights set: $250
* Chrome trunk lid cover: $45
* Leather & wood gear knob: $80

[QUOTE]Originally posted by zam2000
[B]I bought my 92E320 in Jan 2003. It has 40K mile back then. Put in another 41K miles in the last 13 months, car still run smooth like the day I bought it, and not much different than the 2003 E320 I test drive at dealer


Well, for what it costs, I hope it runs OK, 81K is basically 'like new'.

Until I started reading this forum, I thought Mercedes were the "best" cars built. But the proof that they are just overpriced gadget cars is proven here.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by inspector1

Quote:

Until I started reading this forum, I thought Mercedes were the "best" cars built. But the proof that they are just overpriced gadget cars is proven here.

That's your opinion.
Get a life dude !

bite ur tongue inspector;)
my take is that when and if i replace something that breaks after 20 yrs on my car it is very likely it will not break again .. at least in my lifetime, not the car's !!:eek:

I have owned my 92 400E for 2.5 year, put only about 45K km on it, I did all the jobs by myself, so my cost of maintenance is lower(relatively lower), I spent about $4000cdn($2920 US) for parts and material over 2.5 years, which is $1168/year, I wouldn't even think about how much it would have been if I were not a DIYer, 3-4 times more?

I have owned my 96 For Explorer for 4 years, put about 80k km on it, it cost a fraction of the cost of Mercedes to maintain, my repair and maintenance records shows only O2 sensors, heater control valve, IAC valves and regular maintenance item, the cost is about $1100 US over 4 years, which is about $277US/year. Compared with my Mercedes, it has been deadly reliable.

Guess that's why people think I am rich even I drive a 12 years old Mercedes.

roughly and from memory this is what i have done in 9years
of ownership.

exhaust- head pipe through to rear muffler x1
glow plugs x1
brake pads/rotors x2
brake fluidx2
trans flushx2
tires/alignment x3
oil/filter changes (too many to count but at least 40x..)
air filters 7 or8x
fuel filters x3
air filter housing mounts x3
battery x2
misc bulbs/fuses
rear lens x1
rear shocks x1
a/c recharge x2
t-stat x1/ cooling sys flush x3
water pump x1
belts x1
rear diff (used) x1
1/2 shafts (rebuilt) x1
valve adjustments/cam cover gaskets x2
tie rods x1

that's about it - for over 100,000 mi of service.
basically this car has been a work horse that has not required much feeding!
:D

Gadgets? My 560 has manual mirrors! :)

Got my '86 in mid 2001. It had 180k miles and some deferred maintenance, but not too bad as these things go.

My bills to date total about $1800, but I have done everything myself. So 2.5 years@ $720 per year. Perfect for a frugal guy like me. What's that, like the equiv. of one monthly lease payment per year?

Well, then there is my labor. I do not keep track, but the pay is pretty good as part time jobs go, and I don't mind the work when the weather is favorable.

Plus, getting an old car gave me extra money to lose in the stock market... brilliant strategy, eh?

LOL:D :D my wife seems to make use of any extra funds quite handily here:eek:

I spent less than $400 on repair bill, maintenance is for regular stuff like oil change, tire, and brake, and you think that's outrage ?
Are you riding bicycle ???

[QUOTE]Originally posted by inspector1
[B]

My car has had a couple sets of brake pads and one battery, but I consider that to be expected of any car. As far as things that broke on the car and cost me extra money on repairs, nothing has happened yet. It had the intake manifold and motor mounts replaced under warranty, I think.

And O2 senors last a lot longer than 60k miles.

Not counting oil changes I spend about $250 a year including replacement parts.

I ran about $300-500 in parts over the last 8 years.

The 300E I suspect will be a little higher. Bring it home after aquisition, I put a radiator,t-stat, w-pump on the car with a A/c charge.

I don't think brakes or tires are different than anything else I would drive. Come to think of it- the Eclass has the same tire as my VW tdi! Brakes and suspension stuff is actually cheaper for benzs.


Michael

I'll put my 1987 300SDL with 233k on it against any American or Japanese car of the same vintage and mileage. My moms 1986 Olds, was bought new and perfectly maintained by my dad. It went to the junk yard in 2001 with 150k on the clock. You name it, it was brock, rust, engine always ran like crap from new. So the Olds. cost less you say, 15k (I think) vs 65K (I think). But Caddys seem to hold up no better. I would never think of owning a mid 80's American car with 200k, and it being reliable and cool looking.

Here's a run down of what I've spent in the year and two months I owned my '91 300SE (parts guy at the dealership said this particular model is/was the best one out there and is looking for one for himself). 211,000 miles and still running strong.

Idler arm kit,
Strut rod bushings,
Front and rear shocks,
Tranny mount,
Antenna seal,
A/C converted to R134A,
Upper and lower radiator hoses,
Various light bulbs,
Wiper blades (all four),
Rear brake pads,
Front end alignment,
Tranny filter,
Sun visor clip,
Tires (4),

Here is what I bought yesterday and will install:

Valve cover gasket,
Washer pump,
Steering damper,
Rear sway bar links,
Coolant level sensor and electrical plug,

Still to do:

Rear speakers,
Hood underpad,

I have done all of the work myself with the exception of the front end alignment and I have the oil changed every 5,000 miles at the local Midas. Most of these items, IMHO, have simply worn out from normal useage. So far I've only spent a little over a grand and I know many of these parts won't need replacing for another 13 years. The best move I've ever made in buying a car, new or used, was to buy this one. I have a virtually brand new car for the mere sum of about $7,000.