mercedes questions

Embraer · Embraer's Garage

the AMG thread got me thinking, and i didn't want to hijack it. ive looked around at other threads here on PPOT, but im looking for what some of the experts here (speeder) think about an older benz.

ive had several 60's heckflosses, and i loved them...but im thinking a more modern cruiser. looking at w123's or newer.

ideally, i just want a commuter. reliable mechanicals (small things aren't an issue). 4 doors. gas or diesel. under $3000-3500. body not an issue...would only keep the thing for a year or two.

what are the ones to look for?

fingpilot · 07-04-2013, 05:43 PM

I've had a 380SE, a 420SEL, and several 190's, all of them the 2.6.

Wish I still had them all.

My favourite was an '85 380SL, but you said 4 doors.

enzo1 · 07-04-2013, 06:02 PM

sub'd

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

300E....... or an E420 w124

speeder · 07-04-2013, 06:20 PM

There are quite a few '80s/'90s cars that would fit the bill. With normal miles, (say ~150k more or less), any of the 4-door cars are basically in that price range. Pristine examples of certain models are more.

Just look for a w124 with a 6 cyl. that's been cared for reasonably well with some service records from a private owner. Spend $100 to have it checked out by a good Benz shop if it passes the initial smell test and then buy/drive.

speeder · 07-04-2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RANDY P

300E....... or an E420 w124

E420s are gas guzzlers and so unpleasant to work on that I would not tell my worst enemy to buy one. They have several known failure issues and absolutely zero access under the hood for even a lot of simple things. Stick with the 6-cyl. models, M103 or M104 engine.

Embraer · Embraer's Garage

speeder, would you say the w124 is superior to the w123 series? i worked at a european body shop back in the day, and we would see w123's with extreme mileage. normal for 300K plus miles on them. rust was the biggest enemy in the midwest.

Embraer · Embraer's Garage

also, is the gas a superior engine to the diesel?

enzo1 · 07-04-2013, 07:10 PM

I like the 300CD but they're usually $10,000 plus, dunno what a good deal is etc,etc
Like this one.....

enzo1 · 07-04-2013, 07:43 PM

what about oil leaks, electronics ....quirks...suspension

speeder · 07-04-2013, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Embraer

also, is the gas a superior engine to the diesel?

No, but gas powered cars in A-1 condition mechanically and decent cosmetics can be had in your price range. Although I specialize in w123 cars, w124 cars were a HUGE step forward in terms of refinement both mechanically and cosmetically. You can sometimes find a great w123 diesel for a low price but most are either in schit condition and/or need a ton of work to be realistic DDs. This is not the case with w124s, although many of them are crap boxes by now as well.

If you shop diligently and are ready to pounce on a deal with cash in hand, you can find a w124 6-cyl. gas car for around $3k. Check eBay.

speeder · 07-04-2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enzo1

what about oil leaks, electronics ....quirks...suspension

Any car this old either needs a lot of work/maintenance or just had it done. I am in MN. collecting my dad's old 1980 450SL as we speak, 90k orig miles, one owner with meticulous care most of its life. It's been sitting a lot the last few years a bit neglected and there is a laundry list of stuff it needs. It's in WAY better than average cond for the year. but hey, it's really old.

enzo1 · 07-04-2013, 08:51 PM

enzo1 · 07-04-2013, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

Any car this old either needs a lot of work/maintenance or just had it done. I am in MN. collecting my dad's old 1980 450SL as we speak, 90k orig miles, one owner with meticulous care most of its life. It's been sitting a lot the last few years a bit neglected and there is a laundry list of stuff it needs. It's in WAY better than average cond for the year. but hey, it's really old.

thanks for the reply and good luck with your car, sounds nice! What about parts for the "laundry list".....Peach/pelican...I assume

Chocaholic · 07-05-2013, 04:00 AM

My 89 300e (124?), was among the best cars I ever owned. You said little things weren't an issue (AC, blower, pwr ant, etc), which is good because there will be some. Overall, very well built and easy to work on. Plastic bits may be brittle, but well thought out and parts are readily available.

Bought my 88 MB recently for the same reasons and it has not disappointed. Go for it.

onewhippedpuppy · 04:09 AM

Take a look at the W202 C-class as well, they are really solid cars. I had a C36 AMG that was a really fun car, I periodically see them for under $5k. One of the last hand built AMGs where MB shipped a W202 shell to AMG for finishing, the later factory AMG cars were production line builds.

Watch out for engine wire harnesses in the early '90s 6-cylinder M104 cars (all models), they were made of a biodegradable material that broke down with time and heat. I think they fixed the issue by 1996 models if I remember correctly. The M104 also is known for head gasket failures. Other than that they are fantastic cars, built to a standard rather than a price point.

ChemMan · ChemMan's Garage

The w126's can also be found for a good price. My 300SEL was a daily driver for many years. The person I sold it to uses it regularly now. It shares duty with his other two w126's. Properly maintained they will run great for miles and miles. The 500SEC and 560 SEC look sportier if you are willing to go to a two door.
The C36 AMG is a steal right now. I am sure with a ppi there is a gem out there.

Embraer · Embraer's Garage

speeder, thoughts on a w210 with the OM606 diesel? Looking at a '98 Turbodiesel

speeder · 07-05-2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Embraer

speeder, thoughts on a w210 with the OM606 diesel? Looking at a '98 Turbodiesel

Great cars if in good condition and well maintained, (this could be said of almost any MB), I'd love to have one, however I never have and so not familiar with their particular issues. I know they are good and drive like a dream while returning great mileage. How many miles on it?

I think that you should keep this thread going but also start one on Peachparts and/or Benzworld and ask some guys who actually own one and have put some serious miles on it. They'll know.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07:33 PM

Look at a 94-95 E320 Coupe, neat "little" cars. Most are well cared for and show it. The two main things too look at are the engine wiring harness (probably 100% have been replaced by now so not a concern) and the transmission, reverse can be problematic.

here's an earlier 300CE, same basic car, I think it has M103 engine (head gasket failure) vs. later M104: Selling 1991 300CE, Black/Black Very Nice! - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

I've had my 94 E320 wagon for year now and not one thing has broken, though I am doing a little preventive maintenance this weekend with the fan clutch. great cars.