[drcharlesatlas]

For a long time I have been searching, researching and wanting to purchase an S class Mercedes. But it's not that I am dissatisfied with my '89 190e 2.6.

It was a matter of curiosity.

On Saturday on the occasion of my 75th birthday I bought a 1993 500SEL that I know has been for sale since January.

133,000 miles, black with gray lower body cladding, black interior, no rust (a Florida car most of its life), new tires and battery. I paid 3k for it. Everything works although the ASR light comes on (resolved this 5/23/08.

The guy I bought it from hardly drove it at all since the time he bought it from the original owner in 2004. He grew tired of it--it was taking up space and he was driving his pickup most of the time and then he bought a much newer S500. The guy was a Benz guy and took care of the car.

Has an issue with the self-leveling suspension which could cost me quite a few bucks although the seller gave me two new accumulators.

Without question I prefer driving my 190e. The 500SEL makes me feel uncomfortable on the road because it's so damn big. I guess it's a cruising car for long road trips and not for city driving. It is the King of the Road alright.

Right now if I had to choose which car I'd give up it would be the 500SEL.

Anyway, I have now the opportunity to make some informed comparisons between the entry level Mercedes and the flagship of the old Mercedes school.

Hope to share them from time to time.