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.
Last edited by drcharlesatlas : 05-23-2008 at 04:16 PM.
sweet.. i want to get one of those when i get the cash or an ml 320..post up some pics of it.
__________________
Jippi Jak
Totaled 6-27-05: 1985 MB 190e 2.3
1987 MB 190e 2.3-- sold
1993 MB 190E 2.3---work in progress
1996 Volvo 855 GLT
I need a benz bad........
__________________ If you have more money than brains, learn that the prestige that comes with the tri-star on your car, does not come from the money in your pocket, but the respect Mercedes once got for making a quality car. Next time you see an old Merc, show some respect for a true German star.
Here's some background info:
1993 500SEL
MSRP: $94,400 (the cheapest of the 5.0L V-8 W140)
Sold in US: 3.833
315 bhp @ 5,600
347 lb-ft @ 3,900
10:1 compression ratio
4,830 lb curb weight
26.4 gal fuel tank
7.5 x 16 rims with 235/60 ZR rated tires
Here's some background info:
1993 500SEL
MSRP: $94,400 (the cheapest of the 5.0L V-8 W140)
Sold in US: 3.833
315 bhp @ 5,600
347 lb-ft @ 3,900
10:1 compression ratio
4,830 lb curb weight
26.4 gal fuel tank
7.5 x 16 rims with 235/60 ZR rated tires
Thanks for the information. As a side note I noticed the vehicle was manufactured late in 1992 and interestingly the a/c was designed for 134a freon. I thought the big switch from r12 happened in 1994. Thanks again!
You're welcome. That was some serious "coin" back in 1993 . . . and would still be in 2008! Just consider what $95K could buy today.
I finally solved the ASR problem and wow!! What a piece of work at full power! I can get used to this, but the 190e 2.6 is much more utilitarian, a very able likeable child compared to the King.
A new purchase and comparison 
Linear Mode
