[alonkut]

Hello,
Im considering getting into a MBZ, but can only afford to do so at the used level. Im considering between 2 and I thought Id ask for some advice and recommendations from all of you who are more experienced with these cars.

The first is a 1990 300E 4matic. It's in great shape and was made before the Chrysler buyout. It has @ 130,000 on it. I've been told that the head gasket and transmission can be big problems with these. I like the idea of having an AWD too.
What do you think?

The other is a 1992 Sportline 190E 2.6 w/ @155,000 on it. Haven't heard much good or bad about this one, but that's why Im asking.

If you have any other suggested models- Id love to hear about them. Ive also heard that the deisel engines are more reliable- is this true.
Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks

 

[MRTIKKET]

I don't know if you need or desire four doors. If it's not needed, may I suggest an SEC, a v-8 coupe. Probably one of the finest MB's ever produced. Years 1989 til the end production year of 1991 is the way to go.

If you desire 4 doors, the SEC counterpart is a 560SEL, same years are the best.

The cars you have listed are too small and devoid of the comfort and conveniences of the ones I've described. Also, hands down, they are more visually appealing.

 

[jdc1244]

The 90 300 E (chassis w124) is a midsize car. The 177 bhp 3.0 L inline six is an excellent engine but prone to gasket leaks as you noted. It’s possible the gaskets have been replaced and this is not a problem. The 190 E is a compact car (chassis w201) with an inline 2.6 L six.

Both are fine cars. Like my fellow 126 owner above I am partial to the big S Class sedans and coupes with a V8. If that’s too much car, however, I would recommend a 300 E, 1989 – 1992 with rear wheel drive only.

 

[SParkyMerc]

Personally, I bought 1988 420 SEL (W126) about a month ago.
If you like a big body, I recommended that model. The price range varies depending on vehicle condition.
So, make sure the vehicle has good service and repair record.

 

[JR_Rider]

Just so you know it was NOT a Chrysler buyout, Mercedes-Benz bought Chrysler!! In theory, Mercedes own Chrysler!! Hence the name Daimler Chrysler. (Gotleib Daimler and Karl Benz formed Mercedes-Benz)

 

[BenzOn20s]

Hey i was wondering if i should get an 2000 e320 or a 1995/96 s500??? thanks it would be a lot of help.

 

[jdc1244]

Get a 126, as my indy Juergen would say: “Everything after this body type,� pointing to my 91 300 SE, “is crap�! (Of course he said it with a German accent). I’m inclined to agree – he was working on some ML SUV-looking thing with about a million miles of wire coming out from under the hood. “That’s a piece of junk,� he said, pointing to the ML thing. Sad but true.

 

[alonkut]

Why rear- wheel only? Is something faulty with the 4Matic system?

 

[jdc1244]

I don’t know - there will be added weight, I don’t know where you live but here AWD is not that big of a deal. AWD is better than RWD but we don’t have snow and ice and the added weight may be a negative.

 

[alonkut]

What about the deisel engines- I've heard that they
are more reliable and have a longer overall life- is this true?

 

[STARTEKINFO_GURU]

I am driving all current models on a regular basis. My advice: get the E320 (210 chassis). The S-500 (140 chassis) is a great car, but repairs can be very expensive. Just to change the rear self levelling shocks can run you EASILY $1000 and that is OEM parts only.
The 210 is an awesome car. See if you know any owners of both cars who you could take a ride with to compare.
Do your own repairs? The model 210 Classic-Car DVD is going to come out at the end of the 2nd quarter 2005.