What am I missing (MB content)

I smell something fishy but I can't tell where it's coming from... Good deals? Too cheap? Overpriced junk?

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/3841053152.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/3840959130.html

Naa about correct for what they are. With these cars being older scares of most people because of the MB tax on parts and labor to keep them going. Do your own work and shop smart for parts and it really is no worse than a Toyota or BMW.

I would go for the SEL The SEL is "only" a 500 the 560 is the "desirable" one (MB number envy thing) when in fact there is little if any difference between the two. My friend across the street keeps getting older 430 sel's They are dirt cheep because the are not a 500 or a 560. He tells me that the only difference is that the 430 is about 15 HP less. (never actually looked it up)

It always blows me away at how inexpensive older MB cars are. I know of an extremely clean 560 SEL that's been for sale for a long time at $3K. I don't need it, but I kind of want it just so I can roll like a pimp!

They have their share of problems, (some expensive-- avoid 79 models as the A/C is problematic) but if you have a reputable MB shop nearby, most issues aren't too bad. I owned a 450sl for a while and came away very, very impressed with how well put together it was. You always hear about how great the build quality is, but until you've experienced it, it's hard to explain. The 450sl was so solid, so stout, it made the driving experience very comforting, and calm. It just felt like nothing could stop it....ever. It's hard to explain how good some of the older Benz's are.

I'll have another at some point.

Those prices arent unbelievable, with old MBs the price difference from junk to driver is tiny, but from driver to show condition is MASSIVE. IIRC The 500 is a gray import deal, the 560 was built to replace it and export to the USA. Check the front sway bar for rusted ends, there are weld on end kits to fix it without dropping the bar (big job) but its a problem none the less. See if its ever had a timing chain and guides, odds are its due, thats a roll in roll out job IIRC.

I've been telling myself (I talk to myself a lot because my wife rolls her eyes when I talk cars!) all the things that you guys said.

It's just that I have a bad habit of believing myself. Especially when I try to convince myself that I could own one of these as a DD. I do 80% of my own work maybe more...

We've had 3 older Benzes, all I6, no V8. '77 280E, '89 190E 2.6, and '88 300TE.

All were screwed together amazingly well and drove better/more quiet than most newer cars.

ebonyandivory wrote: Especially when I try to convince myself that I could own one of these as a DD. I do 80% of my own work maybe more...

You can!

Keep in mind though that they are gas sucking pigs. Not a cheap car to own if you have a long commute. I do love the fact that they aren't disposable like nearly all modern cars.

Joe Gearin wrote: You can! Keep in mind though that they are gas sucking pigs. Not a cheap car to own if you have a long commute. I do love the fact that they aren't disposable like nearly all modern cars.

Who cares if it gets 19 mpg, IT HAS GREASE ZERKS ON THE DOOR HINGES. The trans has a rear pump, so you can push start it, all other cars deleted that feature in the mid 60s. This is a car built to last as long as possible, its the last of the mechanical S class Mercedes.

the problem is the models you are looking at people just look at them and say its just a old MB they do not look classic let. back in the 80's you could buy them from the 60's and 70's dirt cheap but not now. i think some of the nicest cars in the 2k to 3k range are these benzs. i look at them with good mileage and great condition all the time

i use to buy these all the time for less than a grand i wish i could now

Kenny_McCormic wrote:

Joe Gearin wrote: You can! Keep in mind though that they are gas sucking pigs. Not a cheap car to own if you have a long commute. I do love the fact that they aren't disposable like nearly all modern cars.

Who cares if it gets 19 mpg, IT HAS GREASE ZERKS ON THE DOOR HINGES.

Do those big Benzs even get 19mpg?

Our 190E 2.6 gets about 20 in mixed driving.

In reply to 93EXCivic:

My bad, make that 16, on the highway, if the EPA is to believed.

My 560 was gallons to the mile but then again I had a lead foot. Great car!!! Seeing this makes me want to start looking again at them. Is there any reason to try and MS one of these? Wait .. ... a 430 SEL with MS and some kind of forced induction.. . .. . . . I think I need professional help.

The only real downside of mercedes is they are pretty thirsty. The cars are basically not worth anything if you can live with the gas mileage and don't mind doing your own repairs they are good. Parts aren't that expensive if you shop around or buy used.

Some parts on the older mercedes are made to be repaired, if a window switch breaks pull it apart, clean contacts reassemble. The only real issues is cars with the AC II system is supposed to be a bear, I think someone makes a servo upgrade which ain't cheap. Mercedes used vinyl called MBtex which is one of the best wearing fabrics ever used in cars.

Thats it!

Fuelly is saying about 15mpg average.

cutter67 wrote: the problem is the models you are looking at people just look at them and say its just a old MB they do not look classic let. back in the 80's you could buy them from the 60's and 70's dirt cheap but not now. i think some of the nicest cars in the 2k to 3k range are these benzs. i look at them with good mileage and great condition all the time i use to buy these all the time for less than a grand i wish i could now

In california those are pretty much straight to scrap cars unless they are nearly perfect. Same with the w126s (especially the coupes). I have a 300SD, its not all that exciting but its well made and reliable, I can't see any reason not to get one if you want to.