_Dirty_

Hi All,

I just sold my 66 250se and I'm now relishing in my own grief, so I am back in the market for another Mercedes however this time a little newer. I understand posting this question in this forum may lead to bias advice, which is fine so I also have posted the same question in the other forum.

I'm looking at a 190e and a w204 c300. I have found one of each both in manual transmission, the color I like and decent mileage. My issue is that I go back in forth one which one to purchase. Love the looks of both, 190e with the late 80s early 90s boxy look and the c300 with the more sleek design. Performance isn't a large issue for me but the experience and fun nature of the drive is.

If you had the option to buy a c300 or an 190e which would you purchase and why? (Cost isn't so much of a decision factor as I know they are both in different ball parks unless I go with a 2.6-16 which I'm not).

Thanks for your opinion and advice

S70Houston

If both cars were compatible in miles, shape/overall condition, service history, etc., I think I would go for the 190E based on your below reasoning/descriptions.

I drive a W211 E320, my wife has the W204 C300.
My personal opinion is that older cars are put together better and the quality of the overall build is superior. I dont think that anything will ever come close to the old W124 E Class Platform, in my opinion the best ever built.
I also think that less electronic gadgets are at times a blessing, compared to all the things that a new car has today.

So, only my opinion.

And, I am NOT saying the W204 is a bad car, we love ours and I am simply trying to give you answers to your questions based on my opinion, nothing else. An older Benz well taken care of just has something classy about it, compared to the newer ones. (Again, only my opinion).

Good luck with your decision.​

_Dirty_

S70Houston, I appreciate your insight. That's my issue, going off aesthetics I'm torn. Do do plan to modify the car with an upgraded suspension, wheels, exhaust, past that additional look ad-ons. Euro headlights for sure on the 190/w124. AMG front grill for the 204.

Adi-Benz

Can't go wrong either way

_Dirty_

Ha! exactly... this isn't helping both are so sexy

S70Houston

How about you share some details, pictures and the asking price of both cars with us, and we can possibly narrow it down for you.

_Dirty_

Absolutely.

All cars will need to be shipped to me.

84' 190e Manual Transmission, ~190K miles, $1900 - Private Seller (RWD) - I know this is over priced, I'm sure I'll be able to talk them down, it has a few random dings and dents and paint isn't great. Not a big deal as I can repaint it
91' 190e Auto Transmission, ~130K miles, $2k - Dealership (RWD) - to good to be true? need to call to find out more details
09' c300 Manual Transmission, 98K miles, $10k - Dealership (RWD) - Decent price, however dealership rating is in the middle, some reviews say poor things others the standard great people and that's it.

S70Houston

This car sounds pretty good to me, especially if I can safe 8K.

_Dirty_

I hear that. Plus leaves me with more monies to perform mods immediately

dol4er

These two cars are not comparable. They are totally different and have nothing in common. You can easily go wrong with the 190E because maintenance and spare parts will be a big issue. Plus, believe it or not... old cars are not as well constructed as you might think and you are about to have problems with it. But hey that's a retro car, not a daily car, so who cares? Have fun

_Dirty_

I completely understand, I had a 66 250se and it was difficult near impossible to find certain parts.

This wont be a daily, more of a fun nice day car.

So why wouldn't you compare the two?

Adi-Benz

buy an e55/e63

_Dirty_

an e63 would be sweeeet

S70Houston

You guys are getting WAAAAYYY of topic.
From providing advice in regards to a 190E or C300, we are now talking C63?????

Adi-Benz

E55 for like $8k with 450hp doesn't sound like a bad deal to me assuming the supercharger isnt broken...e63 is facelift of it, both are good, check youtube.

Honestly they're so different idk what to say.

S70Houston

Yeah, and I am sure the maintenance cost on a E55 for $8K will be close to the maintenance cost on a 190E or C300, ............................ Come On, .............................

dol4er

Well, C300 is the perfect daily car while the 190E is more of an exotic car. A C300 is comparable to BMW 330i, for example, but 190E seems like a different category to me.

_Dirty_

ok all looks like im leaning more to the 190e so now here is my new situation

I found another 5 speed manual, however it has 30K more for mileage and is $1500 more (asking price) compared to the auto trans I found.

Is it worth the potential extra $1500 for manual trans with an extra 30K miles? Both 91 190e and I know its an subjective question.

S70Houston

Are both cars pretty much equal/comparable to each other, ....... mileage, overall condition/appearance, service history, etc.?
If yes, then it all boils down to what YOU want.
Do you prefer manual or automatic transmission?
I for myself would no longer want a manual transmission (unless on a sports car), as I am getting old and lazy. The only time I can tolerate shifting is when on my bike.

I usually buy what I like and what has been taken care of. To me, $1500 and 30K additional miles are not a deal breaker if I want a manual transmission and the car is clean.

IGB

I needed a visual.....

But I don't think this is what I was expecting!

Adi-Benz

Actually you would be suprised, because normally I would say the same thing. There are LOTS of youtube videos on "puchasing an e55/e63 for cheap" what to look for/etc. I'd say you should be pretty reliably off with it. Supercharger pulley for the e55 and headbolts for the e63 are the biggest thing, but if its been done then no worries at all. I would think most e63's would have the headbolts done by now, but you would check with the owner/engine bay and look.

_Dirty_

That almost looks like a photoshop or video game rendering

_Dirty_

So i went and did something yesterday. Found a Unicorn on Craigslist, booked a plane ticket to Philly, checked her out and drove back 7hrs to VT.

Bought a 1991 5-speed 2.6 190e with 160K. needs work, to be honest shes a ghetto but i can see the potential. I'll post pics shortly

_Dirty_

CJG

It would have only been a four hour drive in a C class. 😉

Glad you got something. Looks clean.