Newb Question on next Benz
01-11-2011, 02:13 PM
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1989 300E
Newb Question on next Benz
I acquired a 1989 300E from my neighbor. Bought it from my son, but soon confiscated it as my winter car (4 studded snows) here near Cape Cod. Turns out I love the car. Reliable and relatively inexpensive to maintain. Nice surprise.
I would like to replace it with a newer 4-matic wagon. I own an XK8 Coupe, so speed/handling is not the main concern. Reliability is.
Although I love the 124 chassis, I think a newer model makes sense. My only concern is the reliability of the later Benz's seem to have been compromised by the Chrysler "merger".
Balancing cost against reliabilty in the wagon 4-matic...is there such a sweet spot?
Thanks again for all you feedback!
I would like to replace it with a newer 4-matic wagon. I own an XK8 Coupe, so speed/handling is not the main concern. Reliability is.
Although I love the 124 chassis, I think a newer model makes sense. My only concern is the reliability of the later Benz's seem to have been compromised by the Chrysler "merger".
Balancing cost against reliabilty in the wagon 4-matic...is there such a sweet spot?
Thanks again for all you feedback!
01-12-2011, 02:54 AM
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Zaporozec heavily modded 36HP
I acquired a 1989 300E from my neighbor. Bought it from my son, but soon confiscated it as my winter car (4 studded snows) here near Cape Cod. Turns out I love the car. Reliable and relatively inexpensive to maintain. Nice surprise.
I would like to replace it with a newer 4-matic wagon. I own an XK8 Coupe, so speed/handling is not the main concern. Reliability is.
Although I love the 124 chassis, I think a newer model makes sense. My only concern is the reliability of the later Benz's seem to have been compromised by the Chrysler "merger".
Balancing cost against reliabilty in the wagon 4-matic...is there such a sweet spot?
Thanks again for all you feedback!
I would like to replace it with a newer 4-matic wagon. I own an XK8 Coupe, so speed/handling is not the main concern. Reliability is.
Although I love the 124 chassis, I think a newer model makes sense. My only concern is the reliability of the later Benz's seem to have been compromised by the Chrysler "merger".
Balancing cost against reliabilty in the wagon 4-matic...is there such a sweet spot?
Thanks again for all you feedback!
You don't want to many options with ageing cars.
4 matic works great but buy the w 210
01-12-2011, 11:20 PM
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2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
W124 was built to a quality bench mark and then priced for market.
W210 was built to a price point to be competitive in the market. it came in about $6,000 US cheaper than the outgoing W124. That cost savings was found somewhere. Body metal is thinner and electronics not as durable mostly. The W124 was overbuilt and is probably the best built MB ever. They are like tanks. If you do go with the W210 buy the newest 02' or 03' wagon. The post facelifted cars (after 6/99) have over 1800 changes made to them. Still fairly easy to maintain especially if you are a DIY type. Miss the Cape alot. Lived in Marstons Mills, West Falmouth and New Seabury. Left due to crowding.
W210 was built to a price point to be competitive in the market. it came in about $6,000 US cheaper than the outgoing W124. That cost savings was found somewhere. Body metal is thinner and electronics not as durable mostly. The W124 was overbuilt and is probably the best built MB ever. They are like tanks. If you do go with the W210 buy the newest 02' or 03' wagon. The post facelifted cars (after 6/99) have over 1800 changes made to them. Still fairly easy to maintain especially if you are a DIY type. Miss the Cape alot. Lived in Marstons Mills, West Falmouth and New Seabury. Left due to crowding.
01-13-2011, 02:15 AM
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Zaporozec heavily modded 36HP
W124 was built to a quality bench mark and then priced for market.
W210 was built to a price point to be competitive in the market. it came in about $6,000 US cheaper than the outgoing W124. That cost savings was found somewhere. Body metal is thinner and electronics not as durable mostly. The W124 was overbuilt and is probably the best built MB ever. They are like tanks. If you do go with the W210 buy the newest 02' or 03' wagon. The post facelifted cars (after 6/99) have over 1800 changes made to them. Still fairly easy to maintain especially if you are a DIY type. Miss the Cape alot. Lived in Marstons Mills, West Falmouth and New Seabury. Left due to crowding.
W210 was built to a price point to be competitive in the market. it came in about $6,000 US cheaper than the outgoing W124. That cost savings was found somewhere. Body metal is thinner and electronics not as durable mostly. The W124 was overbuilt and is probably the best built MB ever. They are like tanks. If you do go with the W210 buy the newest 02' or 03' wagon. The post facelifted cars (after 6/99) have over 1800 changes made to them. Still fairly easy to maintain especially if you are a DIY type. Miss the Cape alot. Lived in Marstons Mills, West Falmouth and New Seabury. Left due to crowding.
