Faults:

Leveling pump leaked. Mercede's seal kit is worse than useless since it does not contain the two seals you most need. Got them from a local gasket manufacturer and was able to repair the system for under $300 rather than replacing it for $1200.

General Comments:

The big engine gives plenty of power and goes 75 mph with cruise control under 2,500 rpm.

Highway mileage ranges between 20-22 mpg at 70 mph avg.

Carries four people in absolute luxury and can carry five comfortably on a road trip.

Requires very little maintenance, and with the new high output spark plugs burns regular unleaded without knocking.

I own a 77 450SEL, 83 280SL, 88 300SE and this one - which is my favorite.

Faults:

My A/C was busted when I purchase the car.

The Brakes are a little frozen.

General Comments:

When driving the 420 SEL Mercedes Sedan, you feel like you're in a tank because of the size, and the weight.

Faults:

A handful of minor and very few major ($2K or more service costs) repairs.

I've babied this car as it has babied me.

General Comments:

I've always thought the styling of this vehicle was a classic model. I had kept my eye on the dropping prices since the model was released, and lay in wait for the perfect opportunity (when my finances and the value of the car intersected).

My vehicle was previously owned by the Manager of the Musical group "Guns and Roses", it had been garaged while they were on tour, hence the low mileage and the great shape. It also was upgraded to a ridiculous sound system, which is insane and sounds great. I didn't know this until I had already made the deal, which was a huge plus and surprise!

I still keep it garaged, and it still looks like a piece of jewelry that is seriously fast on the freeway. You won't burn anyone off the line, and if you try you'll be able to watch the fuel gauge drop before your eyes, but once underway, this thing will cruise at 130MPH all day, or as long as you can afford to run it at those speeds.

Needless to say, it was the class of those model years, and still gives the owner a huge sense of safety and prestige on the road, competing with all of the later styles since it's classic body may never be dated, since it is was masterfully designed.

Enchanted!

Faults:

A/C leaked freon.

Many oil leaks, my driveway gradually became *covered* in oil.

Power steering pump leaked, lost all its fluid in a week.

Fuel distributor failed at 170,000 miles, causing rough running and stalling. - $1200.

Suspension needed all new bushings.

Rear shock absorbers leaked, causing a bouncy ride.

Rear power windows failed.

Piston rings started wearing out at 175,000 miles, causing massive blue smoke.

General Comments:

I bought this car as my first car near my 18th birthday for $4000. I was lured in by the quality feel and the sterling Mercedes reputation.

However, suspension problems started to surface mere months after I purchased the car, with a clunk that occurred during acceleration; this gradually worsened to clunking over every bump and most turns.

The fuel distributor also went out, causing stalling and extremely rough running, which necessitated a $1200 repair.

Several fuel injectors went out, causing the highway fuel economy to go from 14 to 12, and the city to go from 12 to 8. Despite the car's thirst for fuel, it struggled to keep up with traffic even before the problems started.

After the piston rings wore out (causing a cloud of blue smoke every time I hit the pedal), I traded it in for $800 towards a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, sick of the 4 digit repair bills and appalling mpg. I will never buy a German car again.