1984 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300SD 3.0L turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Best car the highway has ever seen!

Faults:

Transmission was overhauled at 580K (when I bought it).

Misc. power options have failed (window switches, etc).

Overhauled vacuum pump somewhere around 630K.

No other real problems that I can think of for the last 10 years!

General Comments:

Comfortable on trips, great traveling car with decent legroom.

Engine has never been overhauled, no major engine work since new!

Still has a great ride, despite the miles and age.

Attractive; still looks like a car, not a space-ship.

Easy to work on! Any idiot can do a lot of repairs on these cars; they were built with such simplicity.

Used and/or aftermarket parts are easy to find, and usually have decent prices (on most things)

This car is no exception, it's the rule! Maintain them like they should be maintained, and they'll just keep on going like that Energizer bunny! I've had several of them over the years, and they've just been super cars. Hoping to reach 750K with this one, at least, before any major engine problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2009

1984 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500 SEL 5.0 V* Gas from North America

Summary:

Wolf in sheep's clothing. German masterpiece

Faults:

Left front window regulator broke, one day after purchase at 100,000 miles. This is typical of these cars.

Front tie rods, shocks, brakes misc. front end stuff at purchase at 100,000 miles. ($800).

Air conditioning evaporator, used from mechanic at 100,000 miles ($200).

Radiator and thermostat replaced at 108,000 miles. $500.

Distributor cap and rotor crack, wouldn't start after heavy rain at 109,000 miles. $124.

General Comments:

The poor car was not maintained properly before I rescued it.

The radiator was a faulty used one before I had it. The car was running hot, even in cool weather. Replaced radiator, that fixed problem.

This is just a great car. Deceptively fast for such a big and heavy car.

Fast yet safe for my two children, who love the rear power reclining seat.

Smooth and comfortable ride. The only thing I don't like about the car is that I want to pass my exit on the freeway, just to enjoy it some more. I look for any excuse to drive this car, hence the 10,000 miles in 3 months.

Overall, a great car. A little more expensive than my previous car, (Volvo 240), but a lot more exciting to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2007

1984 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 380SE 3.8 V8 from North America

Summary:

Well-made classic bank vault

Faults:

Starter solenoid worn.

Ignition switch worn.

Ball Joints replaced.

General Comments:

The materials in the car just aren't available in newer cars, it seems. The leather, although 23 years old, is still supple and smells new. The exterior finish is gorgeous, and it shows that these cars were built with cost being no object.

The structure is second only to a bank vault, and feels safer than many newer air-bag laden vehicles.

You can still balance a quarter on the running engine, and it gets decent mileage for a V8. Although it's not particularly quick around town, it will cruise at whatever speed you like (legal or highly illegal) all day long, and leave you without fatigue, thanks to great seats and an incredibly quiet interior.

Keeping in mind its age and mileage, it's a real treat for an occasional driver.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2007

19th Nov 2008, 15:20

Update -- Now at 310K -- Although a few things failed this summer; namely the fuel pump relay, another power window regulator, and a door latch, I still love this old Mercedes. Passengers and other motorists often comment on it being a nice classic car.

As before, the car is a real treat to drive. The car feels safe and strong, built with the best materials and craftsmanship. The interior still looks and smells new, and the V8 runs smoothly and quietly as always. Looking forward to driving it again next summer.

1984 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 380 SE 3.8L V8 from North America

Summary:

Great - but once it starts to cost money - get rid of it!!!

Faults:

At the end of its life with us (200,000 miles) - just about everything.

General Comments:

My father bought this car new in 1984 - was a great car for about 8 of the 10 years we had it. By the middle of year 8, everything on the car was breaking, and since we were approaching 200K on the odometer, we had to pay for everything.

At the end, the car could not accelerate with the A/C on. But, it was a very good car for many years, and our family survived being slammed at over 50MPH from behind because of this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2007