18th Jan 2007, 11:37
I agree whole heartedly with your comments. I have a 1991 Blk/Blk 300SEL with 211,500 miles on it. I just had the single roller timing chain, tensioner, and guide rails for the timing chain and oil chain replaced by the dealer for $1300. I purchased it from my father, who also kept every record for the car. I am planning on having the car repainted due to its exposure to the Chicago-land road salt.
I have been working on the car little by little and trying to bring this German “uber-wagon” back to pristine condition. It really is the perfect car for long car trips. All of that steel, smooth ride, and I still get 390 miles to the tank at 85MPH.
Here is the short list of what I have put into it.
Mono-Valve
Rotor, Cap, Wires, Plugs, Ignition Wire Cover
250,000km Grill Badge (nice to have, from the Classic Center)
New Hood Latches
Accessory Drive Belt.
My Wife and I are never going to sell this one, and plan on going for the 1,000,000 mile mark with it.
28th May 2009, 10:52
I just bought a 91 300 SEL (in May/09) with 91,xxx miles. It was from an estate sale (elderly widow) who, apparently didn't drive it much (5,000/yr). The car is mint! The service book is stamped every 5,000 miles by the same MB dealership. Parts that have been replaced along the way by the previous owner include exhaust, alternator, radiator. Total cost to me...$4,350. As a comparison, according to Kelly blue book, for that money I could also get a 13 year old top of the line, excellent condition, 90,000 mile Toyota Corolla, or a 9 year old Honda Civic. I'll take the MB thank you very much!
10th Dec 2009, 01:56
My goodness guys, aren't we all are still in love with this magnificent piece of engineering... which is not in existence anymore these days.
Dr.Ramizu
Mercedes Benz 300se
Malaysia.
3rd Aug 2010, 01:11
I just purchased a 1990 300 SE with 155,000 miles on it. I couldn't believe it when I pulled the CARFAX to find out it was a 2 owner car.
The body is perfect without even a door ding, never been painted on, the leather inside is just like new and everything works. What a find.
The first M/B I ever bought was a 63 220 SE Coupe with a manual transmission. What a cruiser. I loved the car. Next was my 190 E, what a mistake, under powered and hard shifting. Next was my 300D then a 300 SD. I had a 2005 500SL. Wonderful car with everything including the heated and cooling seats and lumbar rollers.
This 1990 300SE is just as nice and nicer ride. I know that this will never leave my ownership and will give years of great service. Thanks for all the great comments and convincing me to purchase a W126 chassis. Its class still turns heads and everyone can't believe its 20 years old. Every VIN sticker is on every door, hood, trunk. With the factory chrome wheels, white with classic silver two tone, it is truly a classic. Happy driving.
10th Sep 2011, 17:29
Yes, I just bought a '91 300SE. It has just turned 188K and drives beautifully. It went for over 54K in '91, and I bought it for $1,400. The original white paint is flawless and the dash is crack free. Only the drivers seat has any wear, and everything works. A hell of a lot of value for what I paid.
12th Jun 2004, 07:38
Ditto here, I have an 86 300SE...96000 miles, sweet as a nut... and bomb proof, I know where I'm hiding when the big war starts... I love the car... total class, no pretentious rubbish like in many modern cars.. my mates dad had a 560 SEL and he enjoyed racing 911 drivers!!!
I think its the most well proportioned car that Benz have ever built..
I always liked my dads old 240TD though...