Still a pleasure to drive!
Nothing. It is just going and going. Still without rattles and a wonderful delight despite its age. A real collectors classic!
It is built to last a lifetime!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th May, 2005
Built to last and still running extremely well
Front shocks replaced - LH binding, rear require replacement. Just due to old age.
Some cam wear, but not problematic.
Replaced RR wheel bearing due to rumble.
Drivers seat slightly unstable.
These are a great looking and reliable car. They are not as collectible as the 280SE (W111) Coupes and Cabriolets, but then they are about 10-15% of the price.
Parts are available, but will cost an arm and a leg. They are simple enough to be tinkered with by a competent home mechanic.
Automatic 4-speed (MB's first, apparently based on a 1939 Packard design) is pretty primitive. Doesn't like down shifting under load and doesn't like shifting up when 3rd is selected (revs quite alarmingly - if you don't realise this is normal).
No torque converter, but has a 'fluid flywheel' (fluid coupling) 1st gear engaged until about 15 km/h is reached, or about 1 sec when 2nd is engaged. This also is normal.
Luxury cars when released, so are relatively uncommon. I love it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th March, 2005
A pleasure to drive such a classic car
Nothing has really gone wrong so far. I bought the car a year ago (for € 8.000,=) in a near perfect and all original state.
The car was first sold in (dry and warm) Italy, so the car has no rust at all. I did change all, read all, the rubber parts however which were still the original and quite dried out.
During this operation a little leakage of the fuel pump was mentioned, and so the fuel pump was replaced as well.
The front shock absorbers and the steering bearings were replaced as well, as they had some wear.
After the above work was done (which cost just over € 6.000,=) the car looks, feels, smells and drives like a new car. Unbelievable that this still exists; A 36 year old car which can be driven like you just bought it new.
It's fast, very comfortable and has quite some power (170 HP) for it's weight (1.460 Kg). Even the fuel consumption is moderate on long distances.
The car has a beautiful dark green colour with a cognac colour Mercedes-tex interior and a heavy wooden (original) dashboard, and looks very classical.
Feel free to ask questions at nijenbrinks@hotmail.com
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th February, 2004
A practical classic
This car has not needed any parts in the last 2 years.
A delightful car to drive. Everyone who sees it loves it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st February, 2004