General Comments:

Having always had newer model Mercedes Benz vehicles for a number of years now, I decided to purchase a Mercedes 300e which I saw on Ebay in September, and having covered three thousand miles in it, I can honestly say that it is absolutely superb in every way.

This particular model is a sport line car, and as such has only two seats in the back, which is no problem for me and looks really great.

Given that I paid very little money for this car, and that it feels more "special" than all the newer Mercs that I have had, I cannot recommend them enough.

Faults:

An ignition coil had to be replaced around 120,000 miles; however, it was a relatively inexpensive repair also, seeing as it was the only repair I had to make in the nearly 80,000 miles I put on the car... really, not too bad.

General Comments:

Timeless design as far as the exterior is concerned. It has a classic look to it and is still an eye catcher!

The interior is very utilitarian and lacking in some of the creature comforts possessed by other cars of its time. This car is very rough and tumble, it's built like a tank and truly embodies what it is to be (or used to be) a Mercedes-Benz.

I loved this car and every second of ownership, but unfortunately, I lost her in an accident, which could have otherwise been fatal in a newer plastic piece of junk.

These really are some of the best, strongest, most dependable cars ever built, I will most definitely buy another one should I find one in such pristine condition, as the one I have owned. If you're considering buying one of these - GO FOR IT! It's the best thing you'll have ever bought for the money.

Faults:

Generator voltage regulator: Coals worn out at 236000 km, regulator replaced.

Outside temp display too low by -10C - sensor replaced, temp display still too low, probably a problem in the display unit;

Front left window opener toothed rack lost a tooth at 239000 km, window stuck in closed position;

Precautionary repairs:

- Transverse control arm joints replaced

- Several rubber joints on rear axle replaced.

General Comments:

Rock solid car, very reliable and comfortable.

Almost no rust, only where the outer hull has been scratched.

Driving comfort is unbeatable.

Fuel consumption between 8.3 and 10 liters / 100 km, average 9.2 liters / 100 km.

Lots of space inside.

Turning circle surprisingly narrow, better than many eco class cars.

Air condition works perfectly, fuel consumption is even LESS with the air conditioning turned on than without - beats me why, but it's nice!

Faults:

Gearbox clutch began to slip at 75,000 miles. The Signature warranty paid up no questions asked, and the dealership couldn't have been more helpful.

The over voltage protection relay (?) failed inside the warranty too, again fixed no problem, but did cause some anguish as the car failed to start several times because of this.

General Comments:

The car is still on the original exhaust original head gasket (which have been known to go on the 2.2L engines) original pretty much everything.

It seems pretty much bombproof. I had a van use the car as a brake, didn't do the van much good (tow job) but the Mercedes was fine. A slightly bent (2mm) rear panel, not that anyone would notice, didn't even scratch the paint!

It's very comfortable quiet etc.

Faults:

Near side rear passenger door central locking not working ($200 installed for a new unit).

Driver airbag light constantly on. New switch (paid for by dealer).

Just general wear and tear items that were quickly and cheaply repaired.

CD player not working. Quoted $1000 to fix it. Got a new player for considerably less than that.

General Comments:

Plenty of get up and go.

Handles beautifully, even better with a few passengers.

Room for 4 adults without getting too squeezy.

Strong sound system (original speakers still in place).

Good size boot.

Built like a tank.

I think the car misses an overdrive on the open road. Would add considerably to fuel economy. A minor and academic point only.

Owned one of these about four years ago. Have since owned a 2000 model E320 and now drive a 1999 S320 but I still missed the W124.

So we bought this car as a second car for my wife (at least, that's what I told her). A much different driving experience to the Toyota, but she loves it.

We now have civilised fights about who is going to drive what car.

Faults:

After a 1200 mile trip, a strong gasoline smell forced a trip to the shop, where they found a leaking fuel line. There was no noticeable leakage, as the pan beneath the car contained the drip. New rubber hose solved the problem.

Original radio died, causing a current draw which killed a battery. New stereo solved the problem.

General Comments:

This is my second MB. (My other is a '72 W114, a 250C reviewed on this page which I still have). Purchase of this car was on the spur of the moment, but I'm happy; she gets looks and positive comments wherever I go. Comfortable and very quick. Easily a future collectible. As always, buy the newest and best-maintained and best-documented car you can afford.