aaddpp

A family friend in Southern Europe, since retired, bought an early 1980's second hand Mercedes 200D which he used as a Taxi. Over the years, he put about 1 million miles on the car. He took as good care of a vehicle as was possible, and was even able to sell the car to someone when he retired.

It was not the most comfortable ride, and had no A/C -- a real pleasure when it was 110F out -- but in a place where its NOTHING for drivers to pass on a blind corner, choosing someone you feel is going to get you to your destination safely was far more important than comfort.

Dave

EspritS4s

My '91 300SEL had its share of problems (exploding radiator neck, head gasket leak, cracking wood trim, broken window regulators, sagging driver's seat...) It was a good car, but I wouldn't rate it any higher than my 928s on quality.

Marine Blue

You have to put everything in perspective. How did the previous owners treat the vehicle prior to you purchasing it?

Exploding neck was a known issue for all early 90's MB's. They should have installed an aluminum sleeve in the neck to prevent cracking/stress. I had a 92 500 E with double the miles of my 928 and it was in far better condition except for some paint chips on the hood and hazed lights.

Erik N

Yes, those are the exact issues w/ my wife's car. The radiator issue was resolved with a metal piece off another car. The head gasket was dealer-fixed prior to my buying the car (at ~44,000. Now has 250K). As for the sagging seat, maybe you have a huge butt... my wife has a nice small one.

Erik N

I had the previous generation truck. But I know they share lots of components.
Does your truck hold itself with the parking brake? My '90 never did, even after a complete overhaul of the system. IMHO, a 6000# truck that can't even be held from rolling away under it's own weight is a huge liability.

Of course I lived on a decent hill, but still. I kept chocks in the thing at all times.

JCP1990S4

I have to comment on the MB issue. I have owned many MB's 76 450sel, 80 300d, 1982 300cd, 1988 300ce, 1992 300ce, 1995 e300, 1998 ML320.

The 88 and 92 Mercedes Benz 300ce's I owned were awesome cars. I think those were the best years for MBZ. All the others had all kinds of issues. The older ones broke down and costs alot to repair. And especially the ML320 or might I say the Chrysler ML320. It was the biggest POS I have ever owned. I kept buying them because they were safe cars and the US cars at the time......No Comment!

I have two freinds that purchased the newer MBZ C300's and they both told me that they are in the Dealer Loaner Car more than their C300's. If that tells you something.

I must admit, I have a 1990 Lexus LS 400 with 214K miles on it. Original Transmission, Engine, Runs like a dream. Burns 1/2 quart of oil between oil changes, (3000 miles). Car has never broke down...Ever!

The LS puts any MB I have ever owned to shame! But I still love my 928

aaddpp

+1 on the Lexus. They just wont die, or even break....

dcrasta

Lexus 3 liter quad cam cars blow head gaskets pretty easily.

Dan87951

I gotta disagree. For example say your AC compressor locks up and knocks out the belt, now your screwed. But with the current Porsche design you can keep on driving until you can get it repaired.

blown 87

If they do not sludge up first.

tilac999

I have a 1988 Mercedes W124 300E very well built and another German timeless design.

mpesik

I've taken my car apart to becoming skeletal. I can understand 'quality'.
BUT-The dash and Pod are JUNK and should have had a porsche recall.

Idiots used higher temp. sensitive foam than a comparable sensitive vinyl covering.

Marine Blue

I should clarify that when I reference Mercedes I am talking about cars built in the same era as the 928. Modern MB's are engineered for a profit and there is no longer a consideration for superior build quality and longevity.

To throw a monkey wrench into this topic I personally I think modern Porsches (since 2005) are better built than the majority of other cars being built today.

tv

had a 1992 E300 - not comparable at all to the 85 Euro in any category, materials, performance, comfort, ergonomics, ............... and talk about a cramped engine compartment.

Dan87951

Today's german cars are not the same that's the real bummer. We had 740IL that was anything BUT reliable and we owned the car since it was a CPO. Lots of plastic and inferior suspension parts. Don't get me wrong a great car to drive and beautiful to look at but absolutely horrid to own (if that makes sense).