I am considering buying this '91 Merc. with only 39,000m, one owner, full MB service history, pristine, etc at just under £12,000.
Beautiful car but has anyone any experience of this model or comments that can assist.
I would appreciate any advice.
Regards, David.
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I am now on my second E320 Coupe, the successor to the car you are considering. The only downside is the lack of interior storage room: slim door pockets, no glove locker (given over to the airbag), a small storage box in the middle and map pockets on the backs of the front seats. Otherwise, rear passenger space is limited and I'd be reluctant to carry four people for long distances, i.e. it really is a 2+2 coupe.
I'm getting about 25 mpg, which can approach 30 mpg on a smooth long trip. The engine is difficult to hear most of the time and the dominant noise factor is tyre roar -- you really do notice the qualities of different road surfaces. I have Michelin ZX tyres all round; perhaps Pirelli P6000 might be quieter [HJ -- any comment on this?]. The alloy wheels have a lacquer finish which deteriorates over time through pavement scuffing, stone damage, etc.; wheels can be replaced on an exchange basis for about £75 each, I believe.
All things considered, and although I thought my previous 10-year-old Audi 100 was a great car, I am glad I succumbed to a longstanding desire to own one of the most elegant cars on the road, a true classic. I am expecting the current car to last 10 years or more, since I bought it with just 19000 on the clock and it truly feels like new.
If you want to know more, do ask.
By the way, the price you quoted looks more than a touch high.
All the best
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Dear David,
The cylinder head is prone to cracking. So check the header tank for any oil in the coolant and under the oil filler cap for emulsified oil. Plenty more about the model in the car by car breakdown on this website. But look for the appropriate year E Class rather than specifically the coupe.
HJ
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Like Roger Jones I have a late E320 coupe and echo what he says. The W124 series was the last Mercedes built firstly to an engineerig standard then a price. You will have slightly more interior space in the 300E-24v coupe as it probably will not have a passenger airbag and you will gain a glove box. Check whether it has sportsline suspension. This makes a difference to tyre noise and the ride quality. My car has sportsline and it certainly makes the steering more direct. Pirelli P6000 tyres suit the car well
If the vehicle you are considering does not have air con. you should get the price down to £10k despite the low mileage. My car is now 5 years old with 22000 miles only but the value has dropped substantially.
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Well I bought it ! I know somewhat overpriced but I am very pleased with the car. No significant road/tyre noise noticed. It has every extra including air,abs, leather everything and a record of MCB service every 6 months for the last 10 years !
I really appreciated your advice - many thanks.
Just one more question, when should I have the cambelt changed - done only 39,000m.
Regards, David.
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