Discussion
I've been looking around for a few months for one of these now, and have potentially found a reasonable one relatively local.
It's a 1989 car, so the 2.5 engine as opposed to the earlier 2.3, though this doesn't really matter to me and I'd probably feel better with it knowing that it's a duplex chain so none or the earlier issues with the 2.3. I can only go off the advert so far, which states that it's in mint condition with a genuine 87,000 miles from new. This seems to be backed up by previous MOT history which is pretty impressive, the last failure being on rear brakes back in 2010.
Is there anything in particular to be aware of or anything fragile with these cars or are they pretty much bullet proof? I was originally going for a 500E though, having looked at several (none in the flesh, just poorly worded adverts), I've been put off by the complexity of them and the massive fluctuation in prices.
Bad decision or common sense? I've no idea but I really fancy an earlier model just to play with in the Winter and do the odd car meet in the nice weather.
It's a 1989 car, so the 2.5 engine as opposed to the earlier 2.3, though this doesn't really matter to me and I'd probably feel better with it knowing that it's a duplex chain so none or the earlier issues with the 2.3. I can only go off the advert so far, which states that it's in mint condition with a genuine 87,000 miles from new. This seems to be backed up by previous MOT history which is pretty impressive, the last failure being on rear brakes back in 2010.
Is there anything in particular to be aware of or anything fragile with these cars or are they pretty much bullet proof? I was originally going for a 500E though, having looked at several (none in the flesh, just poorly worded adverts), I've been put off by the complexity of them and the massive fluctuation in prices.
Bad decision or common sense? I've no idea but I really fancy an earlier model just to play with in the Winter and do the odd car meet in the nice weather.
Rust. Sills / jacking points / rear window surround. Presence and serviceability of self levelling suspension. Nice progression in mileage history as the odometer is prone to stopping. I have attended to my car in all of the above areas.
Edited by muchacho on Tuesday 11th July 20:55
Edited by muchacho on Thursday 13th July 23:05
Thanks for the replies Gents.
I went to look at the car yesterday and it's in very good condition. The current owner bought it around two years ago and has done less that 1,000 miles in it as he just hasn't had the time. He told me this and seemed a genuine guy so no reason to disbelieve. Nice (huge) house, a few other vehicles including another MB (CL) and a motor-home type thing, which help to back the lack of time story up.
I did a bit of digging and found the original advert from where he bought the car from in 2015:
I went to look at the car yesterday and it's in very good condition. The current owner bought it around two years ago and has done less that 1,000 miles in it as he just hasn't had the time. He told me this and seemed a genuine guy so no reason to disbelieve. Nice (huge) house, a few other vehicles including another MB (CL) and a motor-home type thing, which help to back the lack of time story up.
I did a bit of digging and found the original advert from where he bought the car from in 2015:
The Old Advert said:
A stunning (Cosworth) Mercedes 190e, 2.5 Auto, 1989, 86K miles, Full Service History, Electric Seats, Cruise Control, ESR, OTG, ASD, Evo2 style 17″ alloys refurbished and fitted with new tyres, 3 previous owners, Reg No G680 JET, MOT 09/15. Engine rebuilt inc Cylinder Head, New Timing Chain, plus much more, work carried out by renowned Mazzoni Brothers, new full Mercedes Exhaust, new SLS system fitted. Bodywork exceptional, seats/door cards like new, This car is in fantastic condition, any inspection welcome, e mail for more details on work carried including invoices plus more phots available if required.
The current owner is putting an MOT on it this week and I pick it up very soon hopefully. popeyewhite said:
Nice one. Do you still have your tuned E Class?
Oh yes. It will have to go eventually to make room for stuff, but I'm certainly not in a rush to get rid of it as it makes me smile every time I go anywhere in it.
I've put the Range Rover up for sale, though possibly over priced it in the advert as again, I don't particularly want to get rid just yet.
Again, big thanks to the 190 guys who assisted in what to look for on the car, hopefully it will be a keeper.
daveenty said:
Oh yes.
It will have to go eventually to make room for stuff, but I'm certainly not in a rush to get rid of it as it makes me smile every time I go anywhere in it.
I've put the Range Rover up for sale, though possibly over priced it in the advert as again, I don't particularly want to get rid just yet.
That's interesting - I've garaged my E63 for the moment as I have a bit of a health issue and need something a bit more laid back to travel in. Looking at a FFRR. Fascinating what decisions we make regarding motors and how easily we can justify change It will have to go eventually to make room for stuff, but I'm certainly not in a rush to get rid of it as it makes me smile every time I go anywhere in it.
I've put the Range Rover up for sale, though possibly over priced it in the advert as again, I don't particularly want to get rid just yet.
popeyewhite said:
That's interesting - I've garaged my E63 for the moment as I have a bit of a health issue and need something a bit more laid back to travel in. Looking at a FFRR. Fascinating what decisions we make regarding motors and how easily we can justify change
It's the stupidity factor with me unfortunately. Had a "daily" for the last few years but, as I don't really do the miles any more, I try to make it an interesting one. The Range Rover replaces a Jeep SRT-8 (ride too harsh) and is the 5.0 supercharged version because I really need 500bhp to go for my newspaper in the mornings. rubystone said:
Sounds like a good car with all the right bits sorted. I'm out of touch with values - did you pay over £10k for it?
Substantially. 
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