Mercedes/mid 80's S series, gas or diesel
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Question
I'm looking at 2 cars on ebay. An 87 420sel, with 260000 miles, and an 84 300sd turbo diesel with 220000 miles. Which would be safer bet as far durabilty, and such? Both have rust free bodies, and average interiors.
Answer:
The 420SEL if it has been maintained correctly; should need total steering/suspension rebuild, all NEW rubber for mounts, intake, fuel system, timing chain plus guides, valve guides replaced, catalytic converters replaced, head gasket replaced, radiator replaced, and then it may last another 40K before needing roughly $7K - $18K in further repairs.
The 300SD if it has been maintained correctly; should need steering/suspension rebuild, all new fuel system rubber, and possibly a timing chain, HOWEVER; it should run for roughly 300,000 more miles, with only normal maintenance.
NOTE:
I would not purchase any used car from EBay without a Pre Purchase Inspection by the local factory dealer...
It may cost a couple hundred, however it can save you from buying a worthless money pit...
I suggest you join http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php
These people love MB, and help each other.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=14
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whunter
Expertise
Mercedes Benz diesel 1960 - 1985. Rolls-Royce or Bentley 1959 - 1978. Jaguar 1960 - 1989. MG 1959 - 1985. British 1923 - 1969. Micro and mini cars, an area of interest and study, I will try to answer questions on these. Domestic car/light truck 1903 - 1975
Experience
30 years Automotive Field Experience.
ASE Double Master Mechanic.
Organizations
ACTIVE MEMBERSHIPS:
Cadillac-LaSalle Club http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/
Rolls-Royce Owners Club http://www.rroc.org/
Lake Michigan Region
Motor Region http://www.rroc-mr.org/index.htm
Ohio Region
Modern Car Society http://www.rroc.org/members/regions/mcs/
Silver Cloud Society http://www.cloudsociety.org/
Rolls-Royce Foundation http://www.rollsroycefoundation.com/
Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia http://www.rroc.org.au/cgi-bin/newforum/discus.pl
Mercedes-Benz Club of America http://mbca.cartama.net
International Stars Section http://www.internationalstars.org/
mercedesshop.com Diesel Discussion http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/
JAGUAR CLUBS OF NORTH AMERICA http://jcna.com/forums/index.php
Jag-lovers - Jaguar Enthusiasts http://www.jag-lovers.org/
BMW CCA http://bmwcca.org
Motor City Chapter BMW CCA http://www.mpowerclub.com/cca/index.pl?cat_id=6
http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/index.php?
Publications
Rolls-Royce and Bentley, Modern Lady.
Education/Credentials
ASE CERTIFIED: Master Auto Technician.
Brakes, Engine Repair, Auto: Engine Performance, Auto: Suspension and Steering,
Heating & Air Conditioning, Auto: Electrical/Electronics systems, Manual Drive Train and Axles
Automatic Trans/Transaxle
ASE CERTIFIED: Master Med/Hvy Truck Technician.
Brakes, Diesel Engines, Gasoline Engines, Electrical systems, Suspension & Steering, Drive
ASE CERTIFIED: Alt. Fuels: Light Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas
ASE CERTIFIED: Body: Mechanical & Electrical components
GM, Steering service class.
GM, Vibration correction training class.
ISO 9000 Training.
Blueprint Reading and Engineering Drawing Interpretation:
Study of Steam Power, Certificate of Achievement:
DALE CARNEGIE TRAINING COURSE:
Refrigeration applied electricity and heating Certification:
Refrigerant Transition and Recovery, residential and commercial service.
Refrigerant Transition and Recovery, (IMACA).
BASIC Skills:
Welding: ARC/Mig/tig and gas. Blue print reading/layout, steel erection and rigging, wiring AC/DC, hydraulics, pneumatics, some lathe, mill, fabrication and instrumentation experience.
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