DOTS

"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
10/09/2017 at 18:58 • Filed to: DOTS NYC

W. 24th St. ... mid-80s-ish 300SE - looks to be in excellent shape.

DISCUSSION (13)

arl > Steve in Manhattan
10/09/2017 at 19:31

I love a clean 1980’s big Benz.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Steve in Manhattan
10/09/2017 at 19:53

My parents had one in the late 80s. The powertrain hang between the front wheels and the cabin is absolutely delicious.

fintail > Steve in Manhattan
10/09/2017 at 20:10

1988-91

Steve in Manhattan > fintail
10/09/2017 at 20:44

Yeah, based on the wheels - I think it could be as early as ‘86 ... what a lovely old thing.

syaieya > Steve in Manhattan
10/09/2017 at 20:49

I hate cleaning those rims.

It may not be original but i’d swap to the 8 hole or the 5 hole pattern in a heartbeat just to not clean them

fintail > Steve in Manhattan
10/09/2017 at 20:57

You’re right on the wheels linking to the 126 facelift for model year 1986, but the 300SE was sold in NA only for model years 1988-91.

I had a 300SE years ago:

Kinja'd!!!

Steve in Manhattan > fintail
10/09/2017 at 22:25

My ‘87 300D had the very same wheels, and I got an extra set when a very short lady wrecked her 420SEL (was dating the asst. service manager). Had some knicks, but still round. That car had warranty problems - trap/turbo, lots of window lifts, but MB fixed most of ‘em in and out of warranty. A nice car overall, brand new. $42,570 sticker, took it home for $34,800 after trade-in (shitty Olds) - remains the most I’ve ever spent for a car and my single most impressive negotiation. Hint: walk into the dealer 2 days before year-end. They want cars gone.

fintail > Steve in Manhattan
10/09/2017 at 23:01

Believe it or not, the W124 wheels are slightly different than those on a W126, they require spacers, at least going from the 124 to a 126, not sure about compatability the other way around.

I drive a W212 E250 Bluetec that was a leftover on the lot as W213s were coming in. At the time, a decent negotiator could get 20% off MSRP. They still react the same to having leftover models on the lot. Interesting that you had issues - the S-class diesels that year also had the trap problem (among others), and window regulators are a notorious MB issue for probably a few decades worth of cars.

Steve in Manhattan > fintail
10/09/2017 at 23:22

Because of my relationship, when I put snows on the spare wheels I had the dealership mount them - I can only guess that they knew what they were dealing with. And I think I would have noticed if the wheels set differently, but who knows - the snows were bulky. Nokian Hakkapeliittas - also the most I’ve ever spent on a set of tires. $175 a corner if I recall correctly. Made a RWD car ridiculously good in snow.

fintail > Steve in Manhattan
10/09/2017 at 23:33

I have a feeling going the other way with wheels was easier. Those old cars are well-balanced, and do well in snow. I drove my 300SE in snow, along witht the fintail, and never had real issues. 2nd gear start helps a lot, too.

Steve in Manhattan > fintail
10/10/2017 at 00:46

May have jiggled the slushbox a bit to get started in the slush, knowhutimean?

B.J. "Jazzy Joe" > Steve in Manhattan
10/10/2017 at 11:34

Just imagine all the bodies inside that trunk.

fintail > Steve in Manhattan
10/10/2017 at 11:58

Yep, that’s the skilled way.