1989 Mercedes-Benz 300-Class User Reviews

If You Find One In Good Shape Like Mine And Have A Slight Neurotic Nature, This Car Is For You. — (1989 300 SE W126 S-Class, short body, 3.0 inline 6.) It's a very comfortable car and everything works. It moves for the most part, but when driving in the mountains, it can be sluggish at times. It handles great for being a big tank and it's reliable as hell. Cruising on a highway is great- very smooth "meaty" feeling. The car is solid. I put $2,000 into it when I bought it, and since haven't had any problems. The interior and exterior are in very good shape, the gas mileage is fine for a car this size. Maintenance is easy- change the oil once a year, add a quart once every two months- no leaks, just burns it up 'cause it's old. Yeah, it's fun to drive- it starts conversations for some reasons.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

300sd — Built like a brick privy (albeit one with leather upholstery and wood trim). Minimum maintenance, yet highly reliable (has not “failed to proceed” even once during the 8 years my family has owned it). The engine has somewhere near 500,000 miles on it, but it still works (though the new low-sulfur diesel makes for a rougher idle when not warmed up, and adds to the level of smoke under hard acceleration unless a fuel additive is used). The transmission has around 300,000 miles on it, yet shows no signs of throwing in the towel (although the old saying about Mercedes transmissions shifting rougher as they age, instead of breaking down, proves true in the case of my vehicle). The break and accelerator pedals have a linear feel, and have just the right amount of feedback/feel, and the breaks are very effective (break too suddenly, and one might be forgiven for believing that the vehicle has hit an immovable object such as a curb or a wall). Steering also has the perfect balance between feel/feedback and power-steering assistance, and the handling is estimable for an automobile of its mass and vintage (riding on all season tires with mere 16” wheels). The suspension is perhaps one of my favorite aspects of this vehicle, as it affords the perfect balance between road feel and insulation. This model has enough suspension and steering feedback to communicate exactly where its handling threshold is, yet the suspension insulates the vehicle’s occupants from the larger potholes and dips in the pavement. The steering feel and suspension of this early 80’s Mercedes design (which remained largely unchanged until 1991) is, to me, still unmatched by newer models of certain would-be competitors of the re-badged Japanese and American variety. The highway fuel economy of 25mpg is also admirable for a late 80’s vehicle weighing 4000lbs. Urban fuel economy can be improved if one endeavors to maintain an engine RPM below 20,000, which is where this vehicle achieves its peak torque. One complaint has been the reliability of the air conditioning system. I am informed by my mechanic that the majority of the AC components for this model where sourced by GM. Although critical functions such as the windshield defroster and heater have never malfunctioned, the Air conditioning is not very reliable/efficient during the warmer summer months. Another common malady that most, if not all, vehicles of this model suffer from is cracks in the dashboard and peeling of the wood trim. Furthermore, the front driver’s side window motor ceased to function after about 250,000 miles. The sound system is also unacceptable by modern standards, and if one intends to purchase this model, one should budget for a replacement system. Also, this vehicle has no cup-holders, which could be a problem for some. I would recommend this vehicle to someone who is looking for a comfortable, reliable, durable vehicle with European driving dynamics and relatively fair fuel economy, and has an understated/tasteful exterior design and a well constructed cabin. Definitely not recommended for those with a juvenile delinquent driving style.

A Good Sturdy Luxury Sedan — This is a very nice driving sedan. I doesn't look that big, but it is. Lots of room inside and a big trunk. So easy to drive - great visibility and gives you a feeling of confidence and safety. Starting to look a bit dated, but this is after 23 years! Seats are very confortable.

Primary Use: Family transportation

Who Wouldn't Want A Mercedes-benz. — Performance is good. Not that well in snow. Quality is really good. Holds up well, but when something does break it is a little expensive. The appearance is nice and has all leather seats. Gas milage 20m/g in the city and 30m/g highway. Fun car to drive.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Superb — a car that really is reliable and always starts when turning the key....not very much more to say other than that´s the best car i´ve ever driven in my 23 years of driving.....just plain and simple

Primary Use: Family transportation