Used Mercedes-Benz 300-Class for Sale near Wisconsin

We found this car the same day it had been traded in at a Mercedes dealer; they hadn't even cleaned it yet. It is a Japan LHD import, with 47,000 original miles (which is RIDICULOUSLY low), a Webasto engine oil heater, heated seats, the original Becker radio, and a flawless interior. Needless to say we snatched this sucker off the lot before the dealer knew what hit him. A couple of spark plug wires, a tube of grease, a window regulator, and a windshield washer pump later, this car is the most reliable we own and drives like it just came off the lot. It has the bulletproof Mercedes-Benz M103 engine with no oil leaks, and an idle that will pass the quarter test. I learned to parallel park in one of these....They may lumber a bit, and yes the gas mileage is never wonderful, but this is the best riding/driving highway cruiser I have ever driven.

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.

What can I add that hasn't already been written about the iconic W124 Mercedes-Benz? These cars were big, heavy, overbuilt, solid, and would run all day long at 100 mph without batting an eye...unless the local constable wasn't in a good mood. The ride was smooth and luxurious, the power kept on and on, and the parts were ridiculously expensive and you had to know someone named Klaus or Fritz or Hans to get it worked on.

No cup-holders? Ha!!! Who needs them?!?!? With a ride this smooth, you just set the drink down, really. Diesel means this 4600 pound behemoth gets well over 30 miles per gallon on the freeway. S Class Mercedes are the pinnacle of luxury and this no different. You'd be amazed at the feature list for a 1993 model. This shouldn't be classified as a "300-Class".... this is an S-Class.

It was fast in its day, still quick now. It takes about 9 seconds to rocket to 60. I handles well with the right tires and brakes very fast. It has an unmatched build quality and has needed minimal repairs in its 200k miles thus far. The styling is very classic, yet functional and the interior is comfortable and has features many current models lack. The gas mileage isnt great, but its from the 80s. This car is a blast to drive.