Mercedes as reliable daily driver?

[E30 Wagen]

My dying eta needs to be retired for something reliable and comfortable. Are any of the Mercedes comparable to an e36, e34, etc, still reliable as daily drivers at this age? Something like these (note that I don't care about a daily having an automatic transmission):

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ctd/3489718065.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3484218507.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ctd/3485822614.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3457629413.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3495933651.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ctd/3429052732.html

I'm really liking that Kompressor, but it's pricey. I don't need anything exciting for a daily, but I don't want to get a boring econobox. Decided to look at something besides another BMW and the older Mercedes are looking mighty classy.

Or there's always a Honda...
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3433862538.html

[Rowleym]

Merc 190E's are where it's at. They are pretty comparable to a e30 m3 supposedly. At least that's what I saw on an episode of a top gear like tv show.

[Roysneon]

That Prelude is sweet.

[csermonet47]

I can't speak for the newerish stuff, but I have a 1980 300TD daily that has been a tank and is stupid comfy. Boring to drive though. Parts aren't as easy to get. There is no realoem type site for Mercedes, which can be a pain. Not as big of a following so not as much info out there. I feel like I see more old Mercedes on the road than old BMWs, so that should say something.

[CrusherCurtis]

If your going to get a mb, get a diesel. Otherwise, if your considering paying upwards of $5k why not get an e34 e39 e36. Those mb's look horrible!

[E30 Wagen]

If your going to get a mb, get a diesel. Otherwise, if your considering paying upwards of $5k why not get an e34 e39 e36. Those mb's look horrible!

I just want to look at something different besides a BMW, which there aren't always a lot of around here for sale on CL. I like how the W202 looks, it's just a bit less boring than a Camry, but blends in better than a BMW.

[R3Z3N]

I'd say get a Merc C43 if you can't find a 190E Cosworth. The standard Mercs are not enjoyable at all IMO.

[CrusherCurtis]

I don't see what could possees a young man to WANT to drive a w202. If your going to drive just the worlds most boring and bland car at least make FWD or AWD. You live in Michigan!

Imagine this w123 in diese thol. Decent

[Nsquared97]

Have you looked for any older Volvo's? The 240's are pretty indestructable, and fairly comfortable.

Merc 190E's are where it's at. They are pretty comparable to a e30 m3 supposedly. At least that's what I saw on an episode of a top gear like tv show.

That's the 190E Cosworth, effectively the M3 of 190E's.

If your going to drive just the worlds most boring and bland car at least make FWD or AWD. You live in Michigan

So? Tires make a bigger difference than drivetrain. At least RWD would make a bland car mildly entertaining a couple months out of the year.

Although we still have yet to get any decent amount of snow down here :(

[efficient]

Get the prelude. Honda makes good cars and easy to work on like a m20.

[Tisoc]

I dd a 190e 2.6 & I think it makes a great daily driver. It's quiet, comfy, reliable & somewhat engaging (granted mine's a 5 speed).

[CrusherCurtis]

So? Tires make a bigger difference than drivetrain. At least RWD would make a bland car mildly entertaining a couple months out of the year.
(

I don't buy this for one second. I drove an e34 touring one winter and got stuck like hell. The next winter I drove an e36 with dunlap m3 winter tires and got stuck like hell and blew my diff. The winter after I was in a Subaru that didn't get stuck and now I'm in wrangler. I will never drive Rwd in the winter again.

[Nsquared97]

I don't buy this for one second. I drove an e34 touring one winter and got stuck like hell. The next winter I drove an e36 with dunlap m3 winter tires and got stuck like hell and blew my diff. The winter after I was in a Subaru that didn't get stuck and now I'm in wrangler. I will never drive Rwd in the winter again.

I spent last winter much further north and had no issues with my E30 whatsoever. Granted they get much less ice up there, but my car had 0 issues in the snow.

[///schwartzman]

I have a 190E Cossie and although the U.S. version doesn't compare to the U.S. e30 M3 it is engaging to drive w/dogleg 5spd. Getrag, it's comfortable as a GT & a good look = a great daily driver IMHO. Just get a few upgrades like a 350mm steering wheel, upgrade the HU and speakers, some 17" wheels on 215/40's and you're golden!

There were a few MBZ variants I liked, '89 560 SEC, '92 400/500E, AMG C36 & C43, and '01 Kompressor 6-spd. If you're into Benz that is. My preference is VW/Audi ;)

[bastianshaw]

Merc 190E's are where it's at. They are pretty comparable to a e30 m3 supposedly. At least that's what I saw on an episode of a top gear like tv show.

is no one going to take care of this