• 1985 Ruf BTR For Sale: The Ultimate Tuner Porsche 930? - The yellow 930 Ruf is the most infamous, but how cool would a Ruf tuned 930 be in black?
• 1991 BMW e30 325iT Wagon For Sale in Calgary - The dog car we've always wanted but will probably never be able to get.
• 1995 Honda RVF400 NC35 For Sale in San Diego - Such a sexy bike and comes with a title!
• Well Maintained 1985 Yamaha RZ500 For Sale in Seattle - Another two stroke beauty right here in the PNW!
• A Pair of Low Mileage Porsche 968’s For Sale - Don't see many low mileage 968 coupes at affordable prices too often.
• Super Low Miles BMW e30 M3 For Sale - Not the e30 M3 bubble car, but close!
• 2 Laverda Formula’s For Sale Right Now - Interesting and rare finds that aren't really that expensive.
• 1991 Honda NSR 250 MC21 with 4k Miles - Great looking prospect with a title!
• 1991 BMW e34 M5 For Sale in Red with 47k Miles - Love the mileage and color on this e34 M5.
• 1978 BMW e21 320i with 3.2L Big Six Swap: Is This Really the Second Car Dinan Ever Built? - Perhaps one of the first cars Steve Dinan ever built.
• Two Great Mercedes 500E cars For Sale: One for $26k and one for $9k - Two 500E Porsche assist engineered cars for sale; at either ends of the spectrum.
• 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 750 For Sale in Red, White, Black - Another great original survivor for sale!
• 1989 Suzuki Katana 750GSX: Oh the Memories! - Paul once had one that looked EXACTLY like this one. What a flashback!

I hope you enjoyed the summary and thanks for reading!

dc

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To be honest, I've clicked back on my own post a number of times thinking to myself, "that was a damn good deal on really good looking car. Why didn't I buy that?!" Maybe you've been thinking that too, and now you have your chance too.

I've got his car posted over at one of my new blogs, GermanCarsForSaleBlog.com

Good luck with the sale Matt!

dc

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AMG, three letters that conjure visions of doing stupid speeds while hunkered behind a Valentine 1 avoiding the local boys in blue. Yes, AMG does really stand for Autobahn fury; quite opposite the way M for BMW means running the curves while wearing skinny driving shoes. No Mercedes AMG is all about luxury, power, and dropping the German hammer with straight ribbons of asphalt in-front of the car.

So this evening when I remembered a model I had lusted after a few years back, then watched an episode of Top Gear where they drove the new CLK63 AMG Black Edition, I had to jump on Craigslist.

And there it was, a C43 AMG - less than 100K on the odometer, silver, and apparently enthusiast owned. Perfect right? Well not exactly - it left me wanting. The styling is dull compared to todays AMG models and even the recently introduced C-class makes this look more comfortable heading to Nordstrom’s for the Half Yearly Sale, it doesn’t look all that aggressive - in fact it looks like something my sister might drive. Gah, and she drives an ML.

So here it is a late model German rocket sedan for under $10K and I have no desire to own it. I am trying so hard to find that one car that gets me to dive head first back into a sporting car and everywhere I look I am left wanting...

Is there help out there for me? Or is this a cool car and I’m just crazy?

A Best Motoring Clip of the C43 in action sideways:

Post a comment with your reaction and feedback! Thanks for your post Blair!

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Blair recently posted one of these while I was on vacation, and this model has been on my mind ever since -- Especially if in the market for a modern classic German tourer, I don't see how you could look past a good example of a Mercedes w124 500E. I suspect maintenance and parts are just as expensive as that of the S4, otherwise known as the price of admission. But the presence of this car is still really striking in person, not to mention the pedigree of these cars speak for themselves.

1993 Mercedes Benz 500E in Portland, Oregon on Craigslist for $22850

1993 Mercedes/ Porsche 500E *Very Rare/ Numbered!
Only 72k miles.
All service history.. Clean title, clean carfax, no wrecks. Babied & garaged.. the nicest 500E you will ever find!
18" Chrome AMG wheels etc...

The 500E was a limited edition sports sedan developed in conjunction with Porsche. The Mercedes 500E was based on the popular 300E model which had been released in 1986. Each 500E was transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen during assembly and hand built, taking a full 18 days to complete each model. It was produced between 1992-94 in which time approximately 7200 cars were built, with only 1505 total cars imported to the U.S.

Besides a totally new engine, the 500E was also equipped with a hydraulic self-leveling suspension, 11.8 inch vented discs in the front and 10.9 inchers in the back, wider wheels and tires and shorter and stiffer springs which lowered the 500E nearly an inch over the 300E. While the resulting slalom time is nothing to boast about (61 mph), the 500E still manages a healthy 0.84g on the skidpad and a sports-car-like 116 ft stopping distance. The engine was the same unit used in the 500SL but with a Bosch LH Jetronic fuel injection replacing the KE Jetronic and a redesigned intake manifold with longer runners that resulted in an additional 22 lb-ft of torque over that powerplant.

With 322HP and 354 lb-ft of torque on tap combined with 2.82 gearing caused 60 to come in less than 6 seconds and the car was electronically limited to 155. The W124 chassis was fortified with Porsche's help to ensure this car performed flawlessly in all aspects. Adaptive rear shocks and subtly flared fenders conceal the 225/55/16 Z-rated rubber on newly added 18" AMG wheels. Virtually every possible option available on a W124 is standard. Four bolstered sport seats replace the conventional 2 front 3 rear configuration of other E-class cars. This is perhaps the most desirable and collectable Mercedes of the last 20 years.

I quoted the entire ad because the seller does a good job of describing what makes the 500E special. And I think he may be right that the 500E could be the most desirable and collectable car of the last 20 years -- in the United States. In the world, I think you'd have to consider the 190E 2.3-16 Evolution models and other homogolation specials.

$23k probably sounds like a lot for a car of this vintage. Actually, check that, it is a lot. But I've seen examples even higher than this. If it's as nice as he describes, has full documentation, serviced air ride suspension and had the wiring harness replaced... It's probably worth it for someone who's been looking for a good one.

dc

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1987 Mercedes-Benz 190-Series 190e 2.3-16 on eBayMotors (156k miles, California)

quote from eBay listing:

153,400 Miles
Registration good till Jan of 09
Completly Stock
Original Everything
Complete Everything
I just completed the 60K service at Hoehn Mercedes here in San diego since I was nearing 160K Miles. I asked them to go through the whole car and replace anything that needs replacing.
I had them replace any and all fluids in the car. Coolant, rear diff, trans, engine, brake, clutch, sls, etc...
They also replaced the rear SLS system with new parts.
After the work they gave the car a thumbs up for sale. I am going to miss this car, while it was at Hoehn the service tech told me they had a Mclaren in for service and many people were more interested in my car due to the rarity and condition of it. Made me smile.
I do have a copy of the Vehicle Master Inquiry too as well as the service paper work I just did.

Not my favorite color, but this car could be a great value if it checks out. I'll update when the auction ends.

dc

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1987 Mercedes 190 2.3-16 on eBay (Wisconsin):

This rare model is in Excellent condition. First owner to 1997 78000 miles from Dallas TX. Second owner and winter stored,was from Greendale WI. Also second owner was a officer in the local Merceedes club and searched the country to find a near perfect 190E 16V before finding this car for sale in Dallas.

He spent close to $20,000 in his ownership to keep it like new and buy many spare NOS maintainence parts that are in boxes included in the sale along with a complete set of factory service manuals. The interior retains the original material and the paint is also as factory applied in 1987 and has been invited to and shown regurlarly ( from 2000 untill 2006 ) at local concours shows as it is still excellent with no inclement weather use.

This car is currently bid at $15k and the buy-it-now was $16k. Good money for this well looked after example and still a remarkable value compared to it's main competitor, the BMW e30 M3. Considering good examples are moving for $8-12k, this looks like a good buy for a car that will need nothing for years to come.

dc

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This beautiful 1988 Mercedes has a full provenance and has been in
the hands of a single owner from new. It has the advantage of a
complete and unbroken service history and is maintained to a high
standard. Garaged throughout its life, it has been lovingly cared for and
carefully driven with only 119,000 miles on the clock.

The condition, appearance and performance of the vehicle demand a
sale price of £8,000 and this will be a cash only sale.
Please contact us at jmeager@waitrose.com to register your interest or
make further enquiries which are most welcome. We shall endeavour to
respond to all emails within 24 hours. We are in Bedfordshire, UK and
prospective purchasers will need to come to us to see the vehicle
strictly by appointment only.

Download a .pdf with all the details and 6 high resolution images of this Mercedes 190E 2.3-16. [3.6 mb]

If you have a car worthy of listing on dancrouchblog.com, please contact me!

Good luck with the sale Jim!

dc

Update: This listing is very out of date. Why not check out one of these Mercedes 190 2.3-16's on eBay right now:

Mercedes 190E 190 2.3-16v 2.3-16 Cosworth SLS Parts Lot

US $299.99 End Date: Friday Aug-06-2010 11:13:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $299.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes W201 Body Side Fender 190E 190 2.3 16-V Valve

US $175.00 End Date: Thursday Aug-05-2010 15:09:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $175.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes 201 190 E 2.3, 2.3 16 V Starter Motor FREESHIP

US $65.00 End Date: Friday Aug-13-2010 12:14:27 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $65.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

MERCEDES-BENZ 190 E 2.5-16 EVOLUTION CAR COVER 1990 NEW

US $64.95 End Date: Tuesday Aug-10-2010 22:33:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $64.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

== Mercedes 190 E 2.3 + 16-Valve Starter FREE SHIP ==

US $59.00 End Date: Saturday Aug-07-2010 8:31:16 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $59.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes 190E 190 E D 2.3-16 Window Regulator Motor 201

US $39.99 End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 10:31:31 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $39.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes 190 DE 2.3, 2.3 16-Valve Air Condition Relay

US $39.00 End Date: Thursday Aug-05-2010 13:37:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $39.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes W201 Fan Serpentine Belt 190 190E 2.3 * 2.3-16

US $22.50 End Date: Saturday Aug-14-2010 19:03:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $22.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

NEW SERPENTINE BELT MERCEDES BENZ 190E 2.3 190 2.3-16

US $19.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 12:05:29 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BOSCH IGNITION ROTOR MERCEDES 190E 190 E 2.3 & 16V 16 V

US $14.95 End Date: Wednesday Aug-25-2010 15:21:25 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $14.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

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If you want a reliable, fast, fun, and economical car (amazing to get all that in one car!), this Mercedes 16v is the car for you. The car drives and sounds like a stock Mercedes 16v, except power delivery is smoother, the idle is better, it is more reliable than stock, and it has more power! In all my years of ownership, the car has never left me stranded and has always started up and driven smoothly.

If this car runs and well as the owner reports and has the receipts to back up the work, this could be a really fun car and a serious consideration if you're shopping for an e30 M3 for sale! While I think the $13.5k buy-it-now might be a tad on the high side for a car with extensive mods and moderate miles, but the owner states his reserve is at $7500. Currently at $3150 with 5 days remaining.

Update 2.25.2008: Reserve was lowered and winning bid was only $7100! The pictures and description certainly suggested it was worth more.

dc

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2:48 PM edwardwilson749: Up for a car challenge?

me: sure!

2:50 PM edwardwilson749: You can take your time with this one, but we are looking for a dog/visitor car. Open to all makes/models with a max of $5000. Looking for something we can haul the 3 dogs in comfortably, let visitors drive when they are here, and not be embarrassed to park out front.

2:51 PM So far we have been looking at wagons, but would be open to a small SUV, or anything if the right one comes along.

me: hmmm, interesting.

2:52 PM edwardwilson749: Figure pick something up, drive it for a couple years, then sell it for a little less than what we paid for it. Figure it'll cost us a couple grand to own, as opposed to a complete junker that might cost that much in maintenance.

So it will need to have a fairly good service record as well.

2:53 PM And being located somewhere close to the SE as well

me: gotcha, sounds like fun!

You can fake having 3 dogs in a 4 door once in a while, but it's sure not ideal. In my mind, that means wagon or SUV.

So I took a swing at some logical choices for Ed and G. I may have to come back to this later in the week with some more 'creative' examples though!

The first car to spring to mind was an e34 touring, that Ed also had found. His response was 'meh' for this 1993 525i Touring on Craigslist for $4k:

Right behind the BMW e34's on my list was the W124 Benz Wagons:

1995 Mercedes 300TE Wagon on Craigslist in Orlando

1995 E320 Wagon on Craigslist $4595 in Orlando

And if you're going to consider BMW's and Merc's, well you have to consider the Audi's with Quattro:

1998 Audi A6 Avant on Craigslist Treasure Coast:

Or this 1998 A6 Avant with only 83k miles in Virginia on Autotrader.com:

I've always thought a Landy was a sharp buy for the money. I'd take a look at these as well:

2000 Land Rover Discovery on Craigslist West Palm, $4130, 123k miles:

And this 1997 Land Rover Discovery SE with only 92k miles for $4996:

And it's hard to ignore a Japanese option:

1997 Infiniti QX4 on Craigslist Birmingham ($4950):

But of all the cars I looked at tonight, the value leader and enthusiast bargain has got to be the Volvo R series wagons from the late 90's. Check out these two barn burners for under $5k:

1996 Volvo 850R Wagon on Craigslist Atlanta. I really dig the beech interior and the stout black exterior.

And along the same lines, this newer 1998 Volvo V70R on Craigslist Savannah:

Honorable Mentions:

Fiat 500 Station Wagon on eBay (exceeds price limit by $2k )

1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse on eBay (too creepy, but probably meets or beats most of his criteria LOL!)

dc

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UPDATE: It has a manual transmission.

UPDATE 2: Links Added

UPDATE 1.23.08: Now on eBay with a buy-it-now of $14.5k

Would you kindly list on your site, I have more pictures if you would like. Thanks Andrew Patrick O'Rourke New York

City 646-744-5757

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer...Could you please share with your members a unique opportunity to own probably the lowest mileage Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 this side of the Mercedes Museum. What I have for sale is a 1986 109e 2.3-16 with 8,080 original
miles. This car has been in stored for 21 years. Original owner died in 1989, and left car to relatives. Runs and drives like an 8,000 mile Mercedes should. The exterior is Gunmetal Gray and all the unique 2.3-16 parts are as new, but then so is the whole car, Some minor scratches from extended storage. It is missing the Radiator Silver Star. Full Black all electric, Leather Sport seats front and rear that are immaculate. all options avail, ac, Becker Grand Prix, cruse, power windows, mirrors and sunroof, Original wheels are unmarked and still carry the Factory installed Pirelli P-6 tires that look new. Original Factory mats, as new. Untouched engine that still has factory inspection stickers on Cosworth head and door jams. Not a stitch out of place on this Timeless example of the 80's Mercedes Hot Rod, Less that 2,000 were made of this wonderful Supercar Classic. And I would say this is one of the best. Original Sticker of $42,387 tells you why few were sold. Originally sold and serviced at Mercedes Of Manhattan. This is the real thing I will give the VIN so you can CarFax and see it was last serviced in 2/89 at MBM and hasn't seen the light of day since. Rare opportunity for an equally rare car. Vin #WDBA34D7GF163893 production date 10/85. Mercedes and Cosworth that sayes it all, but you guys know more than I do. This Car is located in New York , White Plains,10607, Price is $16,500 , Call (646) 744-5757,with question or for additional pictures, and with any trades or offers up or down, Lotus Elise-Super-7, MR-2, Acura NSX, Porsche Boxster, RV's, Exotic Dune Buggies or very old VW's, especially convertibles.

Thanks,

Andy in New York.

I'd love to hear what a first hand account has to reveal about this incredible low mileage and low priced example. Good luck Andy!

Links
Previous Mercedes Cars for sale and 2.3-16 190's on TJRubley.com

dc

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