Faults:

Left front window regulator broke, one day after purchase at 100,000 miles. This is typical of these cars.

Front tie rods, shocks, brakes misc. front end stuff at purchase at 100,000 miles. ($800).

Air conditioning evaporator, used from mechanic at 100,000 miles ($200).

Radiator and thermostat replaced at 108,000 miles. $500.

Distributor cap and rotor crack, wouldn't start after heavy rain at 109,000 miles. $124.

General Comments:

The poor car was not maintained properly before I rescued it.

The radiator was a faulty used one before I had it. The car was running hot, even in cool weather. Replaced radiator, that fixed problem.

This is just a great car. Deceptively fast for such a big and heavy car.

Fast yet safe for my two children, who love the rear power reclining seat.

Smooth and comfortable ride. The only thing I don't like about the car is that I want to pass my exit on the freeway, just to enjoy it some more. I look for any excuse to drive this car, hence the 10,000 miles in 3 months.

Overall, a great car. A little more expensive than my previous car, (Volvo 240), but a lot more exciting to drive.

Faults:

Starter solenoid worn.

Ignition switch worn.

Ball Joints replaced.

General Comments:

The materials in the car just aren't available in newer cars, it seems. The leather, although 23 years old, is still supple and smells new. The exterior finish is gorgeous, and it shows that these cars were built with cost being no object.

The structure is second only to a bank vault, and feels safer than many newer air-bag laden vehicles.

You can still balance a quarter on the running engine, and it gets decent mileage for a V8. Although it's not particularly quick around town, it will cruise at whatever speed you like (legal or highly illegal) all day long, and leave you without fatigue, thanks to great seats and an incredibly quiet interior.

Keeping in mind its age and mileage, it's a real treat for an occasional driver.

Faults:

At the end of its life with us (200,000 miles) - just about everything.

General Comments:

My father bought this car new in 1984 - was a great car for about 8 of the 10 years we had it. By the middle of year 8, everything on the car was breaking, and since we were approaching 200K on the odometer, we had to pay for everything.

At the end, the car could not accelerate with the A/C on. But, it was a very good car for many years, and our family survived being slammed at over 50MPH from behind because of this car.

Faults:

The first day the AC compressor failed. It was replaced with little cost and time.

While giving "her" a bath I noticed the sunroof leaks on the front corners.

General Comments:

I recently recently bought this car here in Kuwait. There were not many cars in the same price range to consider. I chose one that was heavy because there are many accidents here and I need safety when my wife is with me. This car, although 22 years old, has been garage parked and is in very nice shape, inside and out. Parts and repair is not expensive here in Kuwait and easily available. I have fell deeply in love with the feel of this car and the way it handles. There are many small detail problems to work on, none really needed, but it will bring me closer to a true understanding of this classic. Now I am very happy that my choice was a Mercedes Benz.