Agree.
I would also suggest that the updated steering wheel of the later models looks cheap and completely out of place. It would be the first thing to go if I ever got my hands on one.
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Contemplating the Cabriolets
- Thread starter stevenstevensteven
- Start date
Agree.
I would also suggest that the updated steering wheel of the later models looks cheap and completely out of place. It would be the first thing to go if I ever got my hands on one.
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You nailed it for me too with "just a bit corrupted" I even prefer the black calipers of the standard car to the silver ones. And while neither is even close to a deal breaker, I prefer the looks of the pre-95 140 and pre-96 129 to the facelifts of each...
YES. YES. MB started on Ritalin around this time? Or perhaps all of German car design started on drugs?
All of the new cars German, Japanese, Korean and American are evolving into the same shape. To me it’s like there is only one person penning the new cars. Lexus or Audi started with the giant grill that reminds me of PAC MAN trying to eat up everything in front of it. The shapes all look alike to me with different lights and grills. I saw a beautiful 911 on the Frwy the other day until I got in front of it. Each headlight had 4 pencil beam lights (very ugly to me). Now all cars have some form of LED running lights. How about a simple 2 headlights and a grill with a bumper below.
I don’t want a freaking spaceship!!
Anyway, enough already Rant Over
I don’t want a freaking spaceship!!
Anyway, enough already Rant Over
The white car in NY sold within a couple days of the dealer finally putting a realistic number on it. No surprise there.
Right on cue, these clowns step in to fill the void.
https://www.thelastdetail.com/1994-mercedes-benz-e-class-e-320-c-1002.htm
[h=1]1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 320
[/h]Price: $39,000
21,800 Miles
.
I totally agree. What happened 15 years earlier with head unts (all designed by teenaged boys) has now happened with cars. Folks forgot the tenet of "long lasting modernity" and forgot that true aesthetic appeal ensures that something remains contemporary for many many years.
Head units used to look like this (BTW that Alpine looks nice in that w126 below):
And then the same ugly stick started to hit auto designers and auto electronics designers all at the same time:
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Yes... the late ‘90s is when understatement died, as a world value. After that, “less is more” was replaced with “more is more”, Internet millionaires, neuvo riche, greed is good, conspicuous consumption, suburban McMansions, etc., etc.
Blame BMW and AMG for their respective hands in this, but it was more Honda’s and Toyota’s fault. And now, do the Germans still use wood in the interiors? Or are they claiming eco-responsibility once again? We saw how that played out with wiring harnesses. The W220 actually still had a somewhat usefully blended interior (see below). While I like the new W222-esque control console, I’d prefer a bit more wood and leather.
I’m just glad to have some old school naturally aspirated vehicles with unadulterated exhaust notes and what not. I think another engine I want is the old Jaguar 4.2L straight 6...
maw
Blame BMW and AMG for their respective hands in this, but it was more Honda’s and Toyota’s fault. And now, do the Germans still use wood in the interiors? Or are they claiming eco-responsibility once again? We saw how that played out with wiring harnesses. The W220 actually still had a somewhat usefully blended interior (see below). While I like the new W222-esque control console, I’d prefer a bit more wood and leather.
I’m just glad to have some old school naturally aspirated vehicles with unadulterated exhaust notes and what not. I think another engine I want is the old Jaguar 4.2L straight 6...
maw
Attachments
Get the Jaguar V12, not only do they have twice the cylinders, but they're twice as reliable.
I have a 1994 XJS V12 with the 6 liter engine. Jaguar stopped selling the V12 XJS in 1992 and resumed production in 1994 for 2 years. Only 1800 were made.
I also have a 1975 XJ5.3C which I bought after buying a 1977 XJ5.3C with a small block Chevy engine. I drove the 77 everywhere but decided to sell it because I had to have a V12. It sold on ebay and a guy from Mexico city took the train up to Dallas and drove it back. This 75 was converted to run strictly on propane with the tanks, computer and wiring removed. It was a hell of a job converting it back and i've since driven it about 200 miles over the last 5 years. The price of originality.
I also have a 1975 XJ5.3C which I bought after buying a 1977 XJ5.3C with a small block Chevy engine. I drove the 77 everywhere but decided to sell it because I had to have a V12. It sold on ebay and a guy from Mexico city took the train up to Dallas and drove it back. This 75 was converted to run strictly on propane with the tanks, computer and wiring removed. It was a hell of a job converting it back and i've since driven it about 200 miles over the last 5 years. The price of originality.
Thanks for the info, Al. I still remember the first time I woke up to an XJV12, it was in an airport parking lot after grad school, so figure ‘96 or ‘97, and a red drop top 12 was hustling around trying to find a parking spot, tires screaming and engine revving. I remember thinking “what is THAT?!?!” And like that, I’ve been a quiet Jag maven ever since. The ‘70s Mark II has captured my imagination as well, but that’s more of a project.
maw
maw
You meant “quiet Jag masochist,” right? That was an autocorrect typo?!?
Not to fear... I haven’t purchased anything yet... money is still in my pocket... sanity yet reigns... I have other perfectly good wastes of money and headache for now. A neighbor is restoring one now, and I’m watching with interest. He watched me with the 500E and got the mini-project bug. And I’m sitting here thinking, “yeah, but that Jag is not this 500E.” But we shall see.
maw
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In some ways, Jaguars were far superior to Mercedes of the same era (think Jaguar XJ S2 vs MB W116), like HUGE brakes, V12 power and multi link rear suspension. MB's did not really catch up in that dept until the R129. Remember that in the 70's when Jaguar was putting V12's into sedan cars. The only other marks that offered a V12 engine were Italian and had a name ending with 'i'. I guarantee you that those were not easier cars to maintain.
Materials used were excellent in some areas like leather, wood and sheet metal, and horrible in others (namely electrics). If you're considering an XJS, I think that a 95/96 , 6 cylinder car is a pretty safe bet. Those had the AJ16 engine which is super durable. I've seen several with over 200K that still look and run well.
Earlier V12 cars would drop valves if they are run hot. This is why you see so many cars for sale with 45,000 miles that 'ran when parked'. This issue was solved with the 6 liter cars. Owning a 90's Jag is probably closer to owning a 70's Mercedes than a 90's model. You might have OBD2 and an airbag but it's still very much built like an old car with heavy materials, lots of wood and leather and that mechanical click-click that you would hear and feel when you open and close the doors. If you've owned a W108/W109, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
Materials used were excellent in some areas like leather, wood and sheet metal, and horrible in others (namely electrics). If you're considering an XJS, I think that a 95/96 , 6 cylinder car is a pretty safe bet. Those had the AJ16 engine which is super durable. I've seen several with over 200K that still look and run well.
Earlier V12 cars would drop valves if they are run hot. This is why you see so many cars for sale with 45,000 miles that 'ran when parked'. This issue was solved with the 6 liter cars. Owning a 90's Jag is probably closer to owning a 70's Mercedes than a 90's model. You might have OBD2 and an airbag but it's still very much built like an old car with heavy materials, lots of wood and leather and that mechanical click-click that you would hear and feel when you open and close the doors. If you've owned a W108/W109, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
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There is always a nice selection of A124s on the market at any given moment. Typically available in white, black, silver or green. With the random blue or red tossed in for variety.
This one caught my eye...
https://www.codysclassiccars.com/inventory/details/47226734
Light Ivory over Brazil
https://www.datamb.com/vin/r1M9WdwZY4jAqgNvD
VIN WDBEA66E2PB846054
Ask $14900
Clean Autocheck report
[TABLE="class: pure-table pure-table-horizontal"] [TR] [TD="class: leftRow"]Interior[/TD] [TD]LEATHER BRAZIL (263)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: leftRow"]Paint 1[/TD] [TD]LIGHT IVORY - UNI-COLOR (623U)[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Seller does a nice job with the pics documenting the apparent condition of this car.
This one caught my eye...
https://www.codysclassiccars.com/inventory/details/47226734
Light Ivory over Brazil
https://www.datamb.com/vin/r1M9WdwZY4jAqgNvD
VIN WDBEA66E2PB846054
Ask $14900
Clean Autocheck report
[TABLE="class: pure-table pure-table-horizontal"] [TR] [TD="class: leftRow"]Interior[/TD] [TD]LEATHER BRAZIL (263)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: leftRow"]Paint 1[/TD] [TD]LIGHT IVORY - UNI-COLOR (623U)[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Seller does a nice job with the pics documenting the apparent condition of this car.
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I was making a living in the late 1970s and early 80s working on those Jaguars. Maybe the engineering was better, but their reliability left a LOT to be desired. Most of my customers had more than one Jag, as it would be rare for all to be roadworthy at one time, or they had a domestic car of some sort to drive as a backup. We joked about being the only ones in business along with funeral directors if things got bad, as both of us had guaranteed business no matter how bad the economy got.
I'll never forget the first XJ12 I worked on, which was carbureted, not FI. Distributor cap the size of a dinner plate. I became quite proficient at balancing carbs on those beasts, which was a necessity every 1,000-1,500 miles. You knew they needed to be dialed in when the MPG went from 8-10 down to 6-8. And don't even get me started on what it took to replace the water pump on that thing....
While they were less than reliable cars, they were enjoyable to drive. I can recall taking the previously mentioned XJ12 for a test drive the first time, and not realizing that I was going 60 in a 30 mph zone! You just seemed to be floating along in that car with little sense of speed.
Dan
Then I wonder what you would consider as a comparison for the XK140 or V12 XKEs we serviced. The XK140, while dated, would go like a bat out of Hades. You were just more aware of your surroundings in that car. The XKEs were glorified track cars, I thought. Both loads of fun.
Dan
That sounds like a 500E.
Not Really,
alabbasi will probably poo poo me BUT they were very unreliable and needed a fire suppression system installed.
The XJs were always catching on fire. I was considering 95 convertible around 1998 for $20K w/ 30K miles. Beautiful car, not a mark on it UNTIL you opened the hood. It looked like a wood pit barbecue. Still tempted I went to a Jaguar Dealer and spoke w/ Tech. He warned me that the electrical would never be right and it had 3 or 4 computers that probably need replacing at $4K each.
Just my $0.
lol
Oh yeah, if you were balancing carbs when these cars were new. It was probably around the time they were folded into BL which was likely Jaguar's darkest era. I'd say that if you're buying a 70's jag today that's well maintained. Those issues are likely resolved. The early fuel injected cars used Bosch D-Jetronic. It's exactly as reliable or unreliable as the D-Jet used in the V8 W108's or the early W116.
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Amazing that the exterior color was still available in 1993. That thing looks like it just rolled off the 1986 production line.
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Right?
Datacard shows production in 9/92. And the model is a "320 CE."
Does anybody have any insight into the description of the color? The "UNI-COLOR" doesn't sound familiar.
I had 1986 300E in Light Ivory with cream interior. Felt like driving an underpowered banana. The Brazil interior does really help though.
Still in production to this day. Very common taxi color in the ECE. The Ivory over Brazil cab is so ugly that I kinda dig it. Years ago in Tampa we had a customer that ordered his new 560SEL in that combination. Then as now, it was so uglly that I liked it. Another doctor in his office building was German. He would taunt Dr. Ivory S with "TAXI TAXI !" He put a TAXI PARKING ONLY sign over the "this space reserved for physician" sign in his parking spot. About a year later his wife got a new SL, same combo...
An M120 Silver Arrow.
6000 miles.
WDBFA76FX2F202659
https://www.earthmotorcars.com/vehi...enz-sl-class-sl-600-carrollton-tx-id-26805985
Home of "No Haggle Pricing"
Yours for the bargain price of $0.110M
Not likely to be an issue, but this was a 12 years Indiana car.
A larger issue (for me) would be the dearth of service entries on the Carfax. Other than a Quik-E Lube or two.
.
6000 miles.
WDBFA76FX2F202659
https://www.earthmotorcars.com/vehi...enz-sl-class-sl-600-carrollton-tx-id-26805985
Home of "No Haggle Pricing"
Yours for the bargain price of $0.110M
Not likely to be an issue, but this was a 12 years Indiana car.
A larger issue (for me) would be the dearth of service entries on the Carfax. Other than a Quik-E Lube or two.
.
The last year for the M120?
I'm sorry but I can't get around the UA 2000's steering wheel and the gaudy gauge cluster treatment. Reeks like the old guy trying to look 'cool' and 'hip' via a comb-over, rather than aging gracefully and accepting that while he might not look the same, he's got it where it counts.
What do we think a realistic ask is for this guy?
This one was run through ebay a couple of times. Didn't make it to $38K. With plenty of bidding action.
It's sold now. So maybe it went for low to mid $40s.
Sort of a different animal given the "Low" versus "No" miles on the TX car. But it's the best comp of which I'm aware.
I really like the machine turned metal fascia on the cluster and shifter plate, and I want to own an M120 R129 some day, but I can't see any massive value in the SA.
Without the badges, really nice ones can be found in the $20-25K range.
If you don't care for "special" R129s with questionable interiors... then definitely skip this post.
https://www.sheltonclassics.com/vehicles/274/1997-mercedes-benz-sl-320
1997 "40th Anniversary" SL320
45000 miles
$18000
WDBFA63F9VF153991
https://www.datamb.com/vin/Yz6Xk2R4kPad1xjL9
That's DESIGNO-BLUE - METALLIC (012O) a/k/a Quartz Blue with Royal maple wood work.
.
https://www.sheltonclassics.com/vehicles/274/1997-mercedes-benz-sl-320
1997 "40th Anniversary" SL320
45000 miles
$18000
WDBFA63F9VF153991
https://www.datamb.com/vin/Yz6Xk2R4kPad1xjL9
That's DESIGNO-BLUE - METALLIC (012O) a/k/a Quartz Blue with Royal maple wood work.
.
You're missing out. My 5 speed manual car red lines at 7000RPM. Not a bad little runner.
I have to say the work is impeccable, quite nice, but not to my taste. Purple over purple.... ugh. And as an owner of the same year R129, I will say that these are some of the absolute worst wheels Mercedes ever put on a car after bundts. Mine has 2003 SLK AMG staggered six spokes, which are a bolt on upgrade. They transform the car into something totally different as far as the driving experience, like it's on rails. I am a hard core purist, but this was one time I could accept putting something non-stock on a car.
I can see where the M104 with a stick could be fun in this chassis. But not as fun as the M119...
Dan
Ain't that the truth!!!
My silver R129 is m104. While it's no 5 liter contender, with well sorted suspension it is a fun car to drive and very easy to maintain (as any other m104). Do't think I'd be getting rid of it anytime soon...
Regards,
D
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I don’t hate it ace! It’s got the right steering wheel
How does the 104 do in the 129 chassis anyway? Still fun or blahhh?
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It reminds of the "cultured" marble in my first house's bathrooms.
Lol.
The previous owners of the house I lived in as a kid had done a bathroom remodel right before we moved in (This was the 1980s mind you). The faucet handles came with a bunch of faux-marble handle tops (made of the best plastic of course) which could be swapped out at a moments notice to suit your current mood/style/lighting/decor. I thought they were the coolest thing as a kid (mostly as i would change them every time i used the faucet, much to my parents chagrin), but yes they looked a lot like that 129s console. [emoji23]
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Every couple of months, another ultra-low ODO A124 comes on to the market.
http://showroom.carriomotorcars.com/carrio_motor_cars/inventory/11745/1995/WDBEA66E6SC196230.html
1995 E320 Cab
20000 miles
$27000
WDBEA66E6SC196230
Clean Autocheck
To the seller's credit, they didn't come out of the gate with a $40000 Ask.
The driver's seat has some heavy staining on it, but the rest of the car looks pretty cherry.
Smoke Silver / Parchment, heated seats, no ASR:
https://www.datamb.com/vin/4bGQrAaPgVr2Okm5B
http://showroom.carriomotorcars.com/carrio_motor_cars/inventory/11745/1995/WDBEA66E6SC196230.html
1995 E320 Cab
20000 miles
$27000
WDBEA66E6SC196230
Clean Autocheck
To the seller's credit, they didn't come out of the gate with a $40000 Ask.
The driver's seat has some heavy staining on it, but the rest of the car looks pretty cherry.
Smoke Silver / Parchment, heated seats, no ASR:
https://www.datamb.com/vin/4bGQrAaPgVr2Okm5B
It's quite lively. Motor is free revving and like to be wound up. I think the M119 is perfectly suited for the 722.6 because of it torquey nature. The M104 with a 5 speed feels completely.
I had this exact same car (year, color combo) for about 9 years. It was a very low mileage one also. As most of you know this "silver" is more of a light bronze.
Never had a single significant mechanical, electrical etc. problem with the car, just a. I never even had to replace the wiring harness, although I would have eventually (and told new buyer that I had not....but I sold at a super reasonable price).
If you are looking for one of these and search a bit you may be able to find a better deal than this, but if I were in the market for one, I would seriously consider buying this and be ok on this price, for a car with this low mileage. As ace10 says, a lot of dealers with this would be asking high 30's or 40k.
Never had a single significant mechanical, electrical etc. problem with the car, just a. I never even had to replace the wiring harness, although I would have eventually (and told new buyer that I had not....but I sold at a super reasonable price).
If you are looking for one of these and search a bit you may be able to find a better deal than this, but if I were in the market for one, I would seriously consider buying this and be ok on this price, for a car with this low mileage. As ace10 says, a lot of dealers with this would be asking high 30's or 40k.
Oh yes, absolutely horrible... on the SL500 40th Anniversary, they used original the “EVO 17”” Rims and way Better Wood Colour too.. here is my 40th Anniversary, but with new Wheels too:
On page 6 of this thread, there's a comparable white one which the dealer finally sold for under $20K after Asking up the in the 35-40 range. And there's a black one posted which is sitting at 40 currently.
I think the color combo on this one hurts a bunch. It will sit. Especially at this time of year.
Yes I had seen the white one. The 20k on that car was a huge price drop, especially with that mileage, and was a good deal (assuming it was maintained). White on black would have been better combo for me. Yes, some people like the smoke silver and some don't.
When I look for a convertible or any "summer car", I always look for it when winter was starting, and am happy to store it for 6 mos since I know I will always get a better deal. Also these 124 Cab's are worth being patient on. There are plenty of low mileage ones out there. If one is patient you will find a low mileage good deal.
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This A124 snagged my interest for several reasons. Not just the Odo.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=497681864
1995 E320 Cab
28000 miles
$20000
Seller discloses some repaired damage. Which is refreshing. And then goes one step beyond to include a picture of it, pre-repair.
Putting that info in the ad deserves credit.
On the downside, the Seller does not post the VIN.
This one is priced to sell.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=497681864
1995 E320 Cab
28000 miles
$20000
Seller discloses some repaired damage. Which is refreshing. And then goes one step beyond to include a picture of it, pre-repair.
Putting that info in the ad deserves credit.
On the downside, the Seller does not post the VIN.
This one is priced to sell.