My Daughter

[Matthew Claus]

Hello all,

My daughter has decided that old Mercedes are pretty cool. First she was looking at a '67 230S but since she needs a daily driver I tried talking her into a nice 190E 2.6. Well now she's seen a Ponton (I think they're called) and she wants one. While I admire her taste in cars I still think that she'd be much better off in a newer 190 E or 300 E. She's about to start DMV school and will need a nice car than is dependable. While I like the older Benz I don't think they'd fill the bill for what she needs. I have a '85 300 CD which is great for me but I'm not going to school with a minunum wage job. Any thoughts on this ? Should I let her get the older car or stick with the newer models ? Is it possible to expect a Ponton or a 230 S to be a dependible daily driver ?

TIA, Matt Claus. CA

[Walt Puryear]

Your daughter has excellent taste. For the price of a more recent model, I should think you could find a roadworthy ponton.

http://www.mbzponton.org/

Walt Puryear
'57 190sl

[Sokoloff]

Tell her to join the ponton mailing list at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ponton/. There are about 250 ponton owners there. A few of them use theirs as daily drivers. Have her ask the group for input and snoop around at the many files, pictures, etc. I think it really helps to be able to do some of your own work for a few reasons at least. First, it's a lot cheaper. Second, you can be sure it gets done right if you DIY because it's getting hard to find techs who know these cars anymore. Third, you get a chance to bond with your car. :)

Len
'59 220S Cabriolet

[Dean Yelenik]

To me a ponton is a little outside the realm of a daily driver for a young driver - little to old, parts a little too hard to get, etc. But if she really likes the looks of classic Mercedes, and is willing to suffer some occasional grief accordingly, I would say get a late 108 chassis - like a 1969 to 1972 280S or SE. These are always going to be great looking classic cars and still fairly practical to keep on the road. A six cylinder is probably a little more practical than the 4.5 V8. The V8 is legendary for long life but doesn't get very good mileage, also the first of the engine computer cars. There's still plenty of 108s around, especially in California. Find a good rust free car, go through it mechanically from head to toe, and she'll have a heck of a good, nice looking car.

[Sokoloff]

Parts, if you know where to look, are no harder to get and generally no more expensive than parts for a ten or fifteen year old car. I must say however that it will require care and feeding, possibly more than the average ten to fifteen year old Mercedes. That also depends on the initial condition of the vehicle. The car is so simple to work on too. But that could be a mixed blessing. If she doesn't want to do any of the work herself, then it could be expensive to pay labor to someone else to do it and even harder to find someone competent to do the work. It's a little easier to find someone to do the work on a more modern car.

Len

[Tom Hanson]

A 58-59 220S sedan in great running order would be a good car for her. Just put in some seat belts, keep the valves adjusted and the oil changed. Parts in general are no problem at all. The 190E-2.6 would be a good car too. maybe a Ponton with modern running gear? I'd kind of like that for myself..??

[mooney]

Matthew
Go with the newer model MB for your Daughter. While the Ponton and the 230S will make her the only kid at school to have one, she may not be able to keep up with her friends on the LA highways. Your idea is more pratical and much safer.
If she insist on a classic MB look into the 107's
1979-80 450SL is a great driver that always looks great.
1985-380SL the last year for the 380 a great driver and llooker.
and can still be purchased at a reasonable price.
Take care and good luck.
Happy driving.

Joe Moon

[Dean Yelenik]

"Parts availability" is not the same thing as local, convenient, timely parts availability. As a general rule an auto parts supplier's inventory will reflect what's on the road - what they're going to sell on a regular basis. I have not seen a ponton on the road here in AZ for a year or two at least. Remotely available parts have a cost in time/convenience/shipping, etc., especially for a daily driver. I drove a 6.3 as a daily driver for a while, and while parts were always "available" I often had to rent a car while waiting for them to be both "available" and "here". Obviously a newer car is going to be more practical but this is a girl with style.

[Tom Hanson]

Routine maintenance parts for Ponton models are generally on my shelf at all times. 220S air filter being the only exception. I also stock most of the brake parts for them. But, a 190E 2.6 would be a more practical car for your daughter. Get as late of this model as you can, with complete records. Try to find a 93 Limited Edition if you want the best of the breed. An earlier 300E would be another good choice. The only huge ticket part on eother of these that is somewhat common is the ignition control unit. I'm sure there are plenty of good used ones out there too. Good luck!

[ja17]

Hello,
When put right, these cars (pontons) can be extremely reliable and fairly economical. The things for a young lady to remember are, no power steering, no AC, marginal heating, marginal wipers, no disc brakes, no air bags and four speed on the column! The automobile has come a long way in the last fifty years!
Joe Alexander

[zak]

I personally think that a pre 123 model would not be good for your daughter. Just too old for a young lady . I see 300E 124's for around $5k. Much better for a non-officionado daily driver.

[Fred Hoelzle]

Matt, I would recommend a 300E or E320 sedan up to the 1995 model year. These are solid cars with air bags and ABS. Make sure that the head gasket and wiring harness problems have been addressed already by the previous owner(s).

[Nitz240D]

I agree also that the Ponton models are a little too old to be a daily driver. It could be done, but comfort, convience and most of all saftey are the issuse with that.

I think the best solution is the W114/115 chassis (68-76). They have the classic looks of an older MB and are very reliable, especialy the diesels. The W108/109 is still a tad bit old for a daily driver and you wouldn't want to beat on it every day - they're too nice!

In my opinion the W114/115 chassis is the perfect daily-driver older Mercedes.

[Walt Puryear]

Matthew -

Did your daughter ever make a selection. If it was a 50's 190 sedan, then there is hope : )

Walt Puryear

[Matthew Claus]

Walt,

No, she hasn't got anything yet. I'm still in the "new" car camp with this. I would much prefer her in a 190E or 300E. I understand why she likes older cars but the comments here have clarified my concerns about her driving an old car for a daily driver. That is a task best suited to a "fan" of old cars, not someone who needs dependible daily transportation. Thanks to all who shared their thoughts, I think a "vetern" car should wait until she is earning her own income and can afford a "toy"

Matt Claus

[Nitz240D]

I think you made the right descision, she will love a nice 190 or 300E, they are great cars and becoming classics in their own right! Good luck to you!

[Bambo Jr.]

I think a vintage Mercedes is financially too sophisticated and complicated for a young lady for use as a daily driver. Get her something simple and safe like a Volvo 122 or 240 if it has to be old and different. My 122 is a daily driver and is built like a tank. Talk about uncomplicated, how about 5 distributor ignition wires and two radiator hoses, no smog lines, power steering or airconditioning hoses to worry about. Can cruise at 80 and get over 22 mpg.