Does any one care to comment on the vices or virtues of this auto? They seem to be fine looking vehicles and can be had at quite a reasonable price. Looks like a classy weekend driver that could be a lot of fun. Does it have the air suspension? What should one look for when checking this out?

Any one have one for sale?

------------------
Deezel
87 300TDT
150,000 miles

The 108/109 body is a fine, fast, and fun four door auto. The only ones that came with air suspension were the 300 SEL and the famed
6.3. And unless you have money to burn models with air suspension can be a bare. I prefer the 6 cylinder cars for several reasons;(except the 6.3 WOW!) easy to maintain and repair, better mpg, less tempermental (I don't know why, 4.5s just can give you hell), and for me I like a manual and you can still find some with a four on the floor in six cylinder cars.
The neat thing about these cars is that they can be daily drivers, and less costly to restore than SL or SEC coups or cabs, far less! I also recomend finding a long weelbase one, lots of room, almost limo like. Right now I don't know of any for sale
but keep your eyes peeled there are a lot around, tucked away in back yard sheds.

Good Luck,
Mike

62 220Seb coup
72 250C
65 600SWB

Oh, one more thing look for rust and rot in the body. floor boards, trunk, ect,.

I had a '72 280 SEL 4.5 up for auction a couple of weeks ago. It went for just over $800 if I remember right. There was rust on the lower parts of the front doors and fenders, and the trunklid. The trunk seemed pretty good, but not perfect. If the winning bidder doesn't come and get it pretty soon, it'll be up for sale again. I like the car's styling myself....wish my 114 had a bit more 108 in it.
-Larry

------------------
03/83 300D 184k
07/73 280 160k

Thanx for the replies. Larry, let me know about the car. It might be more of a project than I want, but am interested.

------------------
Deezel
87 300TDT
150,000 miles

Deezel,

I have a 108/280 SEL 4.5 and I love it. The car is built like a tank. It may be 27 years old, but that classic MB styling helps to keep it looking sharp. The ride is excellent, it does not have the air suspension (the 300's had that) but it just floats down the highway.

The 4.5 engine in this car is a rocket. It really gets up and goes. Big draw back is fuel comsumption. If you insist on playing rocketship, the mileage really sucks. If you drive moderately, only mashing the pedal when necessary, you can squeeze out about 12.5 MPG. No romps and you can top 13.

Interior room on the 280 SEL is very roomy, but with the front buckets, there is only seating for five. Lets put it this way, there is enough room between the front and rear that I couldn't reach back to swat one of the kids if I needed to. With the driver's seat all the way back, my almost 16 year old, has plenty of leg room and he's topping 6 feet.

I use mine as a daily driver. With the weight of the car, construction of a tank, and an engine that will move it out of the way in a hurry I feel very safe. Although, I must admit I will part with the 280 in a heartbeat if the right 300SD comes along.

If you get a 280 SEL 4.5, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL

Thanx for the reply Mike. Gas mileage should not be a big problem, since I onlky plan on using it on sunny Sundays for foun outings.

I missed a real beauty in Florida that needed a tranny. My only hurry is that I want to get a 280SEL in my garage before my kitchen pass expires. I have to be on extra good behaviour and that leaves little time for "the search". I see that you are from Temecula! There is a 73 Royal blue 280SEL for sale out there, it's not yours is it? Only 65,000 miles and $3200. Needs A/C fixed. It is kinda a long drive, but I work for Delta Air Lines, so I could do the trip in short legs if I wanted too. I visited once a couple of years ago for some wine tasting, it would be a good excuse to go back there again!

Best Regards,

------------------
Deezel
87 300TDT
150,000 miles

Deezel,

I believe I have seen that Royal Blue 280, in fact I think I met it in town just last week, but didn't know it was for sale. Just out of curiosity, how'd you hear about it?

There is also a silver one that parks in front of the Silver Spoon in Old Town. That on has personalized plates and I believe it belongs to the owner of the cafe. Mine is gold with chocolate brown MBTex, which after 27 years still wears like iron.

If you happen to be coming this way, and travel up from San Diego, you'll come to a bottleneck on I-15, just south of town. That bottleneck is where I work. If it's between the hours of 6A and 2P any day but Fri/Sat, stop in and ask for me, the guys will direct you or call me over. Without going into too much description, you'll recognize what I just outlined when you pass by.



------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL

Deezel,
Sorry it took me so long to get back, but it seems that I caught a virus from somewhere out there, and it took me a while to replace some 350+ files that got chewed. (my only consolation is that whoever owns the server that infected me, has got on helluva problem on their hands. Anyway....The '72 280 SEL 4.5 is still available...I have waited long enough for a guy that promises to show up, yet remains to be seen. The motor and tranny work fine. The A/C doesn't work, but the compressor does. It needs a window regulator. It needs rust repair, most of which is on the lower parts of the car, and the trunk lid. The front seats are good, but the backs could use some new material. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=287247997

If the link above works, it should take you to the ebay page that has all kinds of pics of the car. The price? $810.00 One thing not mentioned, the calipers ought to be rebuilt (thats the owners opinion, but he's probably right...he thinks they may stick a little , but he's not 100% on that)
Thanks for your time!
-Larry


------------------
03/83 300D 184k
07/73 280 160k

Larry, the link works just fine. Deezel, this is almost my car, except mine seems a little darker gold, with a few minor cosmetic differences. Interior nearly exact, although a different stereo set up, this one appears to have a separate switch for the power antenna. Almost spooky.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL

Larry, Looked at pics and appreciate reply. I think I want a car that needs more mechanical work and less rust repair at this time. In the mean time, it is happy hunting!


Mike, did you get my e-mail? I don't seem to be receiving any at my home address. Not that I necessarily expected a reply, but if you did, I have not received it.

------------------
Deezel
87 300TDT
150,000 miles

Deezel,

Got the mail, and posted a reply today.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

The search is over! Through a member of this BB, I have aquired a 72 280SEL 4.5 from Schwob in Simi Valley CA. He was the second owner and took very good care of the car over the twenty some years he has had it. He was a very honest man, which was a pleasure since I live in Atlanta GA and considerable time on my part and patience on his part was required to actually close the deal. In fact, it is still in his car whil;e I arrange to get it back East. The car has a beatiful tabacco brown leather interior that was put in a few years ago and has a light gold/bronze paint job, very well done, about 6 years ago. Engine runs great and I had the timing chain replaced in Temecula in preparation for driving it back East. I have named her Suzanne, since she is oh so sexy! Suzanne conjurs up images of a movie star woman in an evening dress who needs to be taken out to the finest restaurant and then afterwards makes love in the surf of a moon lit beach! I just hope she doe not abandon me half way home for some flashy tow truck!

Besides Schwob (Peter), the seller, I would like to thank be459 (David) and MikeTangas (73 280SEL 4.5 owner) for their hospitality. Both are members who I have come to know through this BB and some private e-mails that I was lucky enough to actually meet while in LA for the purchase. be459 really saved me some trouble on my 300TD through this BB and Mike has given me great advice on the 280. It made for a much more enjoyable trip to sit down and have a cup with these guys (David in LA and then Mike & kids in Temecula). I am going to start a thread in the general section about the trip out their and the up and coming drive across country if any one is interested in following it. Aaron Greenburg's posts about going to a concert in his cabriolet is my inspiration and a breath of fresh air to all the nuts and bolts talk that goes on here! The thread is "40 hour work week"

Regards,

------------------
Deezel
87 300TD, 160,000 miles
72 280SEL 4.5, 250,000 miles

Deezel,

Congrats on the purchase of your 280SEL 4.5!! Wonderful looking car and I wish you many years of safe and happy motoring in it!



------------------
Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo

As soon as I find out if I have "space" on my server, I will be posting pictures of Deezel's beautiful Suzanne. She is a real beauty.

I would also like to thank the proprietor's of this BB, again for all their assistance to those of us brave enough to turn our own wrenches and for making it possible for a couple of MB enthuziasts to get together.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

Thanks Mike!
Creating MercedesShop has been a great experience for all of us. We have "virtually" met so many super people in cyberspace but, it's even better when you can actually meet them in the real world.
That's another reason why we are so excited about opening MB Autowerks next year. It will be great to have a physical facility where we can meet other Shop Forum members.

------------------
Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

Deezel, as the guy you bought 'Suzanne' from I'm looking forward to your trip report. Also, thanks for the kind words. It was a pleasure meeting you and doing business with you.
She's safe and sound in my garage until you get back to start your cross-country drive from LA to Atlanta.
In the meantime, here is pic for anybody that might be interested.

http://images.ofoto.com/photos11/3/17/63/16/3/0/3166317303_0_ALB.jpg?v=0

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Deezel:
The search is over! Through a member of this BB, I have aquired a 72 280SEL 4.5 from Schwob in Simi Valley CA ......<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



------------------
schwob
'72 280SEL 4.5
'96 BMW 328ic
'99 Explorer Sport

I sincerely thank MercedesShop bringing friends together and giving us the opportunity to share valuable knowlege. I am looking forward to meet Schwob, Mike, and Deezel next time when Deezel comes to California to pick up Suzanne.

David

Good luck from me, too. I don't know why I like the old 108-109 series cars, but I certainly do, and it's always good to hear about another one that's going to stay on the road.

I'd also like to take a second to mirror the thanks expressed for keeping this site and board going. It's not always an easy thing to do, and I appreciate it very much.

------------------
'00 ITR #110
'69 MB 300 SEL 6.3 #2546

http://www.george.knighton.com

Deezel,
Your car brings back fond memories of my 1972 280SE that I owned in the late 1970's. Silver with blue velour interior. I still miss that car :| If you spent much time on East Coast US highways in 1977, 1978, or 1979, there's a good chance I passed you :) Enjoy your car, I hope to see more pics of it. 108's are way way cool.

Well, I have finally taken posession of Suzanne. I flew into Ontario Friday night with the whole fam damily. Flights were unbeleivably crazy and overbooked. Since I fly standby, it was nip and tuck. Bags went to LAX! We were just glad to get to CA! Spent the night in Apple Valley with my wife's Aunt and Uncle who we have been visiting regularly for the last five years or so. They are really great people as evidenced by their driving us arounf from the airport and to pick up Suzanne. Coming arounf the corner to Peter's house, she was parked in the drive, pointed straight out, with that beautiful grill just gleaming in the sun. It sounds silly, but i was so excited. My wife was there to see her for the first time and I was so pleased that she liked her too. I had a nice chat with Peter, took some photos, switch the plates over and drove off into the sunset (just figuratively, since it was only noon). I went to LAX, got my bags, and then back to Apple Valley for a wine tasting. We did about 8 bottles, the high light being a 1989 Gustav Neibaum Commerative Black Label Claret, from the Francis Ford Cappola Vinyard. It was quite a surprise that is tasted so delicious and we were all delighted.

We are heading off the LasVegas Monday evening along the historid Route 66 to Barstoe and then Interstate to LVA. Two nights there and a quick visit to Hoover Dam and we will be off to Zion and Bryce in Utah.
Need recommendations for good restaurants in St. George, Utah and going North on Sate Highway 89, which parallels I-15. Hoping to get some real glamour shots of Suzanne in the canyons of Utah!

Might not have access to technology for the next five days, so I'll put in a post next weekend when I get back from the Great Salt Lake!

Best Regards,

------------------
Deezel
87 300TD, 160,000 miles
72 280SEL 4.5, 250,000 miles

I am back in town and finally caught up with work and the yard! Had a grat trip to Salt Lake City, and looking forward to the next leg to Albuquerque. I want to take a mice mountain pass over the continental divide in the Rocky Mountains, any suggestions?

Here are some comments and observations on the LA-SLC leg:

Best Restaurant - DiNapoli's Firehouse in Apple Valley CA 760-242-5802. Authentic Italian in a home style setting. Firehouse theme, with an complete old fire engine restored and set up inside the dining area. Nick is actually a working fireman, and was out of town fighting fires in Idaho I think. Very good food and generous servings. Highly recommended.

Wanted to try, but didn't: Cafe Basilia, a mediterranian menu in St George Utah.....no kids menu so we didn't go, but drove by and looked very nice quaint and personal!

Best Sign: A hand painted sign on rough barn board seen on old route 66 "Fresh Eggs from Happy Hens $1 a dozen". This was a real sign, not chesszy tourist stuff. Did not have a frying pan, so I did not stop!

Bugs: The total absencce of bugs was a surprise and kept the wuindshield clean!

Property: Who owns all this desert property? This a a real question. Short of goverment bombing ranges and mineral interests, of which I did not see a lot of activity, who owns the remainder and why would they? Only a very few people would have the financial capability coupled with environmental interests to be able to buy these tracts and let them sit. Ted Turner comes to mind. Does anyone know?

Road Kill: Seriously folks - saw very little until we got to cental Utah. Guess it was the lack of water.

Tire Treads: I never saw such a high concentration of tire treads along the road as I-15 to Las Vegas. At forst I assumd that the higher temps agravated tire failure, which I am sure it does. As soon as we hit Arizona and Utah, it cleared up, so I assume that Nevada just doesn't hve the funds to pick up the junk! This is not intended to be a slam against Neveda, just an observation.

Las Vegas: I have never seen so much excess, waste and BS in all my life! For the budget minded traveler, I recommend going to LasVegas. Where else can you see the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Canals of Venice, Pyramids of Egypt, Eiffel Tower, King Arther's Court, the jungles of Africa, all in five blocks!

Hoover Dam: This was an unbelievable thing. AS an engineer nd overall technical person, I was amazed and would have to say, this is a must see. I think I enjoyed it more than the rest of the family, but they put up with me and didn't complain. Temperature was 120 degrees when we left the damn dam!

"Ranch Exit": Saw lots of these in Utah. I assume that they just empty onto dirt roads to access the fileds. At least that is what it looked like. Are slow moving farm vehicles allowed on I-15 in Utah?

Utah Landscape: The landscape in Utah are absolutely wonderful. I have been there skiing in the winter and saw Zion on this trip. It leaves me hungry for more!

Car Performance: Got 13 MPG using mid-grade with A/C on (Thank God for A/C, temps were 110!). Cruised at 80 MPH while on the interstaes, slower on the state highways. No problem going 90 MPH if I wanted to. I could hold speed and keep A/C on even in the hot steep long mountain passes! My only problem was a clogged brake line that got caused the car to pull a litlle when the bakes were first aplied. In stop and go traffic, this also caused the brake to drag and begin to O/Heat. Had to becareful on the LasVegas to Salt Lake City section, where I replaced the flexible brake line and it fixed it. Part was instock at the local dealer, $15. It took me twenty minutes in the Sears parking lot to do the installation.

Suzanne is a wonderful car and a great cruiser. Got lots of comments from people. Ran into a few Harley people at the pool in St George who were on their way to the 60th anniverary of HD in Sturgis SD. One was a previous 280 SEL owner and we had a big time! I want to thank the previous owner (BB Member "Schwob") for taking good care of her for the past twenty years. I will try to do the same. One of the things I noticed is that this is the first time I have ever driven 1,000 miles and not once were the kids able to kick my seat back!

For now I have her buttoned up in a secured lot in SLC. Traveling through this section of the country was a first for me and I loved it. I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you have children. I look at it as part of their education! Can't wait for the next leg of the trip.

Happy Trails,

------------------
Deezel
87 300TD, 160,000 miles
72 280SEL 4.5, 250,000 miles

Deezel,

Sounds like you had a great time. When do you expect to make it through Texas? You saw the thread which included comments about a Texas get together. It would be great if we could make that work out during your leg through Texas, if you plan on coming through Texas. I will be leaving Labor Day for Europe and will be gone three weeks. Of course, it doesn't have to hinge around my schedule, there are many others who would be interested in getting together when and if you come through. If you have any guess about when you'll be coming through, we can try to have a get together, there are several Texans very interested in the get together. Suzanne would be a great centerpiece to pull everyone together.

If you would, please post any news on the "Shall we gather..." thread in Tech Help.

Thanks and have a great day,
Larry

Larry,

That sounds great! Next stop is Albuquerque, followed by Texas. Will either go to Dallas or San Antonio. I will post to "Shall we gather" as you suggested. I will try to give at least a two week notice. If you travel through Atlanta, let me know, I work at the airport and will gl;adly try to make your travel through more enjoable if I can! Send me e-mail a few days prior!

Regards,

------------------
Deezel
87 300TD, 160,000 miles
72 280SEL 4.5, 250,000 miles

Deezel,

Thanks for the offer, I've already booked my flight. It's direct both ways.

I went through Atlanta a few months ago to Stuttgart and somehow got on First Class from Atlanta. My sister in law works for the airlines, I saw her in Dallas before going to Atlanta. I don't know if she had anything to do with it.

I may be coming through Atlanta in a few months. I'll keep you informed.

I look forward to meeting you and seeing Suzanne.

Have a great day,
Larry

Hi Deezel,

Glad to hear Suzanne ran so well on the first leg of the trip, sorry I missed you. I just, and I mean just, rolled back into town, the wife thinks I'm looney right now, as I have just unloaded the Suburban and fired up the puter to log on and see what's shaking here.

For your next leg you have two options.

First taking I-80 out of SLC east, through to Cheyene then south on I-25 to ABQ. Easy grades, long, level runs at 7,000 to 9,000 feet between SLC and Cheyene. I only have limited experience on 25 though, from Raton, NM to ABQ. I can tell you that that stretch is beautiful high country with Raton sitting about 7,000 as well. Have never run north of Raton. There is a lot of work being done on 80 right now, but then when aren't they working on 80?

Second option is I-15 south from SLC to Richfield, UT then take I-70 east (lots more Ranch Exits) to Denver then I-25 south to ABQ. If you take this route, be sure to stop in Salina, UT for gas and a good fluid check, since there are no services whatsoever for 110 miles, just Ranch exits. Good interstate all the way, some work on 70 in UT and CO, closer to Denver. Lots of high country, with passes of 10,000+ at Vail and 11,000+ at the Eisenhower Tunnel. Plus more options for two lane travel on old 6 through Loveland Pass, etc.

I just ran both routes on my trip (except the I-25 part) and can tell you to keep the eyes peeled for game. Saw plenty of Buffalo in WY and NE, deer in NE,IA, MN, WI, CO and UT. Antelope along I-70 in UT and Big Horn Sheep in the Virgin River Gorge on I-15 in AZ, just this afternoon but no elk anywhere.

Feels good to be back, but have I got the reading to catch up on.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

Hi, Deezel.
Since I'm the guy you bought Suzanne from, I thought I'll chime in too about the next leg of your trip. First though, I'm glad you had no problems on the first segment. But then I told you when you picked her up that I wouldn't have any qualms taken the car cross country.
Now, about the leg to Albuquerque. Do you really want to stay on the Interstate? If your looking for great scenery (unlike anything to be found in the east), I would go back south on I-15 to Provo. There, angle southwest on Hiway 6 until you hit I-70. Now, go east about 90 miles to Grand Junction, Co. There go south again on 550 thru Montrose to Durango. You'll be going thru the towns of Ouray (they call themselves the Switzerland of the Rockies) and Silverton (an old mining town).
From there head east on 160 to 84 (about 65-70 miles). South on 84 to Santa Fe. There, you pick up I-25 to Albuquerque.
This route would take you thru some of the most scenic areas in the West while still not really making any detours. I've even taken your car (before she was Suzanne) on a trip thru that area about 16 years ago.
Pete, whichever route you choose to take, good luck on your trip.

I grew up in southern New Mexico, and I attended school at Utah State in Logan (North of SLC). If you desire to see a good scenic route, there is a great state road, Route 191 I think south of SLC that will take you through a mountain pass (awesome in winter) to Price, then through the Canyon Lands through Moab (mountain bikes galore), then catch Route 666 (I know, very ominous) to Cortez and Dove Creek, CO. You have a choice of going to Shiprock NM, or over to Durango and South to Farmingtom NM on Route 44 and down to Albq. There was a great Mexican resturant in Cuba, NM, I can't remember the name, but there was a sign north of town) and be prepared for the really authentic stuff - it will put hair on your chest. I drove this many times, not in a MB!!.

A nice side route would be to continue south in State Road 191 (you would catch Route 666 south on Monticello, UT) down to Route 95 and east to Natural Bridges National Monument. Contiue south on 191 and several routes west could take you to the north face of the Grand Canyon! Need I say more.

Enjoy!

------------------
Make it a Good One!
1993 500E

Ernest, can't argue with your choice. That's a great scenic route too. What you called Route 191 is the same as what I called Route 6. It starts as Route 6 at Springville just south of Provo. Just north of Price, Route 191 joins from the northeast. Route 191 thru Moab is great. I was there just this past May for some off-roading. The National Parks (Arches and Canyonlands) are great if Deezel has the time to spend a couple days.
For pure scenery while driving, I think Route 550 is better.
But that's only my opinion, others may differ. http://smilecwm.tripod.com/cwm/spin2.gif

[This message has been edited by schwob (edited 08-20-2000).]

I keep forgeting that Deezel is making this trip in short sections, not the three day tour. While both stretches of Interstate are easy drives, with scenery, the alternate routes sound much nicer. In fact I will be keeping track of possible routes for future travels myself.

I did deviate from the Interstates a couple times this trip, last was taking 89 south from I-70 through Panguitch then 9 west through Zion back to I-15. WOW, what a drive, one has to wonder what the early settlers thought when they first saw the area.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

I'm home but the trip ain't done! Made it back from Albuquerque today and I must say, I love this car. To finish the trip, I plan on taking a weekend jaunt to Hilton Head, Charleston, Savannah, or some other East Coast Village to make it a true coast to coast trip!

For those of you who are just joining this post, there is another thread in the "General Feedback" titled "40 hour work week". There are some great Pics of Mike Tangas with his beauty and my car if you wish to take a look.

OK, to get things up to date, I followed the route from Salt Lake City through Durango CO as the original previous (Schwob) had done years ago. The views were absolutely beautiful and the pine scent in the air fantastic. I did this leg by myself, which is probably best, since I know my wife would not have enjoyed the switch backs and drop offs. The car ran wonderful at 11,000 feet altitude. The food in Durango was good. I tried a brew pub called "Steamers" (after the steam locomotives that run out of there). There is an old style hotel that looked like a great place to stay, but did not want to blow $200 when I was just by myself, so this is on the list of places to bring my wife to. Durango was a very nice city for a tourist trap, and I mean this in the nicest sort of way. Lots of art, crafts and quality goods presented in a very nice way. Tee Shirts, two for $10 were no where to be found! The road from Farmington to ABQ was not nearly as interesting as the previous miles, but I did see one thing that caught my eye...an old truck parked in a field. Now that is not an unusual thing out west, but this was an early 1960's Chevy crew cab pickup, with 4 doors. I have never seen one before! I've been looking for a truck to haul my boat amd kids around, and I'm thinking this would be a stylish way to do it. My vision is to put many modern upgrades in it, not a restoration back to original. Of course the powerplant of choice would be a 6 cyl turbo diesel out of a MB 300!!!

After leaving the car with my Mother in ABQ, I found a few small problems. The passenger door would not latch shut when I closed it. This did not bother me, but I knew my wife would be pretty upset about it, since she would be sitting there a lot more than I was. Seems the cold weather had stiffened up the old grease. After removing the outside door handle I was able to spray some WD-40 in there and free every thing up. We also took the time to remove the rear door panel and free up a sticking door lock mechanism. My wife was a great assistant and we got the power lock fixed for the remainder of the trip. In the end, these two items and the brake line problem in Las Vegas were the only mechanical issues, not bad for a thirty year old car! When Schwob sold me the car he had told me he would not hesitate to hop in and drive it across the county. He has really done a fine job maintaining Suzanne and what a great person to do business with! I have sent him a few postcards along the way, one from Durango to let him know I was retracing his old route!

Most of the cooking in ABQ was done in family kitchens while there, but we did sneak out for some great Mexican food at a local joint called Garcia's Kitchen on 4th Ave near downtown. They have the best guacamole I have ever had, and I have had my fair share of it! I highly recommend this place to anyone passing through ABQ who values good food over ambiance.

I guess a lot of this is boring to read, but I can't tell you how much fun it has been. I'll post the ABQ - OK City - Birmingham - Georgia legs another night.

Ciao Baby!

------------------
Deezel
87 300TD, 160,000 miles
72 280SEL 4.5, 250,000 miles

Deezel,
great to read that you and my trusty carriage for 22 years made it back to Atlanta without any real problems. Glad you could take the drive thru Ouray down to Durango. I love that part of the country. Good luck and many happy miles with 'Suzanne'.

------------------
schwob
'72 280SEL 4.5 (sold to Deezel)
'96 BMW 328ic
'99 Explorer Sport

WOW, that's about all I can muster up in reply. I must admit I was starting to wonder how things were going though. Glad you had a great tour, and I'm very impressed with Suzanne's performance - basically trouble free. What a testament to a fine marque after 30 years of break-in period.

Now I guess you'll have to update the mileage in you signature :D.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

Wow, what can I say. I've got a 73 280 SEL 4.5 that I drive 3 times per week or so and I'd love to take it on a road trip. Man, what a car. Can't wait till this spring when I'll take it to New Mexico or maybe the Ozark mountains.

Sholin

Mustang, OK.