124 220K mi. $2100 too much? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muleears · #1 03-17-2007, 01:07 PM

I have found a 124 with 217K on the clock. I hasn't been driven for two years. I am told it has vacuum problems and shift problems (vacuum also?). Bad paint, no rust, new batt. What else, besides the cracked head, should I look for?

Bio300TDTdriver · #2 03-17-2007, 02:07 PM

I posted the 124 buyers guide there as a word file.

Chris

MTUpower · #3 03-17-2007, 04:11 PM

Check the rest of the car and if it drives fine other than tranny issues then it's a good deal. tranny issues can be deceiving in that they look bad but can end up to be a simple cheap fix many times. If you have the knowledge then go for it. I get the feeling you dont otherwise you would not be asking for advice. There now you have the ups and downs right here.

a2t · #4 03-17-2007, 06:24 PM

exactly what my 87 300D was priced at. Worth every penny, but it was running without issue. $2100 might be a little high, depending on year.

Quote:

'61 VERY tolerant wife

thats some funny ***** right there.

muleears · #5 03-17-2007, 07:39 PM

Well, I took a look. Motor ran great but did have an oil leak somewhere behind/below the IP. Also leak at right front corner of head, lower than valve cover gasket, possibly leaking head gasket? No pressure in radiator hose when cold. No blowby. Original #14 head. Small amount of blue smoke while idleing. Car hasn't been driven for two years. One window works, great tires, no AC or Cruise or radio. Ventilation would only blow out defroster vent. No cracks in dash. Driver seat springs bad. Power seats semi functional. Interior quite good. No dents no rust, clear coat beginning to peel. No maint. records. Trans pauses and needs some extra RPM's before sliding into reverse (couldnt check the fluid). 2-3 shift flare. One known vacuum leak in joint of hard line that goes down right side of motor (to tranny?) Now what do you all think it is worth? I would need to fix several things before I would let my wife drive it. Is it worth $1500

Thanks for the advice.

tobybul · #6 03-17-2007, 07:57 PM

Offer $800...... if u really want it.....gotta start somewhere.........

muleears · #7 03-17-2007, 07:58 PM

sorry, its an 87

greasybenz · #8 03-17-2007, 08:01 PM

vacuum problems, does it have the old style vacuum pump?

If so you may be at risk of a soon to be bad engine. If its the vacuum pump that gave out and its the old style id pay under $1K for it and tow it home. Dont risk seizing the engine if a ball bearing finds its way to the timing chain or oil pump chain.

muleears · #9 03-17-2007, 08:07 PM

I forgot to check

Car stopped immediatly when turned off so I guess vacuum was present. I also think the door locks worked.

muleears · #10 03-18-2007, 11:59 AM

He is stuck at $1500, should I go for it?

JimmyL · #11 03-18-2007, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

He is stuck at $1500, should I go for it?

I probably would for that price, but I can pretty easily spend your $

Even if you have to pop a used tranny in there at some point I think it would still be worth it. Just check that vac pump right away, and deal with accordingly.....

muleears · #12 03-18-2007, 09:28 PM

to $1350, I just offered 1275. I know it needs: AC work, vacuum pump, has original #14 head

oil leaks, vacuum leaks, power windows/seats need work, broken springs in drivers seat, tranny shifts weird but the motor runs good. I've made my last offer, I think I would be OK at that price don't you all?

babymog · #13 03-18-2007, 10:54 PM

Don't worry about the #14 head, if it's good and you take care of it it'll stay that way.

The transmission sounds like the "wild card". If it shifts hard on all shifts, or early/late on all shifts, or flares slightly on all shifts, it's an adjustment. If it's doing other things it could be expensive (or overfilled).

In all, if the transmission is good it is well worth the $1350 IMO. I'd pay it.

tobybul · #14 03-18-2007, 11:09 PM

I guess its partly a matter of how much more you are willing to spend to get the car up to the condition you would like it too be. Its possible that it may need very minor work.......... but erring on the side of caution and that we are dealing with 20+ year vehicles here....... I always assume the worse and be pleasantly surprised later if it does not need much work..... but thats a big IF......

muleears · #15 03-19-2007, 08:39 AM

I cracked in the battle of wills. I agreed to $1350. Hope it was the right thing. Now I have something to do in my idle time!