Thinking about picking up a second E300 that needs a water pump

[Matt300ZXT]

So aside from the occasional bulb failure that goes away now on its own, and the bas/asr light going off and fixing itself before I had a chance to install the brake switch I bought, my E300TD has been a pretty good car. I've had it since Valentine's Day this year and even with 280k or so miles, it runs great and I love it. My girlfriend also loves it, and she kinda needs a car so I check Facebook Marketplace from time to time to see what pops up.

There is a local guy selling what appears to be a pretty clean 97, so non turbo, but only 117k. He says it runs and drives but needs a water pump and radiator hose. I asked him if that was all since it seems to be pretty low for only needing that and a low mileage diesel. He says it doesn't overheat, just the pump has worn out due to age/mileage. He says it looks like a little steam comes out from behind the water pump and from the hose. I have no idea what that is supposed to mean, but I can tell in the pics of the engine bay, a main hose is split pretty bad and you can see the inner cloth mesh looking type stuff that I guess protects the inner part of the hose.

You guys wanna throw in your .02 on what you think it sounds like?

I accidentally posted this in the Vintage forum instead of this one and asked a moderator to move it, but in case they don't get on and look at those sorts of things too often, I wanted to repost it here:

So aside from the occasional bulb failure that goes away now on its own, and the bas/asr light going off and fixing itself before I had a chance to install the brake switch I bought, my E300TD has been a pretty good car. I've had it since Valentine's Day this year and even with 280k or so miles, it runs great and I love it. My girlfriend also loves it, and she kinda needs a car so I check Facebook Marketplace from time to time to see what pops up.

There is a local guy selling what appears to be a pretty clean 97, so non turbo, but only 117k. He says it runs and drives but needs a water pump and radiator hose. I asked him if that was all since it seems to be pretty low for only needing that and a low mileage diesel. He says it doesn't overheat, just the pump has worn out due to age/mileage. He says it looks like a little steam comes out from behind the water pump and from the hose. I have no idea what that is supposed to mean, but I can tell in the pics of the engine bay, a main hose is split pretty bad and you can see the inner cloth mesh looking type stuff that I guess protects the inner part of the hose.

You guys wanna throw in your .02 on what you think it sounds like?

[Matt300ZXT]

Oops, meant to post this in the Diesel Discussion forum and clicked the wrong one. Can a moderator move it please?

[Sugar Bear]

Talk to the seller and look for signs of an overheat. Tape up or even replace the bad hose and run it alot looking for overheat damage.

Good luck!!!

[Father Of Giants]

See how it runs, get PPI specifically for a potential head gasket failure if possible.

If it doesn't run like an old sewing machine, avoid it. Any missing , smoke, or shaking run away fast!
Check for oil in coolant and for coolant in oil, etc.

Also take it for a test drive, when at 2000 ish rpm the engine should change pitch, then a 2500-3000 ish rpm it should change pitch again. It's the intake flaps activating, you'll love the way it sounds.
When they're inoperable, the engine has a monotone like sound and is a bit slower than usuall.

[tyl604]

That mileage does not sound right. You might inspect his repair records to see if it jibes.

[jay_bob]

I’m selling my 98 E300 turbo...$3500 in fine shape, has none of the issues you mentioned

1998 E300 Turbo Diesel

In Columbia SC

[tjts1]

I like the 97. First year of the 722.6 and short gearing. It accelerates better than it should but high speed highway driving is noisy compared to other cars.

[Clemson88]

Ever wonder why people don't just replace a water pump and ask premium price for the car?

[BWhitmore]

I always have my doubts about a car for sale that needs the AC recharged. Something else is usually amiss.

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by Clemson88

Ever wonder why people don't just replace a water pump and ask premium price for the car?

Because the labor cost to replace the water pump far outweighs the premium price.

[83w126]

Its not hard at all to replace the water pump on those, although you need a special tool to get the fan clutch off. I would recommend getting the water pump from the dealer though, I ordered one from Pelican and it failed (loud screeching) as soon as I started the car once it was back together. If you are buying it for your girlfriend, will she be bothered by the "check engine electronics" message being on all the time? Every 97 I have seen has had at least one code stored for one thing or another.

Unless its less than $1250 or so and not at all rusty I would probably look for a non broken one though.

[Father Of Giants]

Originally Posted by tjts1

Because the labor cost to replace the water pump far outweighs the premium price.

Water pump is easy on the SDL, is it harder on the E300D?

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by Father Of Giants

Water pump is easy on the SDL, is it harder on the E300D?

Its the same pump in fact, save for a couple of hose couplings. Get a labor quote from a competent mechanic for either. You might be surprised. Those of us that DIY forget what the peasants are paying.

[83w126]

Less room unless you pull the radiator too but its still not too bad.

[barry12345]

Depends on the relationship but putting a girlfriend into a car like that. You are likely to be responsible for the maintenance. I would really think about that. It should be at a price you can throw the towel in if it becomes too maintenance heavy.

If my wife for example hears a squeak. I hear about it. I do not want her in cars that require much work. On a fairly frequent basis. Something going wrong in a blue moon is just easier on my head.

I guess part of the equation. Do you have enough time to keep on top of things yourself? Generally garages are pretty expensive.

That said if it is a true 115 mile original can reduce the workload somewhat. If it appears to be I still would want to have a look in the computer and a really good overall check up by the right garage.

I know that cost something but can prove cheaper in the long haul. These cars are not a brand to wear rose colored glasses when sourcing one. They have been either kept up or can be a substantial money pit.