I just wanted to know out of curiousty of how long my car will last me. I;ve got a 1987 300E. I currently have 190,000KM on it, or about 140,000 Miles. How much more can I drive this?

Also, how much have you guys put on your cars???

Hi,

Just keep it maintained and enjoy it. My guess is that it will last longer than you have the nerve to drive it.

I just talked to the girl that bought my '94 E420 at 295,000. She said that it now has 304,000 and still is dead on the full mark at oil change.

Even if you have to do a valve job or something at some point, it is way cheaper than $500/month payments like most people have from womb to grave.

BR,

We have 164,000 miles on the 300E and plan to drive it another 5 years. It's very nice and very reliable, so there's no reason to part with it. We bought the car with 90,000 on it from my wife's uncle (the original owner). It is just as nice now, and actually nicer since I upgraded the wheels to 8-hole, repaired a couple of dents and so on. We love it.

I bought the '94 E320 with 121,000 miles on it. I expect to put another 100,000 on it too.

There will be repairs along the way, but I love learning about the cars and acquiring new skills along the way.

__________________
D.H.

04 ML500
02 E430

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

I have an '87 260E that is just under 300,000 miles and is getting about 1,000 miles before the oil light comes on, so the empending valve job is looming near!

This car sits outside all the time but has meticulous maintenance, thanks to this board, and every receipt since the original window sticker, and runs great. I truly enjoy driving this car and it is my daily driver.

So who knows how long they will last! I know there are many older Benzs in my area that appear to be in really good condition, even with midwestern winters!

Enjoy it, take care of it and it will bring you much driving pleasure.

__________________
Brian W.

01 S55 AMG Silver
01 CLK55 AMG Silver

So i've got pretty low mileage compared to everyone cars
cool.

Ah, yes, the impending valve job. They're notorious for this.

I had a '90 300E I pitched @ 147k or so for my 2.3-16 (now has 136k), and was consistently guzzling a quart per 1000 miles. I'm told this is very, very common, especially if driven hard. Valve guide 'trickle' typically, happening overnight when sitting. Won't see any smoke out back, as them OE cats are SOOOooo effective. My wife sold her '93 300E 2.8 at 145k (to her parents!), she was 2nd owner, that car STILL drives like it's off of showroom floor.

Other common areas you'll see:

-front end issue (typically nasty steering dampner, a whopping $25 and oh what a difference in feel!)
-heater fans (like to go anywhere after 90k)
-door lock key assemblys (not cheap)
-typical water pump ~ 130k
-radiator (if top hose insert is plastic, expect this to crack off and need new radiator)
-timing chain (be sure to address anywhere after 150k)

Otherwise, I'd say just keep up on the tranny fluid / rear end fluid changes, and you should be running for a long time! These are just my perspectives, but I'm sure more than a few of you will attest.

__________________

Paul

'02 ML320 3rd row - wife's
'01 //S8 Alumi*****
'87 930 Sport Seats / LSD
'58 TR3A commuter

previous

'95 //S6 6gang
'87 190E 2.3-16
'88 ///M5
'98 ML320
'93 300E 2.8
'90 300E 3.0

http://blogs.europeancarweb.com/index.html (Sgt. Schultz)
http://randomstupidity.tumblr.com/
http://www.sfest.com/gallery/

once had a 86 300e 5 speed with 310,000 miles, burnt a quart
every 4000 miles. Still got up to 130 easy. Local MB shop
delivery 300e had a unbelivible 680,000. I saw it with my own eyes. He said it was never rebuilt. Just valve work and rebuilt AUTO tranny


2.3 16
2.2 911
gyrocopter

Could someone let me know a ruff estimate on a valve job?

$1500 - $2000 depending where you live...I am due for one. I only have 230,000 in my car.

__________________
J.H.
'86 300E

I have about 252,000 miles on mine. Rebuilt the head at ~246K for $1500. I agree with the post above about the car payments. I put 100% of my payments into the car, not into interest. My car is a 1986 but looks the same as a 1993. When I paint it, no one will know exactly how old it is. It is a safe, reliable car and I never lose it in a parking lot. I used to have a blue minivan. Do you know how many of those are in the lots?

__________________
VR
1967 250SL

i have about 114 xxx km's

Well my e300 m103 has 240kmiles on it and still (was before turbo install, now i have to do some work on the head) going just like new, better than new
Check out my E300, tell me what u think.

I think you have the new record for old post revival.

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

LOL
turns out the head is fine so now the 240kmiles still going forward

Well that's good news.

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss