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  #1  
Old 01-03-2008, 06:54 AM
elfer
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E320 or C280? (high mileage)

Any thoughts on the 1993-1995 300E/E320 vs. a C280? I'm looking at both. Two 300's have around 140K and the C280 has 190K and is less money.

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  #2  
Old 01-03-2008, 07:13 AM
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What year is the C? If it is same age range (94-95 for the C) both cars have essentially the same major problems (wiring harnesses, head gaskets). Both will basically be the same price to operate (fuel, maintenance, etc.). The big deciding factor should be maintenance records. A well maintained car with 190k would be a better purchase than a poorly maintained with 140k. Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection by someone who knows MB before buying either one. There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. Spending a little more to get quality and verifiable records will save you money before you know it.

Have you driven both to see which one you prefer?
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2011 Mazda2
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1994 C280 (retired)
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  #3  
Old 01-03-2008, 11:15 AM
elfer
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Thanks for the tips. Have not driven the C280 yet
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  #4  
Old 01-03-2008, 01:08 PM
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What year is the C280?

1994-1997 C280's have the same engine as the 1993 300E (3.2) / '94-95 E320.

A 1996-1997 C280 may or may not have the head gasket problem as the earlier motors, but they do not (allegedly) have the defective wiring harness.

1998-2000 C280's have the V6.
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2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
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1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".
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  #5  
Old 01-04-2008, 06:26 AM
elfer
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Should I look for an earlier 300 or 400? I'm new to mercedes and have a budget of 5K or less. Do the 1992 and older 300E's have head gasket or biodegradable wiring harness problems? Maybe I should be looking at a 190 2.6?
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  #6  
Old 01-04-2008, 06:52 AM
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300E cars made from 1992 and earlier (except the two door coupe models) have a different engine, the M103 6 cylinder. This is a 2 valve per cylinder engine (the M104 has 4 valves per cylinder). This engine does not have the head gasket issue or the wiring harness issue. It has a valve stem issue that you can look up information on. My understanding is that this issue is not as serious as the head gasket/wiring harness in terms of cost to fix.

The 190 2.6 has a smaller displacement version of the same M103 engine and the same transmission as the 300E, so it will have the same issues. I believe there is a substantial difference between the way the 300 (W124) chassis and the 190 (W210) chassis handle and ride. The W124 is a larger, more substantial car than the W201. I would rather drive the 300.

I would run away from any 400E you can get for $5K or less.

Again, the first rule is always a thorough pre purchase inspection and verifiable records, especially with a relatively low budget like you are working with. You don't want to be buying someone else's problems.
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  #7  
Old 01-04-2008, 07:13 AM
mrhills0146
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jlomon View Post

I would run away from any 400E you can get for $5K or less.
Not true! I bought a '92 400E w/ 130K single-owner miles about a year ago for well under $5K. If you look hard enough they are out there. The car looks and drives like new.

Only thing I've had to do to the 400 is a new fan clutch which was but other than that, just brake pads and fluid changes. I wouldn't risk an inexpensive 400E with no service history, but if you look hard enough you can find a good one.
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  #8  
Old 01-04-2008, 07:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrhills0146 View Post
Not true! I bought a '92 400E w/ 130K single-owner miles about a year ago for well under $5K. If you look hard enough they are out there. The car looks and drives like new.
My bad. I keep forgetting how different the US market is from the Canadian market. Up here, that car would probably be one to avoid.
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  #9  
Old 01-04-2008, 08:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by suginami View Post
What year is the C280?

1994-1997 C280's have the same engine as the 1993 300E (3.2) / '94-95 E320.

A 1996-1997 C280 may or may not have the head gasket problem as the earlier motors, but they do not (allegedly) have the defective wiring harness.

1998-2000 C280's have the V6.
The 93 300E also came with a 2.8 litre DOHC engine which is plenty powerful and good on gas. I love mine.
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  #10  
Old 01-04-2008, 08:11 AM
mrhills0146
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Originally Posted by jlomon View Post
My bad. I keep forgetting how different the US market is from the Canadian market. Up here, that car would probably be one to avoid.
No worries. The only thing to avoid on those 400Es is ASR...
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  #11  
Old 01-04-2008, 08:44 PM
elfer
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Matt,

What is ASR?

Paul,

The C280 is a 1994 with 190K miles
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  #12  
Old 01-04-2008, 09:09 PM
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Some things to consider..

The purchase price is an ENTRY FEE. You need to have $$$ to drop on a transmission rebuild, blown head gasket, AC etc. These issues can pop up at any time and can all run around $2K.

Then there are the smaller problems that will always pop up- blower motors, window regulators..that type of thing. Not big deals if you can fix them yourself. If you have to pay someone to fix the thing it can get expensive, quickly.

Any 300E (m103 CIS-E) will need work on the injection system at some time. EHA, airflow pot, fuel pumps, ICVs, etc. These parts add up.

These cars are old. Know what you are getting into if this is a daily driver.
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  #13  
Old 01-04-2008, 10:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elfer View Post
Paul,

The C280 is a 1994 with 190K miles
I had a 1993 300E (3.2) "E320" for several years, and I absolutely loved the car. In fact, I was more emotionally attached to it than I am to my 2001 E430. My E430 has been as reliable as an appliance, but I have little emotional response to it.

I spent countless hours polishing and shining my 300E (3.2). I got compliments everywhere I went at its beautiful condition.

At the same time, I had to replace the head gasket ($1,500-ish), and the throttle actuator ($1,200).

Yes, we all mention that the wiring harnesses and head gaskets on all 1993 - 1995 M104 engines will at some point need to be replaced, but it's a one-time-only expense. These have been replaced on many cars already, so you need to have these items inspected by a Mercedes mechanic.

My mom had a 1995 C220, and I drove the car several times. I loved it. Felt exactly like 7/8 300E. The front seating area was just as roomy as a 300E / E320, and the back seat leg room was close.

An advantage to the C class cars is that they have a more "modern" instrument cluster and HVAC controls. They also have great cup holders and a "modern" center console / armrest with storage.

The W124 class cars are slightly bigger, but have the ancient HVAC panel with the temp wheel.

I would go with either car. You need to test drive both to see which you feel more comfortable in.

1992 and earlier 300E's have an older M103 engine with older ignition system and fuel injection system. You will have to replace the distributor cap / rotor and spark plug wires at regular intervals. The M104 is an all electronic ignition system with coil on plugs which will never need replacement.

You just need to go in with your eyes open.

Maybe in the end you just get the car in the best condition and with the best maintenance record.

The old adage rings true, "the most expensive Mercedes is the cheapest one".
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2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".
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  #14  
Old 01-04-2008, 11:34 PM
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Exclamation

Quote:
Originally Posted by elfer View Post
Matt,

What is ASR?
I'll take this question for him.


It's a rather primitive, 1st iteration and form of automatic traction/limited slip/traction control.

First seen on the W126 S class in 1991 as an available option for them.

Diabolically and fiendishly complex, prone to failure, and very, very, difficult and expensive to repair.

In short a nightmare option, and one to most definately avoid, at all costs.
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1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

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1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

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  #15  
Old 01-05-2008, 05:12 PM
elfer
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thanks for all the tips. the C280 was sold.

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