I have just bought a 1988 MB 300E from a friend for $1500, and I just wanted to find out about a few of the small issues it has. For the most part it runs really well, but it does have a few things:

1)Running hot...it hasnt overheated(according to my friend, it never has), but it does run hot in traffic, and when I start it after turning it off for anywhere from 5 to30 minutes. It starts to run really rough if it is idling or not driving much.

I am not so concerned about the heat problem as I am about the rough idle. I know that it is related somehow(directly or indirectly) because the car runs really well on the freeway when it gets a lot of airflow, and even for a good while after exiting the freeway, but if I have to wait a while at a few stop lights, it will start back up again.

Now I am not sure the heat is 100% of the problem...because my friend has told me that when it has run warm before, he didnt have the same problem.

With regards to this, there is an idea of a fix...as the auxiliary fan has been quite erratic...sometimes it only stays on for a few seconds. A possible short or bad relay. However, like I say, I am not sure the heat is 100% of the problem.

2)Sometimes the transmission will start out in second gear. I have been told I am due for an tranny flush/filter change. Will this fix the problem?

3)When accelerating fast, and the transmission shifts, either up or down, I get a "loose" feeling from the rear end of the car. I took a look at the rear end suspension, and everything seems fine at first glance except the differential. The bushings that mount the differential to the subframe are comepletely gone. I plan on getting that fixed on wednesday...but I do have to ask if that is the problem with the loose feeling? Its almost a side to side motion, and I am a little curious if a loosely mounted diff can cause that kind of motion.