300TE purchase advice - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #16 04-13-2006, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merkey

Thanks for the response LGB.
No, not bought it yet.
Still looking for more info!
Oh, the owner said that sometimes it throws a Code 4?
What does that mean?
What type of code reader do people here use?

Merkey, does a 1988 W124 even give out codes? I thought the OBD-II codes were all in newer vintage cars? Someone with more experience will have to answer that question.

Today I had my indie work on the rear, SLS accumulators (the old gas balls

). I know a lot of people here have doe it themselves, but after I watched how messy the job can be, I am glad I "let" indie do it.

The wagon runs so much smoother now, the SLS is great, when it is running according to specs.

As a side note, I had to run some errands while the mechanic worked in my car. He let me borrow his red, 1990 500SL. WOW. I was crusing down Ventura Bldv (in the San Fernando Valley) with the top downa nd the sun beating on my bald spot.

That red 500SL is sure a magnet....

I want it....

duxthe1 · #17 04-13-2006, 12:23 AM

Code 4 is for the air flow sensor. It is most likely the air flow sensor causing the stalling problem. Have the same problem currently in my 92. The assembly is expensive but the potentiometer is replaceable seperately if you can find one. Anybody know a current source for those?

Merkey · #18 04-13-2006, 10:30 AM

Thanks Duxthe1.
The owner told me that they knew that the code 4 was a MAS issue and have replaced the potentiometer already, but no change in stalling ssue.

LGB... where is Enrique/Dr M.B located?
Anyone know a good Indie in the southern OC?
There is one just off the 5 on Osso Parkway and another near my the Spectrum Center on the junction of 5/405, but dont know there names... will find out today/tomorrow and post.
Thanks for the info people... great!

BENZ-LGB · #19 04-13-2006, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merkey

Thanks Duxthe1.
The owner told me that they knew that the code 4 was a MAS issue and have replaced the potentiometer already, but no change in stalling ssue.

LGB... where is Enrique/Dr M.B located?
Anyone know a good Indie in the southern OC?
There is one just off the 5 on Osso Parkway and another near my the Spectrum Center on the junction of 5/405, but dont know there names... will find out today/tomorrow and post.
Thanks for the info people... great!

Merkey: If you are in OC, then at least part of your prayers have been answered. :-)

Enrique, of Mr. M.B. Motors, is located in the San Fernando Valley. Yes, I know, the Valley, YUCK!

But consider this: People drive from as far as Texas [I am not making this up, ask ASHMAN (Alon) SUGINAMI or PC DAVE -- from this forum] to birng their cars to Enrique.

Do a search on the BEST MB SHOPS section and you will see him listed. Or just look under "Enrique." You will also see a pic of Enrique, myself and the above-mentioned cast of characters when we presented Enrique with a plaque from the members of this website. BTW, Alon paid for the plaque and had it mounted, framed, etc., and to this date he has not asked for a SINGLE PENNY from any of us. What a guy. Also, his Dad is partially responsible for bringing Enrique to the US. So if you appreciate a good MB mechanic and a good all-around gentleman, drop ASHMAN a note and thank him and his dad.

Anyhow, having already worked on my 300TE, Enrique will be familiar with your issues. Enrique REALLY likes the 300TE series. He used to drive an official Benz Service 300TE (before they began using MLs) back in the days when he worked for a Benz dealership. So he is really familiar with our wagons.

So, if you can get the car to him he can also do a thorough PPI and not charge you an arm and a leg. Just tell him that Ernesto (with the ivory 300TE) and Alon and Paul and Dave and the rest of the mercedeshop.com site sent you. Also ask him to show you the plaque.

Follow this link:

MR MB Motors Tarzana, CA

Good luck!

Merkey · #20 04-13-2006, 10:40 PM

Thanks for all the great info so far guys!
I am waiting for the owner to smog the car, so I hope to have some more input soon.
Thanks for the input on Mr M.B.
I understand that he is good and I will keep that in mind, but for now I will look closer to home.

psfred · #21 04-14-2006, 12:59 PM

Stalling problems are usually a dirty idle control valve combined with leaking idle control valve hoses and other vac leaks -- check the hoses on the ICV -- likey rock hard and leaking. Stalling on decel is surely the ICV -- stalling while driving is the pump relay or pumps. Refusal to restart makes me think pump relay -- if it gets hot during operation, it's bad.

Other things that cause idle problems and stalling are dead fuel pump relay (this is a cheap fix, about $60 and two minutes time) -- cures all sorts of ills. Ditto for the OVP -- quite likely if the SRS light or ABS light stays on.

Bad fuel injectors (one or more leaking at idle) or a bad wire on the O2 sensor (under the carpet, passenger front seat) or a bad O2 sensor will cause low milage and rotten idle.

Washer fluid lamp is the one with a wiper picture on it, coolant low lamp has a pic of a radiator.

yes, it should have an underbody panel, yes, they all leak oil (head gasket on the front and rear, front timing chain cover), and likely it will need a valve job around 150,000 miles from defective valve guides (too soft) leading to oil consumption and rough idle from unmetered air.

Nice cars, worth the effort to fix up. Leaking evaporator is a huge PITA, but mostly because of the time involved to repair, not the actual work. Check for leaking seals (and if you switch to 134a, which is easy, replace ALL the o-rings!). Check for a leak at the hose manifold to compressor and for a leak at the compressor manifold to compressor body -- the o-rings there erode on the high pressure side. Fix requires removal of compressor, but nothing more than removing the manifold and replacing the o-rings from there. Front seal can go as well, that can be replaced in the car.

Peter

Merkey · #22 04-14-2006, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the info Peter.
Yeah, I figured out that it was the cooling lamp later.
Is the missing under engine cover an issue?

psfred · #23 04-15-2006, 12:08 AM

Yeah, they are expensive unless you can find one at a junk yard.

They reduce noise quite a bit, improve cooling from ducted airflow on the highway, and improve milage a bit -- a consideration as they only get about 22 mpg typically on the highway, 19 or less in town.

Peter

Merkey · #24 04-15-2006, 01:39 AM

Ok, good info.
Thanks!
I guess I will have to keep my eyes open for that piece should we decide to buy it.
Oh, a really silly question...
When should the headlamp wipers work?
I assume when the main wiper is on and the headlamps are on and when you wash the windshield?

BENZ-LGB · #25 04-15-2006, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merkey

Ok, good info.
Thanks!
I guess I will have to keep my eyes open for that piece should we decide to buy it.
Oh, a really silly question...
When should the headlamp wipers work?
I assume when the main wiper is on and the headlamps are on and when you wash the windshield?

Exactly. Except the windshield wipers don;t have to be on. Only when the headlights are on and you turn on the windshield washers.

The headlight wiper motors sometimes fail. But you can source them used, same as the undercarriage shield.

When I put Euro headlights in my 300 TE I removed the headlight washer system. Not really an issue in (normally) dry and sunny So. Cal. I think it makes the front end cleaner, plus more aerodynamic

I cannow go faster and save gas

On the windshield wiper issue, when you have your windshield wiper on, and you back up, the rear windshield wipper automatically operates while you are backing up. A very nice feature to have since the rear window is steeply raked and it does get wet and grimy when it rains. The rear window wiper/washer is a nice feature to have.

Merkey · #26 04-15-2006, 03:17 PM

Wow, euro headlamps.... Cool!
Was that an expensive/difficult job?

psfred · #27 04-15-2006, 04:11 PM

Bosch or Hella headlight assemblies are fairly expensive (at least $500 for the pair, probably more). DEPO or other Asian brands are less, around $300 for the pair. You also need new connector plugs as the Euros are six wire instead of four wire, but that's not much.

Not a bad job, the only real problem I had was getting them aimed correctly -- took some messing about with the side screws to get the bucket aligned right.

Very big improvement in vision at night, the DOT headlights for the W124 stink. Probably why I hit that damned deer in the first place.

Peter

BENZ-LGB · #28 04-15-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merkey

Wow, euro headlamps.... Cool!
Was that an expensive/difficult job?

Merkey: You can get a pair of Euro headlights at Performance Products for $500.00, they come with bulbs and the connector. The Euro plug has 6 pins, but you only use 4 pins if you do not wire the "city light" a little 5 watt bulb. If you wire the city light then it is 5 pins. Either way, the install takes no more than 30 - 45 minutes, including removal of the old lights.

I'll send you pics and instructions if you decide to do the conversion. As Peter wrote BIG TIME IMPROVEMENT. Car looks better and you can see better at night.

As far as the price is concerned, if you join the Mercedes Benz Club of America (which I recommend you do) you get a 15% discount on parts and accessories from Performance Products. You may also get a discount on parts from some dealers, but you have to ask.

Check the DEPO vs TYC vs BOSCH threads here and elsewhere. Some people are not happy with the the DEPO and TYCs because of their quality, especially the quality of the lenses. I bought Boschs because of the quality issues. I saved money with my discount and then I sold the old lights and so my new euros did not cost me all that much.

I saw the pics that you sent me. I'll write you later.

I like the car's color.

iwrock · #29 04-20-2006, 11:32 PM

Did you get the wagon?? I have one, and I think it is one of the best cars produced. My baby has over 220,000 miles on her, and runs amost like new. Just am getting new tires this weekend, and all should be well again.

BENZ-LGB · #30 04-20-2006, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinwrock

Did you get the wagon?? I have one, and I think it is one of the best cars produced. My baby has over 220,000 miles on her, and runs amost like new. Just am getting new tires this weekend, and all should be well again.

Justin, do you pics of your hotrod 300TE?

If you get a chance, take a look at the April issue of Mercedes Enthusiast, a British magazine. They have a feature on a 280TE, estate. Pretty sweet.