The TE is mostly an E with changes for the wagon. I recommend you spend some time reading this site for the major issues. In brief, and in part, they are related to AC, head gasket, oil consumption, cooling system (the radiator develops cracks where the big hoses attach), and to a lesser extent, vacuum system leaks (door locks and multi-contour seats if it has them), and exhaust system (good for about 100K give or take). A car with 175K on it will be on it’s second set of almost everything wearable, and about ready for its third set. IMO it’s worth the investment of several thousand dollars to keep the car in good to excellent shape if the need be there. BTW, one great way to fix most of the wearable suspension items at one swoop is to install a Sportline kit. It will also provide the tech with an excellent opportunity to closely examine the entire underside of the car. You will get a mostly new, high performance suspension out of the deal. This site can provide you with all the details for a Sportline kit. Also, I'm not sure if that year uses the self-leveling suspension. If it does you'll only be able to use the front end components for Sportline. Still worth it! Also don't be too worried about the rear suspension. It works *extremely* well and is one of the most low to no maintainance items in the car.

BTW, I’m not saying that this car will have a lot of issues. Merely that given the number of miles, the opportunity is there….

…Tracy

I can say assuredly that '88 TEs had the self-leveling, and that the 300TDs (86-87) did not. And I'm fairly certain that all the later-model gas-engined TEs had it too.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

OK, I cannot take this misinformation any longer.

I own a 1987 300TD. I do my own mechanical work.

My car has a self leveling rear suspension. I've
replaced the nitrogen cells. I hava a new leveling
valve out in the garage awaiting installation. I have
changed the hydraulic fluid. My car has the Vickers
tandem pump for the power steering/leveling system.

In short, I've never seen nor heard of a US MB wagon
which did not have leveling on the rear suspension.

- Jim

On the TD W124s, Load-leveling was an option, not standard equipment. Sorry I failed to mention this earlier.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

DWCasey,

My 8/88 TE DOES have self-leveling suspension. I know that the TE has been made since 1986, but do not know when they first started having self-leveling. As for an FAQ site for pertinent 300E info, other than this one, I would suggest the MBZ club that I mentioned earlier in this thread.

__________________
Al D.
1988 300TE
Anthracite/Grey MB Tex
205/55/16, 16x7.5 Lorinser 15-hole
'95 S-500 corners
50% tint all windows
Kleen Wheels