1991 300 TE 4matic-help? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

robaincltnc · #1 09-06-2006, 08:49 AM

Can anyone please give me a quick update on this car. There has been one recently come available that I can pick up for pretty cheap. At least, I think its cheap..but wanted to get the "professional" opinion of you guys. The vehicle has new tires, new paint (not by Mercedes Benz but looks good)..absolutely no problems of any kind except there is a leveling system that is supposed to level the car out under heavy load..this doesn't work. The vehicle has 223k on it!

Can you tell me if this was a good year. Should I be extremely scared of the miles? And, what should this vehicle cost??

Thanks for your quick reply.

robaincltnc · #2 09-06-2006, 03:15 PM

Bringing this back to the top..can anyone offer any advise/insight?

Michael K · #3 09-06-2006, 04:50 PM

The 4matic system on the 124 is a nightmare. If the hydraulic rear suspension is shot, it could be mildly or extremely expensive to fix.

mbdoc · #4 09-06-2006, 04:58 PM

The 4-matic version isn't worth any more than a regular 300E..if fact due to $$$$ 4-matic problems it might be worth less...I would think that $3-4K would be fair for a "good car".

Ron in SC · #5 09-06-2006, 05:30 PM

I would definately check for head gasket leak and evaporator leak. Those are two of the more expensive items to have fixed if you can not do it yourself. If the car has zero rust and I mean no rust on any suspension or chassis member it can be essentially restored. If the car has R12 and it has bubbles in sight glass I'd check the center vent temp and see how cold it gets. Also check to see that no air comes out defrost vent went it should be coming out the cent and side vents.

Also does the tailgate stay up when opened?

You really need to have car checked out by someone who works on and is very familiar with 124s.

I have a 92 TE and I worked on it for about 6 monts before I got it just the way I want it. Wagons are more expensive to maintain because more things can go wrong.

A. Rosich · #6 09-06-2006, 07:21 PM

Head gasket and evaporator leaks, which are common problems within the model you request information, are child's play compared to the nightmare and expense required to fix the 4matic system. And believe me, sooner or later, it will fail.

With the mileage on the vehicle you are interest in, I would say it will be sooner than later that the 4matic will give you trouble.

The cheapest estimate I have heard on 4matics is $4,500, some go up to $7,500 And the trick is that you cannot let the system die because the car will be dead also (unlike the evaporator, which you can just let it go and drive with the windows open in the summer).

Finally, a faulty rear self-levelling suspension will easily run you from $1,500 to $4,500 to put back in business. Again, if this system is out, your ride is basically out too. It cannot be reversed to the regular setup of the sedan and cannot be easily and cheaply fix either.

A word of advice: RUN (not walk) away from that T 4matic.

robaincltnc · #7 09-06-2006, 07:22 PM

Thanks for the information. Yes, I will have my local MB tech give it the once over. I can purchase the car for around 1800. I've spoken with 3 techs that said as long as there are no preexisting conditions I can't go wrong. I could even turn it for $. There are only 4 listed within 200 miles of me, all have the same miles, all are asking just under 5k. I will check those things you've mentioned. Thanks for the help! Anyone else with practical hints?

Gilly · #8 09-06-2006, 09:28 PM

Yeah I got a practical hint: read the other posts! These things are TURDS, B-A-D cars, poor design 4 wheel drive, wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole, not worth the powder to blow them to hell. See robaincltnc. See robaincltnc run. Run robaincltnc, run!!! Clear enough advice now? Don't do it.
Gilly

Bob Weir · #9 09-07-2006, 01:24 AM

Do a fastlane search on self leveling parts: 2 accumulators, 1 controller and 2 struts. Add in the labor.

If you're really interested in a wagon, allow me to suggest the 124 e320 (rear wheel drive). I've driven mine with snow tires and felt very confident with it in northern PA & NJ. Your winters are milder than here and if you would get caught in a blizzard in the Appalachian Mountains the heater will keep you warm.

Bob

robaincltnc · #10 09-07-2006, 10:02 AM

from what i understand..the only reason that the self leveling isn't working is because the steering pump was replaced with MB pump that works but not the original for this car..it doesn't have the two hydraulic hoses that powers the leveling system. That's what the owner has told me.

Bob Weir · #11 09-07-2006, 10:53 AM

This is probably the worst thing to do to an MB wagon. The car's been butchered. Without the self leveling, all the load is being supported by the rear struts, that are probably now or soon will be ng. PO might have had some sort of replacement strut / shock installed, but I doubt the car handles at all like it should.

Run away from this car, it'll be a money pit. Its worth more as parts.

Bob

robaincltnc · #12 09-07-2006, 12:16 PM

Thanks Bob..good advice. The ad says RWD but I swear he said it was a 4matic..what's your opinon of this car without AWD?

Bob Weir · #13 09-07-2006, 05:19 PM

I'd never consider making it a "driver" with the butchered self leveling system.

If you have the space and feel like parting it out, it's worth a few hundred bucks. Wagons are typically 20% of a model run. The tailgate, doors, hood, bumpers and rear interior are the most valuable parts on the car. Unfortunately, the new paint job could be hiding a lot of rust and bondo.

Bob

PS Best to walk away from this one. The best ones are those that were always maintenance and have the documents to prove it. You'll pay more up front, but you'll save money in the long run and enjoy the car.

robaincltnc · #14 09-07-2006, 07:02 PM

Bob,
What about this scenario...just curioius..I know where I can get an 87 300td with 160k on it for $3500. It has front damage. Could I use the parts from the 91 300te to put it back together and have a rare 300td with 160k on it for a good deal? I have a shop that would do it..not sure what he would charge..he doesn't do paint so I would have to part that out. He would probably do the work for the leftovers/parts from the 91 300te. I guess I am a sucker for punishment..but like to put deals together..especially ones that I can make some $ on..without putting too much time in away from my real job.

If i've used too much of your time I understand..thanks!

Gilly · #15 09-07-2006, 07:08 PM

The non-4matic is as dependable as any other 124, no problem.
Gilly