300E or C280? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Flat Six, inc. · #1 10-31-2006, 01:41 AM

Hello,

I want to buy a nice low mileage 300E (E320) or C280........from what I've read the W124 cars are pretty good but I haven't found much on the C280s.

I own and operate a Porsche repair shop but I don't have a lot of experience with MB........or much time......so I'd like it to be fairly reliable.

Which one would you guys recommend?

Thanks much,

Aaron

sixto · #2 10-31-2006, 01:47 AM

Do a search on which years have wiring harness problems. I think it's 92-95.

Also do a search on which years have 722.6 (5AT) problems. I think it's 97 and early 98 W202s. No 5AT in W124s.

Basically the same engine but 300Es through 92 have a 2-valve engine and later C280s might have a V6. Engine is known to have a weak spot in the head gasket that leaks oil outwards. Some say a proper replacement is a long term fix, some say plan on it being a 60K mile interval.

Both are as bulletproof as MBs come but my personal counter from reading this forum suggests the W202 is a hair more bulletproof than the even the last W124s. Maybe because they're simpler.

Or get this W124 built by Porsche -

'92 500e -- $8000

Sixto
93 300SD

mbdoc · #3 10-31-2006, 08:15 AM

Either car 1994-95 is a good buy if several $$$ items have been replaced.

The engine harness can set you back $1000...& so can the electronic throttle body!

georgeb · #4 11-01-2006, 07:50 PM

I have a 95 C280 which currently has approx 108,000 on the odometer. Repairs have been few outside of normal maintenance. I don't see a problem with my harness as of yet. As was previously stated it may be a good idea to get one if you can thats had the big ticket items taken care of already. Its a great car to drive.

anthonyb · #5 11-01-2006, 08:57 PM

They're both good cars, the W124 is bigger and has more of that solid Mercedes feel, the W202 is more modern and feels nimbler. Between the two, it's my experience that the C280 will probably require less work to keep up than the 300E, if for no other reason than age. You'll probably also have an easier time finding a low miles C280 than a low miles W124. If it were my choice, I'd probably try to find a good 2000 C280 sport.

Anthony

sixto · #6 11-01-2006, 09:03 PM

Note that the C280 has the M104 4-valve inline 6 through 97 and the M112 3-valve V6 from 98. From what I've read, and this should be confirmed, the M112 is more fuel efficient and generally more robust than the M104. Being a V configuration, it probably requires timing chain attention more frequently than the M104.

Sixto
93 300SD

unkl300d · #7 11-01-2006, 10:14 PM

My 1995 C280 is nice. No big problems, but low miles.

The front seats could be more comfortable. Its a pocket rocket!!

DCWong18 · #8 11-06-2006, 09:18 PM

I had a C280 2 yrs ago. Starmark certified when purchansed. Sold to my sister. Just bought a '93 300E for my Dad. Interior is about the same size. The 280 has better interior feel but the 300E's ride feels more solid.
Six and half a dozen....
Like they said, I think the C280 is just a hair better and probably easier to find a low milage one...

Anbody know where I can find a servcie manual for the C280?

vince · #9 11-07-2006, 08:37 AM

I have a 1995 C280 and a 2000 C280SE (sport package plus special leather). Both are good cars. The M112 V-6 is quite a bit more fuel efficient than the M104 inline six. The sport package seats are wondeful. They grip your back better than any of the new AMG cars.

jlomon · #10 11-07-2006, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince

The M112 V-6 is quite a bit more fuel efficient than the M104 inline six.

I think that has more to do with the different transmissions. Your M104 (much as mine) is mated to a 722.4 four speed transmission. The M112 has a five speed 722.6. That extra gear makes a huge difference. I had my wife's 2000 E320 (M112/722.6) out on the highway last week and couldn't believe how much lower it revs at 70mph. At least 600 rpm lower. I expect her car (a 4Matic Wagon) will get better fuel economy than my C280, despite the extra weight of the larger car.

dickmac · #11 11-07-2006, 04:47 PM

I own 2 w124's - 94 E420 and a 94 E320 Coupe. My advice is find a 94-95 w124 with less than 100k miles and you will have a good automobile for many years to come. Be aware of the wiring harness and head gasket fixes, but after that it should be smooth sailing for many miles with routine maintenance.
I truly believe the w124, years 1994-95, were the best vehicles MB built.
After that quality control, over-engineering and complicated electronics began to takes it's toll. Good luck in your decision, let us know what you decide!