Just Bought 1988 300CE... Few questions-Any Thoughts??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stevebfl · #1 03-24-2007, 05:25 PM

The car is too old to have the wiring harness problems. The 103 doesn't have as much head gasket problems as the 104 but does have problems with valve guide oil seals.

The AC can have all manner of problems.

A264172 · #2 03-26-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevebfl

The car is too old to have the wiring harness problems...

True, but funny.

BENZ-LGB · #3 03-26-2007, 03:51 PM

There is a great article in the March 2007 edition of Mercedes Enthusiast.

It calls the 300CE a future classic.

This is the time to get one, before prices start going up.

As for the seatbelt extender, please take a look at Item #25 on JimF's page.

The extender system for his car is very similar to the one in the W124.

JimF's Page

I have a 1991 300CE withe the early version M104 engine. I also have a 1989TE with the M103 engine.

The M103 is a great engine. Our 1989TE has 209k miles and it is still running strong!

Enjoy your new ride.

Ferdman · #4 03-26-2007, 04:36 PM

Michael, as Dean recommends forget about using the seatbelt presenters. We have three 300CE's in the family and I removed the fuse that controls the presenters and the passenger side outside mirror ... so set the passenger side mirror and remove the fuse. Reaching back above the floor for the seatbelt is very simple and saves much confusion for passengers unfamiliar with the seatbelt presenter.

BENZ-LGB · #5 03-26-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferdman

...saves much confusion for passengers unfamiliar with the seatbelt presenter.

I enjoy having the extenders present the belt to me...but I agree with Fred...the extender sometimes confuses and startles passengers.

dynalow · #6 03-26-2007, 05:34 PM

I have an 88. In the 5+ years, I've owned it (from 41,000 to now 91,000), I have had to do the following.
Before purchase in 1991. Head gasket replaced. Seller & I split the cost.Very
small leak rear left side of head.
Since then:
45,000 mi. injectors (routine & scheduled)
56,000 mi valve guide seals. (Steve is right on this one)
62,500 mi. flex coupling replaced.
75,000 mi. odo quit. & had replaced.

I have a little hitch in the idle. My dealer switched out a distributor from a yard 190E about 3 years. Problem still there. No better or worse. Still have the same distributor and same little hitch.

NO AC problems. Yet.

Still original R12.

Thursday I will replace my original resonator and mufler. The res. has a hole dead center and it's starting to get more than a little growl.

I'm like most others here. I love the coupe.
Every time I see a Cabriolet, I get a little jealous. Then I slide the roof back, drop all 4 windows and think about all the convertible top issues I DON'T have with the D windows.

Go on over the the Open Discussion forum and check out the 300CE owners roll call.

Good luck with the car.