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

BENZ-LGB · #1 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 · #2 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 · #3 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 · #4 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.

BENZ-LGB · #5 03-26-2007, 06:26 PM

Jim: You have the M103 engine, right?

What is your issue with the idle?

Kyle Blackmore · #6 03-26-2007, 09:23 PM

That sounds very cheap, hope it's all good

. I've found rust in behind the plastic cladding at the bottom of the front fenders on my coupe , and some around the jack holes as well

. I've got 265,000 km on mine, I've done water pump, head gasket, fan tensioner, cap, rotor, plugs. Underneath I've done tranny, 4 coil springs, tranny mount, diff mounts, muffler and resonator. Hey, it only sounds like a moneypit

. Good luck.

dynalow · #7 03-27-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

Jim: You have the M103 engine, right?

What is your issue with the idle?

Benz..yes, I do have the 103 SOHC... as do all 88 & 89's (I think).

When stopped at a light, after running at higher speeds, it will just hesitate a bit for a split second. It seems to me to be sporadic. Never stalls. Not noticable under cold startup.
I live with it. Had it a long time, no better no worse. When it starts getting worse, I'll tend to it. I don't want to go on an expensive part fishing expedition.

BENZ-LGB · #8 03-27-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynalow

Benz..yes, I do have the 103 SOHC... as do all 88 & 89's (I think).

When stopped at a light, after running at higher speeds, it will just hesitate a bit for a split second. It seems to me to be sporadic. Never stalls. Not noticable under cold startup.
I live with it. Had it a long time, no better no worse. When it starts getting worse, I'll tend to it. I don't want to go on an expensive part fishing expedition.

Jim, there is a "fix" found on Stu Ritter's book for this issue. It involves jump wiring 'something." It raises the idle speed just enough (I think it says just 50 rpms or so) to get rid of the occassional hesitation or spur.

The M103 in my 89 300TE has developed it and thatis what Enrique, from MR MB MOTORS has recommended.

I'll look for the page on ritter's book and copy it and send it to you by e-mail.

There are no new parts involved so the fix is "cheap."

Let me know.

CamelotShadow · #9 09-02-2007, 02:26 PM

Sounds great
Enjoy!

blueeagle289 · #10 09-03-2007, 07:14 AM

I have to admit that I paid $9500 for my 92 300CE with 87K on it. It is a beautiful car, in excellent condition and I did not mind that price considering its potential increasing value as a coupe. It already had a valve job done on it and the cats replaced; runs very well indeed on the highway. Ben Carter