I am looking at a damaged 1988 300E for purchase. Car has been wrecked on driver's side front, above bumper. Airbag did not deploy. Damage consists of curled hood front with broken hinge support and radiator is pushed into front of motor. Fenders are not affected and it looks like I can tackle the body member work with used parts. Only real concern is that the back of the motor is touching the curved portion of the firewall. Exhaust manifold looks O.K. though. Could not visually assess motor mounts. What kind of problems am I looking at if motor is "shifted back" slightly. Otherwise car is in average condition with 145K.

All help and opinions would be very much appreciated.

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2008 GL320CDI 6K
1970 280SL 112K
1982 240D 210K (Sold)
1973 220D 220K (Sold)
1967 200D 160K (Sold)
1992 400E 139K (Sold)
1988 300E 148K (Sold)
1987 300D 257K (Sold)
1991 300E 108K (Sold)
1987 300E 131K (Sold)
1978 300D TMU (Sold)
1980 300D TMU (Sold)
MBCA Member

I would bid extremely low on that car. If it runs and drives, bid slightly higher. Or look for a clean running car with no damage and save yourself lots of trouble.
Steve

How much is the seller asking? What is the overall condition of the rest of the car/papers/books, etc?

I'm not sure I get it. If having the front end pushed in seems alright why does the motor being moved bother you?

If you are capable of rearranging the structure of the front end putting the motor straight should be easy.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. Engine setback indicates a major frontal impact which can affect everything from the engine back to the differential. Find another car. There is no way to really determine the actual potential damage to the drivetrain and frame w/o tearing it all down. 2-3 inches of setback is significant. There is a lot of aluminum between the fan and the tailpipe and.. it's all pretty brittle..

[Edited by jeffsr on 07-15-2001 at 09:11 PM]

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..
"Warranty" is just another way of postponing the inevitable.

I can probably buy for $1000.00 which is why I am interested. Haven't discussed service records etc. as I have not spoken with owner since I looked at it (after initial brief phone discussion).

Thanks for all of your input.

__________________
2008 GL320CDI 6K
1970 280SL 112K
1982 240D 210K (Sold)
1973 220D 220K (Sold)
1967 200D 160K (Sold)
1992 400E 139K (Sold)
1988 300E 148K (Sold)
1987 300D 257K (Sold)
1991 300E 108K (Sold)
1987 300E 131K (Sold)
1978 300D TMU (Sold)
1980 300D TMU (Sold)
MBCA Member

Buy it for parts, break it down, and you should get at least 2-3 times your investment. Otherwise, pass it up..

__________________
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..
"Warranty" is just another way of postponing the inevitable.