88 300SE Questions

[pj67coll]

Hopefully some folks can answer these questions I have.

I'm looking at at an 88 126 300SE with 139K miles on it for $4.300:00.

Engine and interior seem in excellent shape and I like the idea of the simplicity and accessibility in the engine bay of the straight six.

From stationary or low speeds - using the kickdown there is a rattling shudder that feels like shot engine/tranny mounts and I assume I'd have to replace them along with the flex disc. Not particularly expensive and I'm not worried about that.

However there are some other issues I'm more concerned about.

1) At idle the temperature reaches 100C. During the test drive it never went above that but I've never had a Mercedes which even reached that temperature ever so I'm a little concerned. Can anyone with one of these cars tell me if that is normal?

2) The climate control did blow cold air but only very feeble thru the center vents. The owner said that if you give it a lot of gas for some time the vacume comes on and the air blows strongly from the center vents. I know the system is vacume operated. Does this sound plausible? Or am I likely to be stuck with a large repair bill to tear into the HVAC stuff behind the center console.

3) The interior of this car is incredible. It's like you're in a time warp. Perfect dash with no hint of a crack. Perfect wood too. And everything works, seats, windows, sunroof and antenna. But there is a remarkable amount of squeaking and rattling coming from the interior which I assume is from the seats, door panels and other interior panels such as the pillars etc. Is this normal for a 126? I've only ever been in one before briefly about 10 years ago and can't really recall what that was like.

4) The car did not seem as smooth to me as I assumed a 126 should be. Seemed to have some vibration in the ride the origins of which I could not ascertain. I've seen some other threads here that go on at length about 126's being extremely prone to vibrations. Is that really true? I don't want to wind up with an S-Class where I'm forever chasing elusive vibrations. I have owned a 108 and 116 and I recall them being smoother than this car.

Is there anything specific to these cars I should be aware of. I have no 126 experience myself. They have always been cars I've admired from afar.

- Peter.

[Xsbank]

Mine runs at 80 degrees.
Only 1 or 2 squeeks/rattles over large bumps that I am poised to fix (minor).
Mine has 135,000 miles and the transmission, cyl. head, engine mounts all done, muffler, brakes and shocks...I paid $3500.
It needs sunroof service (sticks) and something clunks in the front end, most likely ball joints. Tires 1/2. Aftermarket radio, everything, including A/C, works. I am replacing plugs and cap/rotor, already changed all the lights (Euros front and rear).

You sound like you will be paying too much for yours. I would DEFINITELY get a PPI before you buy, or you may have to double your purchase price with repairs. As far as I can glean, these cars will ALL need cyl. head, transmission, all engine/transmission mounts, water pump, tensioner, flex discs, brakes and mufflers, not to mention all those tiny suspension joints that all go around in different directions. And the *****ty headlights. And those assinine dashboard lights that were designed to never burn out!

[pj67coll]

Originally Posted by Xsbank

As far as I can glean, these cars will ALL need cyl. head, transmission,

By cylinder head do you mean just a gasket or a complete rebuild, as with the tranny?

And those assinine dashboard lights that were designed to never burn out!

What's wrong with them?

- Peter.

[Ferdman]

Peter, definitely have a PPI performed by a MB-trained tech who is intimately familiar with that vintage MB automobile. Price seems awfully high to me from your description of this 300SE. Request the service records for the car too ... they reveal what routine preventive maintenance was done over the life of the car.

[Xsbank]

Valves, seals, gasket etc. as well, I understand if overheated, these heads are prone to cracking?

My transmission was not going into reverse so the dealer replaced it! Don't know if it was another new one or a rebuild but it was done to the PO.

The more I think about it, the more your price seems too high and you need a PPI.

Most of the aftermarket parts are reasonable but the dealer parts or dealer-specific parts are very dear.

Oh yes, do the wipers hit the window frame on the left or slam into the bottom position? If so, the dreaded wiper transmission is worn out - a do-it-yourself fix for $50 or a dealer fix for about $1000.

My fuel consumption is about 17l/100km which is about 16 m/gal, I think.

[Hit Man X]

The proper thermostat does not open until 87C... so it's pretty normal for that motor. The 77 or 78 is too low for proper operation. I would consider checking the fan clutch and radiator. Mine will get into the mid 90s often but not much hotter. This is with a new rad, new clutch fan, proper coolant, etc.

I have a few cars with fantastic interiors and they rattle/squeak big time.

Yes, HVAC is run on vac. Sounds like it has a leak somewhere.

Car probably needs flex discs, bearing, shocks, and see where that takes you.

$4300 is too high for that car. I'd pay maybe $2500 if the paint is fantastic to match the interior.

[pj67coll]

Thanks for the info folks. The paint does not match the interior as 20 years in Arizona has burst the clearcoat on the upper surfaces. I also think the price is too high and I'm probably going to pass on it.

- Peter.