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  #1  
Old 01-07-2008, 11:12 AM
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Fix or Dump? 96' C280 with 130k

OK...I have this awesome W202 that was neglected over the last year and now I am having all kinds of problems. I love the car, but cannot be sure if I will be piling all kinds of money into it for the next few years....

Biggest Problem....The original 1996 MB battery was pronounced dead and not able to hold a charge.
I purchased a new battery and the car started right up and drove like normal.....until I noticed that the battery light was lit and would not go out....I procastinated and now the car wont start again...needs to be jumped and then stalls and dies about 15 minutes into the drive...

Altenator? Altenator Brushes? Somthing else?

Also, the headlights will not turn on....all other lights work great except for the Headlights....all fuses seem to be fine.

Any ideas on the battery?

Now the biggest question: The battery, headlights and no A/C, no climate control, no radio antenna.....is this car worth putting the money into.

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  #2  
Old 01-07-2008, 11:21 AM
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Well, is it "awesome" or is it "neglected?" Sounds contradictory to me!

Alternator, climate control/AC, with labor, looking around $2k

Antenna, if motor replaced, $300ish

Headlights? Either a combo switch (cheap part but PITA to swap, dash has to come out) or the connections on the headlight housing have melted (happened to my fogs) That means possibly new headlight housings at $400 a piece, unless you go to the boneyard, where you may run into the same problem

You should be prepared to set aside $2000 to get it in decent working order, and that car is probably worth no more than $4500.

Next, what's it going to need in the next year? What's the maintenence been like? I'd say you're better moving on. Sell it as-is for $2500 or fix the AC and alternator and ask $4500
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  #3  
Old 01-07-2008, 11:56 AM
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It is an "awesome' car when not "neglected". I moved into a house in the woods and every squirrel and chipmunk around as well as mice started nesting in the engine compartment as well as anywhere they could find warm.

$2000k....I was hoping about $1000k and without looking at everything it will as always run over the $2000....

I will be selling as is....I really just dont want a project car right now....thanks for your info and insight
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  #4  
Old 01-08-2008, 04:32 PM
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Next time buy an acura.....
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  #5  
Old 01-09-2008, 12:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trueog View Post
Next time buy an acura.....
Whay do acura's have a way of keeping rodents out?
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  #6  
Old 01-09-2008, 01:19 AM
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Location: SD California
Posts: 153
C 280

Just bought a 94 C280 yesterday $2,900 needs work runs well, headlights work a/c no I think it's either the blower or the blower resistor.antenna won't go down when radio is turned off (have as spare from the bone yard) Will keep for now, will take time to work on it. Will make a great companion with my other C class. Oh no rodents just vermins who steal hood stars.
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  #7  
Old 01-09-2008, 05:54 AM
t walgamuth's Avatar
dieselarchitect
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lafayette Indiana
Posts: 38,613
It sure seems like it might be a very simple problem related to the new battery. Have you had it tested by someone with the correct equipment?

Tom W
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..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #8  
Old 01-09-2008, 10:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trueog View Post
Next time buy an acura.....
You mean on overpriced Honda ?
Some people are just not into Ricers.
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  #9  
Old 01-09-2008, 09:16 PM
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agree, i don't do rice (overpriced econoboxes) either
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  #10  
Old 01-09-2008, 10:11 PM
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Before selling, have it diagnosed correctly. The alternator is more likely the $50 voltage regulator. Getting your AC charged may solve your problem there, and the headlights could be the bulbs. That's worth fixing even if you're selling - I wouldn't buy a rat's nest when there are plenty of working '96s out there.
One thought - your rodent friends could have chewed some wires - very common problem in Germany (ask any German about "Marders")
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  #11  
Old 01-16-2008, 11:39 AM
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OK....Update....I have tried to have the BRAND NEW battery re-charged and was told that it is now totally dead...not sure I belive this so I talked with a NON dealer garage in Ann Arbor, MI.

I think that this is very reasonable for a Benz.....for $143 which is 1 1/2 hours worth of troubleshooting they will tell me whats wrong withthe car....compared to the Dealer at $400 plus....of course.

Acura...NEVER, Lexus, NEVER....they simply copy the Benz look and feel without the re-sale.

Thanks for all the notes and now I have my 95 Mercedes Wagon to sell...Under 90K miles, $5000 and runs.....ye ha

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