Smokin deal...I hope!

1990 300SE Blue on blue leather. 140k and everything works. Original owner and all repair receipts from 3 different MB dealers. FL car so no rust. No dings except a little paint on front bumper corner. $3,000. What should I look for? Bringing it to my buds shop on saturday to go over it. Anythoing in particual for this model? Got it for my dad and it has to go to NJ from FL. Gonna do the usual like brakes, belts, hoses, fluids(tranny was just done). Let me know, thanks!

[sixto]

My 91 300SE just crossed the 140K mark yesterday. You can't go wrong for $3000 unless it was involved in a serious accident. One of the easiest non Diesels with power features to care for.

About the weakest point in the car is the engine. There's bound to be a head gasket leak or two if it's still original. I don't know when MB improved the valve seals on the M103 so a valve job might be due as well. If it has plastic radiator necks, keep an eye out for cracks. If the belt tensioner is set properly but still feels loose, it'll need a new tensioner. Motor mounts loose integrity over time so check those. Gee, I'm starting to go into basic wear and tear items so I'll stop here.

Great find.

Regards,
Sixto
91 300SE

Thanks! Has a small intermittent click, probably needs valve adjustments. NOT a knock by any means. I am going to go through all 11 years of service records tomorrow and see what has been done Car has never been hit and has original paint. Pinstripe is getting weak. I'll keep ya posted.

[sixto]

The M103 has hydraulic lash adjusters so the valves are not adjustable as such. If you hear something, it could be a sticking lash adjuster, loose timing chain (unlikely) or a dead belt tensioner damper (the little shock absorber beside the thermostat).

Regards,
Sixto
91 300SE
... wish I paid only $3000 for it