There is an lady trying to sell her 1990 300TE. The price is low (below kbb.com trade in value) as she cannot sell the thing for about a year now. I gave her a call today and here are the specifics:

1. The car has 190 kmi on it.

2. The head gasket was blown last summer and the local MB dealer put in a new head gasket, re-did the rings, and installed a new starter for a total of $2250. In essence, she has been trying to sell the car since that big job.

3. According to her, the paint is good, no rust, and almost everything works (the antenna does not work).

I am considering to take a look at this so I can use it as a "truck" for local drives and hauling stuffs. I was looking for a 123 diesel sedan or wagon but this one is in the same price range.

I asked the lady if the wagon is a 4-matic and she did not know. I asked her to take a look from the rear of the car and she said there is no 4-matic there. She said there was not even 300TE in the back. So I assume this is not a 4-matic.

From what I understood, this wagon comes with the self-reveling rear suspension. Is there anyway to check for the condition of this special suspension?

Thanks.

Bo

Best way to evaluate the suspension is to just drive the car. The ride should be supple - that's a good word to describe it. The suspension should feel equally firm front and back. If the rear end rides very hard and/or makes unpleasant funny noises, then it has some kind of problem.

If you bring along a couple of friends and a yardstick you can test the self leveling ability. Just measure the bumper height unloaded, then pile said friends into the cargo area. Give it a minute to level, and measure the height again. Should be within an inch or so of the unloaded height.

Visual inspection pretty much amounts to checking the struts for oil leaks, checking the oil level & clarity in the reservoir, and checking the tandem pump for leaks.

If this car hasn't had the nitrogen accumulators replaced yet, it's due for them. They wear out with time, not milage, and 10 years is about it. Figure about $200 and a couple hours for DIY.

- Jim

Thsnks, Jim, for the advice.

Bo

I took a look at this wagon and decided not to pursue any further.

It was a MB dealer service wagon. A young gun bought it from the dealer after it was retired from commercial service and he blew the head gasket within 1000 miles. Plus there are couple rust spots.

Bo