Dear All

After 3 summers, 80K km decided not to un-winterize mine '92 300E 2.6

Looking for a new summer transportation.

Found one car:
300CE
Odometer says 270000K. Last 7 years owned by known FIAT techie.
Harness, Engine mounts replaced. Car was parked for 3 monthes - turn on for the first attempt. AC, vacuum rods are operational

Russian Vin decoder published:
Is it normal 300CE-24?
AMG 300 CE 3.4
Engine 104980 12 015684 Transmission 722359 03 448711
What is this? Whats pros and cons and what to look for?
What to look for when test-driving M104 engine?

The "-24" thing is normal. You have an M104 engine with the 4-spd auto tranny. The expensive things of a w124 are the evaporator (AC will smell funny/musty), bad engine harness (you said replaced), and transmission failure. The tranny is supposed to have a lifetime fluid, but if you used the lifetime fluid you'll have a failing transmission. Make sure it shifts timely and smoothly, and check the fluid just to see if it's burnt or too dark.

Otherwise, a good MB will feel tight - even after 30 years. Use your common sense and judgement, notice your overview opinion, and then scour for details.

__________________
- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

The misguiding piece is :
AMG 300 CE 3.4
What the hell it is?

compare with M103 2.6 - what will be the difference in performance and fuel consumption. Is 270K ( kilometers )is too much, even in mechanics hands.

AMG means that the engine, transmission and suspension has been "sport tuned" by the AMG division.
300 24v means that the engine is a M104 block with a 24valve head. M.B. re engineered the venerable M103 engine, put a 24 va;ve head on and relabeled the engine M104.
Early 300 24v models retained the old KE fuel injection system. Later models used the HFM injection system. Be aware that the 300 24v KE system models utilise a EZL ignition unit that are as rare as hens teeth.

M104 engines still have the old head gasket problem. However chances are that at 270Ks that the head gasket has already been done.

The M104 especially AMG modded car should have much more power than your old 260e. It also should have a sports orientated 5 speed transmission.

You need a knowing MB techie check out a 300CE 24v very well before purchase.

(Our 300 24v CE Sportsline has been down for 4 months sourcing special parts after an engine replacement).

I've seen some other regular w124s on the Russian VIN decoder that also listed the AMG thing even though the car was clearly a normal w124. Not sure why that pops up.

__________________
- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600