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  #1  
Old 05-07-2010, 12:58 PM
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Advice on buying this 300te 4 matic

Looking for some advice on this 1991 300te, I have been looking for a Mercedes wagon (4matic) for a while and this one seems to be in decent shape. I want to buy something similar to my 92 400E so I can do some work myself.
I do not think I would pay more than $2000 for it, Dealer is currently asking $2499.

The car has service records up to 128,000 all done at the dealership. It currently sits at 156,000 so there is a 28,000 mile gray area on the books. 2 previous owners. Carfax with no accident history.

Anyone have any tips/advice on what I should look for when I go to see the vehicle?

Dealer link here:
http://www.highgearmotors.com/CarDealer/vehiclemain.php?id=375&page=1

Craigslist here:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/1720952203.html

Thanks in advance,
Luke



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  #2  
Old 05-07-2010, 01:45 PM
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I would avoid a 4Matic of this vintage. From what I hear they are problematic and a fortune to repair. If you're not comfortable in spending a great deal of time and money repairing the system when something fails, I would not consider purchasing it.
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Old 05-07-2010, 02:01 PM
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+1 my advice is don't buy any MB all wheel drive vehicle. They just don't do it very well. Look for a regular wagon.
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Old 05-07-2010, 02:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by d.delano View Post
+1 my advice is don't buy any MB all wheel drive vehicle. They just don't do it very well. Look for a regular wagon.

The newer 4Matics from 1998 onwards are pretty reliable as they were simplified a great deal. The early 4Matics from 1990-1993 were another story.
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  #5  
Old 05-07-2010, 10:37 PM
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toughy there

I bought a 1990 300TE 3 years ago for $3600. Car had 124K on it..seller tried to sell it as a 4-Matic for $5600. Only took one look....he pleaded ignorance...HE thought all Mercedes Benz from 1990 on were all wheel drive... I think my 1990 300TE is a tank! I mean this...this thing is something else, only rear drive. I have heard/read bad reviews on the 4-Matics' reliability..I don't know...but I do know that you can disconnect the 4-Matic function and make a rear only driver.....
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Old 05-07-2010, 10:47 PM
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finally

truth....as far as maintenance goes...less than $500 in 3 years...this car has been extremely reliable in my mind...the heater blower motor fans suck. But the are Behr, just like BMW....why Behr? they suck! why not Bosch blowers?
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Old 05-08-2010, 10:10 AM
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Hella/Behr blowers work great if the system is in proper working order.

The 4matic cannot be simply disconnected. It can be disabled, but if there's a problem with the seals (common), you still have a problem, and to remove the system you have electronics, hydraulics, different transmission, different engine sump, ... don't start with a 4matic if you don't need it IMO.
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Old 05-08-2010, 10:29 AM
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If you do go look, check for rust under the chrome fender coverings...
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Old 05-08-2010, 01:38 PM
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Anything to look out for under the hood?
L

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