84 300E

[Aquaticedge]

Looking at an 84 300E, Parked in 00 because oil was coming from the front of the motor, Looking for things to look for other then the oil leak, I know what that is.... any Quirks these cars have/develop? it has ~180-200K on it

[tjts1]

Are you sure its an 84? Is it W124 body style?

[Aquaticedge]

VIN Plate says 84. See pics here Moldiest Mercedes

[JohnM.]

Actually it says 10/85 which would make it first production model year W124...1986...

Most likely was leaking from front cover seal. It's a <$10 seal that just needs a little RTV on installation to make it leak free. Shame it got parked just over that

[tjts1]

Could also be cam seal. Thats where mine is leaking.

[samiam44]

You'd be wise to read the sticky on purchasing a W124-things to look for..

That type of mileage- you should plan on a valve job if there isn't evidence of it being done. Is there oil in the coolant or oil running down the back of the block?
I bet it needs a headgasket and valve job .. there's a better reason to park it than over a $100 leak.

If the motor was well taken careof- the lower ends last.
At that age and mileage- how oily is the transmission??
Radiators, water pumps, etc..
A/C problems etc..


Michael

[kiwi_bloke_nz]

Nearly every leak I have seen on a M103 was the front cover seal.

I don't think the head gaskets failed in these to the extent of the M104's - I'm sure someone will confirm.

The only major issues I have ever had with a M103 were, well none really. Except for the odd oil drip.

The later M104 on the other hand - don't get me started.

[Ivanerrol]

If the car has been parked since '00 then there is a good chance that the valve oil seals will have dried out and will leak. They will most likely require replacing.

The fuel system maybe gummed up as well.

[Aquaticedge]

it was run out of fuel, I anticipate the Valve oil seals though. is there any way I can Decode the vin? I've put it through the russian mercedes club place but nothing comes up for it, and Carfax cant make heads nor tails of it either, I've emailed the classic center.... a month ago and never heard anything from them

[Cal Learner]

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

...is there any way I can Decode the vin?

From the image of the production plate, it looks as though the VIN contains a "G" at the 10th digit. That signifies model year '86, and would agree with a production date of 10/85.

H = 1987
I was not used
J = 1988
K = 1989
L = 1990
and so on.

The next digit is "A", referring to the Sindelfingen assembly plant (where all 124s were produced), followed by the 6-digit serial number. That's pretty much decoded, except for the WDB, indicating West Germany-Daimler Benz, and the EA30, signifying the E class chassis with 3.0 liter engine.

[Aquaticedge]

Some Updated info-- the car was parked in 03 Because of the oil leak only, the engine turns over but I did not want it to start to I took off the main wire to the Distributer, inside the car is immaculate... to an extent, there's some wasps inside and some ants made their home in a vent as well, outside is Covered in Lichens and moss but a steambath and pressurewashing would clear that right up. Ideally if the engine is shot to heck I have a OM60x engine I can put in.. how much is this car worth? I was going to offer a couple hundred bucks and go from there.

[JohnM.]

With that mileage and the potential of having major mechanical repairs needed, I wouldn't pay more than $3-500 for it. It's still a good deal in that range. Considering the interior is perfect. Paint looks like it could have some life under all that moss!

Go for it.

[04 Diesel]

That looks like the 86 300E that I had, that was a great car. Good luck.