Car has 125k miles, goin to inspect/drive tomorrow.

What are the pitfalls to look for? Owner wants $4200, suppose to be in "good" condition. MPG? Any help appreciated.

Thanks

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

the 4-matic system on W124 cars is problematic and should be avoided at any price.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

$4200 is very HIGH for a 19 year old car that can have $$$ issues at any time!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

From what I have read over the years I would stay away from that vintage 4-Matic unless you have deep pockets and must have that particular automobile. At a minimum pay for a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a MB-trained tech who knows that vintage 4-Matic and its peculiarities.

I recommend the lower revving engines in the 1994 & 1995 E-Class models. It's a much more refined engine. Not sure if 4-Matic was available in those years or not.

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Fred Hoelzle

$4200 is way too much, consider about half that. Although the seller may have the 4matic system as a selling point in reality it makes it more of a money pit. The w124 4matic system is particularly fragile and expensive to fix. However, the M103 is an excellent engine (as is the M104). From the M103, you can usually expect about 25-28mpg highway, slightly lower with the wagon, and not sure how that might differ with 4matic. I average 30.5mpg on the highway, max 32.4 but that is a rwd sedan. M103 common issues include worn valve stem seals (burning oil slowly), timing chain wear, slight leak from front of valve cover/TS, and the CIS-E bosch fuel injection system which is just annoying to deal with (learning curve). The M104 is more prone to head gasket failure and cars of that era have wiring harness issues so you'd want to see a replaced harness.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

The last thing I need is an expensive headache. I'll pass on the MB 4matic cars, don't really need the AWD anyhow.

Thanks all.

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

Boy you sure got some negative reviews of the 300TE. I've owned several BMWs and Mercedes (amongst other European imports) and it all depends on the previous owner(s).

I have a 91 300TE 4MATIC now with 227k miles. It was very well maintained. Everything works, even the headlight wiper/sprayers and the AC. I'm sure the PO may have replaced parts in the past to keep it in such great condition.

The W124 chassis is about the best engineered and value you can get for you money now days. Just takes a little looking for the good ones that some teenager hasn't abused. Kids are not into wagons so that's a plus.

And yes believe it or not Kelly Blue Book private party value is about $4500.
I think the $2000 priced ones they're thinking about are the basic 300E without the 4MATIC, and not even a 300TE much less a 300TE 4MATIC. Which, by the way are becoming almost rare.

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91 MBZ 300TE 4M 91 Jag XJS V12 94 Alfa Romeo 164 LS 80 BMW 320i 85 BMW 528e 86 BMW 325e 88 BMW 325e 88 BMW 325i 89 BMW 325ix 95 BMW 525i 96 BMW M3 78 Fiat Spyder 124 98 Land Rover D1 LSE 98 Range Rover HSE 4.6 93 MBZ 190E 2.6 96 MBZ C280 93 MBZ 400E 90 MBZ 300ce 71 MGB-GT 91 VW Corrado G60 97 328i 99 E320 Wagon 97 E320

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