1988 300E w/ 23,000 miles

[JIMMY400]

May have a chance in a few months to buy an '88 300E with about 23K miles on it. Always garaged. Had a chance to get a brief look at it and cosmetically very sound, only some slight scratches on rubber part of bumper and a little spot of rust on outside part of fender which can be addressed. Original paint very good. Rear window did not work. Did not get a chance to drive but did rev up engine to about 5K and sounded smooth as silk. Also A/C came out very cold very quickly. Will be able to look at again end of summer.

Questions.
Any opinions as to price? (Has not yet been discussed)
What should I be aware of due to lack of mileage for a 23 year old car?
What would you have a mechanic do first with a car like this?
Any other thoughts/ opinions very welcome.
Thanks so much.

[mbdoc]

A 23 year old 300E is worth about $1500, but with that mileage you might have to double OR triple that amount.

Many of the rubber parts will be shot.

[JIMMY400]

Originally Posted by mbdoc

A 23 year old 300E is worth about $1500, but with that mileage you might have to double OR triple that amount.

Many of the rubber parts will be shot.

Thanks very much.
Have you found the 300E to be any better or worse than any other used MB model?

[POS]

I would say that it's worth $2500-$3000 because of it's condition. With that car, the only thing important is condition. The mechanical stuff can be fixed, quite cheaply at that. First thing to do is clean out the fuel system (if it's been sitting) and change the fluids - all of them. A tune-up (plugs, wires, etc.) would probably help but not be required. I'd guess new tires are next.

[lorainfurniture]

Originally Posted by POS

I would say that it's worth $2500-$3000 because of it's condition. With that car, the only thing important is condition. The mechanical stuff can be fixed, quite cheaply at that. First thing to do is clean out the fuel system (if it's been sitting) and change the fluids - all of them. A tune-up (plugs, wires, etc.) would probably help but not be required. I'd guess new tires are next.

Rubber bushings are not cheap on that car. I spent about 1k redoing the rear, and another 1k redoing the front. No labor costs included, just parts.


25 years fo barely moving, you will be replacing all of that and more. You will drop a grand just on flushing fluids, tune up, and tires.

The 300e is a fantastic car, but in the end, it is still a $1500 25 year old car.

[JIMMY400]

Thank all of you above for your input.
Anyone out there know the deal with historic plates?

[dynalow]

Your State DVM has the answer. Your mileage use is typically limited for historic tags. Here In NJ it's 3K per year I think.

The 300E was a great car for its time. A cared for one like this is a great find. Better than my 88 300CE which had 41k on it in 2001.
Rubber will wear out. The M103 motor in the 88 will outlive your interest in the car.
Very limited electronics by today's standards. No coffee cup holder.

Get the VIN and carfax it. See how many times it's changed hands.
Check the leather on the steering wheel for firmness.?

Check this out:
300e

Good luck.

[JIMMY400]

Thanks. That was a helpful link.
I did check NJ historic plate rules. Only good if car used only for shows or educational purposes.