How do you remove the 4Matic?

[300D-91]

Found a 92 300TE that I'm talking w/the 3rd owner about buying. The car is approx 2 hours away and I haven't had chance to look at it yet. However the owner mentioned "car started life out as a 4 matic but it's now 2wd". Tells me that work was not done while he owned it.

From my searches for a 4Matic of this era the horror stories and potential repair costs made that search stop quickly.

So how do you remove the 4Matic?

[97 SL320]

The 4 matic removal could be anything from disconnecting the transfer case actuator to replacing the trans / drive shaft with a 2 wd unit.

The front drive is part of the oil pan so have a look there as well.

A physical inspection is the only sure answer.

[duxthe1]

The 4-matic is the best part about these cars, and unfairly gets a bad rap. Most people just don't understand how the system works or what's required to keep it in good order. If somebody has removed the 4-matic then they've ruined the best thing about the car, pass on it.

[300D-91]

I may go see the car if I'm in the neighborhood just to check on the 4matic removal. But otherwise I'm passing on this one.

Thanks for the feedback.

[97 SL320]

If the car turns out to just have a fuse removed, would you still pass?

There isn't enough info to reject this car yet. Sometimes real gems come out of dire descriptions.

[300D-91]

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

If the car turns out to just have a fuse removed, would you still pass?

There isn't enough info to reject this car yet. Sometimes real gems come out of dire descriptions.

Yes I'd pass. My 91 is a gem now but it was far from that when I bought it. Tractor trailers blew their horns at me on the highway as they passed me with their 4 way flashers on. It was fun, I learned a lot and now it's my daily driver. So I know the work that's needed but this car just isn't the one for me.


Seller tells me got it from his brother who runs a car lot / garage. However when I asked for service records none exist. Even for the new shocks and other parts the owner claims were installed in the last 6 months. Oh did I mention he wants $3700 for it. There are just too many unknowns with this one for me to gamble on.