I am looking at 87-92 300Es. My primary question is what year did the 300E get the body cladding on the lower panels to protect from stone chips and rust? Also if anyone can give me any input on what other pertinant changes were made between the 87 and 92 300Es that would help me make the decision.

Thanks!

Guss

I believe 91 when it started.

MikeC

The different lower body cladding on the doors/ chrome on the bumpers started with the 1990 model year, although I don't know that it made any significant difference regarding stone chips or rust protection. I think it just gives the car a more streamlined, modern look. If you're willing to pay for it, I've seen the door cladding available from aftermarket suppliers.

Nick is correct, 1990 was the year of the change. Another difference is the seats. I believe in 1990+ the leather seats became standard. They have 3-4 broad horizontal strips on the upright portion of the seats (against your back). The 1989 and earlier models tend to have a tough,leather-like vinyl surface with narrow vertical strips. (Leather may have been an option, though.)

I have also heard some of the later '90s have upgraded 6-speaker sound systems. Mine doesn't.

FYI, I was looking at '89s 'cause they were cheaper until I sat in the '90 seats. Much more comfortable, IMHO.

The cladding started in the 90-91 model years and gives you much better stone/tar/etc protection. Of course, it makes it look more modern as well. Another modernizing touch would be to swap the finger cramping wheels for the more modern "8 hole" type. Wouldn't change anything but would make cleaning and whatnot much easier.

The seating leather configuration changed around those same years as well. My experience with seat comfort is they are all different. Can be church pew hard to bean baggy. The dimensions of the past owner will make a big difference. (90 lb woman vs linebacker) How much the seat is broken in matched with your personal preference will determine how comfortable any particular one car is.

Lee

"Finger-cramping wheels..." Very funny. Glad to hear other peoples' fingers cramp, too. I'm still not able to get all the gook out of those little holes with my fat fingers. :-)