I have found a beautiful '87 300E with 52K miles. I love everything about the vehicle. The only issue, for lack of better term, I have with the vehicle is it has the MB Tex interior. What can everyone tell me about this interior. Am I looking at a high end vehicle with a vinyl interior? Other than the Tek, this car seems perfect. Also, with a vehicle 12 years old, but only 52K miles, what should I look for as potential problems. I intend on taking the auto to have an inspection performed, but would like some guidance along the way.

Thanks!

Guss

[This message has been edited by Guss (edited 05-02-99).]

Yes, you are looking at a high end vehicle with a vinyl interior but, some people actually prefer the MB Tex. It wears like iron and will certainly outlive a leather interior. It is also much easier to care for. Most of the Mercedes station wagons have MB Tex interiors because is stands up great to kids and dogs. If you plan to keep the car a LONG time and the seats feel comfortable to you then take the plunge. On the minus side, the MB Tex interior will make the care less desirable and therefore worth less. Some of the MB Tex interiors feel like they have firmer seating to me but, my wagon was fine. Your mileage may vary.

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'98 E430
MBCA-Peachtree

I have a '87 300E with 150,000 miles and the MB Tex interior, and personally, I am glad this car has this interior. There is not a single sign of wear on this interior, and I guarantee that if it had been leather there sure would have been some blemishes. Also, about 90% of my friends who do not own a mercedes think it is leather anyway, so why tell them it isn't. If you do get the car, make sure to clean the vinyl well with a mild detergent and then apply Vinylex (made by Lexol) to it. Vinylex will prevent the armrest from cracking seeing as it gets alot of abuse in most benzes. My armrest is absolutely perfect, so in my opinon the stuff works. Now to answer your question about the problems to look for: 1. the thermostat housing was originally plastic, and that wears out over time, but only costs about $60 to fix. 2. the radiator neck on the top left of it is made of the same plastic and it also wears out, requiring a new radiator, about $300. Both of these things wore out on my car at about 130,000 miles, so you probably won't have to worry about it. Other than those two things, my car has been perfect, most people think it is a '92 model, if that tells you anything. In my opinon, by the car, it is quite possibly the best all around mercedes ever built. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me at searcj01@wfu.edu
Chris