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#1
06-10-2002, 04:38 PM
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300e Buying Tips
I am going to give up on my 190e and find a nice 300E. I have a somewhat limited budget (all my money is in the 190E) of $6000.
In my area (Upstate NY) I am finding that this budget gets me 1986 - 1988 cars with 140K or so. Assuming the car has been taken care of reasonably well, what are the major problems I can expect to deal with? Is there a short list of "Usual suspects" that everyone knows has to be addressed on 300E's at some aproximate mileage? IE: Beltsalways at 100K, valves usually at 180K, Wiring harness about 125K? I need a list of things to plan for, so my wife does not kill me. I will have a local independent MB shop look it over before plunking any money down. I am looking at cars only from dealers (not MB dealers) that are covered under my state's lemon law and or have a limited warranty. 
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#2
06-10-2002, 05:44 PM
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Buying a 300E
I am on my second 300E and I have had the same two problems with both: erratic/high idling speed, and air con leaks. Both of these problems, while not critical to overall running, can be frustrating , time consuming, and expensive to fix. If there is the slightest hint of problems in these areas, leave well alone. Good luck.
BriNZ
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#3
06-10-2002, 06:02 PM
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No wiring harness problems for this model that I am aware of...
A/C repairs in general are very expensive. At 140k in NY, your candidate would be about due for a full front suspension/steering makeover if it has not already had one. This is a collection of small things that adds up quickly. If I had not done the work myself, I would guess that I would have been out about $2K. Motor should still have some life in it if it has been maintained.
__________________
1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.
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#4
06-10-2002, 06:04 PM
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A fairly competent DIYER can handle everything on TKAMIYAs list except the evaporator and I list that as an exception because of the amt. of work involved. It can be diy'd if you're determined enough.
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#5
06-10-2002, 09:20 PM
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To tkamiya's list I would add that you should look at the rear suspension pieces (thrust arms) and the subframe mounts.
__________________
David His: 2003 Dodge Durango SLT 2002 BMW E39 530i Sport 1988 Mercedes 300TE Hers: 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1999 E430
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