I believe this car is it, give me your opinion on price - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ron Brooks · #1 08-13-2002, 10:21 AM

I had stopped looking at S models because at 202" they were a bit too tight for my taste in th garage. But after many failed E series, I saw a S this morning. 1988 300SE, original owner, 76,000. Carfax checks out and he has all the records since new. Head gasket has been changed, all new brakes and rotors front and rear. A/C is ice cold. But the A/C is also my only concern. He had the system fully inspected and topped off. He said they told him he needed 1/2 pound addes and charged him $70.00 I aske dif they used R12 or 134 and he had no idea. He said, Look, I'm a CPA, I know nothing about cars except to maintain them per thwta the manufactirer says. If they added 134, as far as I know, the gases are ok together, the only problem would be if they added, ester or other to the mineral system. But I have to assume as he does, that they added the proper coolant to a 1988 car. They didn't give him a receipt, he just paid cash.

Now, the a/c is colder than my 2002 Protege. So, I would assume if they added 134 the system would be less efficient than if they used R12 and would therefore be less cold right?

The price is 8800 and I'm happy with that because of the condition and documentation.

Ron Brooks · #2 08-13-2002, 10:22 AM

Price I'm OK on, but feel free to give your .02 My question is really about the a/c.

Thanks,

Ron B.

MikeTangas · #3 08-13-2002, 11:25 AM

1/2 pound at $70 sounds like retail pricing of R-12.

Being 1/2 pound down isn't necessaryily as bad sign, as that really isn't much in the whole picture. When was it last charged (if ever) would be my next question.

suginami · #4 08-13-2002, 12:19 PM

I'm willing to bet he put in R-12.

In fact, I'd stick with R-12 as long as possible. If you convert to R134a, it'll never blow as cold. Conversions never do.

I hope this works out for you.

The W126's are widely regarded as being one of the best Mercedes' ever.

The SE's have a shorter wheelbase than the SEL's, so it may help you fit it in your garage.

Let us know what happens.

Ken300D · #5 08-13-2002, 12:30 PM

I have been told that when a car's A/C system has been converted to R-134a that there is supposed to be a clearly visible label placed on the compressor. One of my cars has been professionally converted in the past and it does have that big "R-134A" sticker on it.

You might ask to look at the receipt for that service. And if you have a chance take a look at the A/C compressor under the hood and see if it has a conversion sticker on it.

The highest probability is that a professional place put the right Freon in the system.

Now for the important question:

What color is it exterior and interior?

Ken 300D

Ron Brooks · #6 08-13-2002, 01:03 PM

The car is Charcoal ext. with Tan interior. Looks very nice. The SE at 202" will mean I have to move my work bench in the garage, but if that's my biggest concern, life is good. I'm waiting for my mechanic to do the inspection today or tonight. He said he'd try to fit me in today. The only thing I noticed is that there's a small oil leak in the front of the engine, but it's very small.

I drove it for about 15 minutes this am with the owner and WOW, I can't believe how quiet and comfortable it is. The owner was pretty picky on maintenance. He just changed all 4 tires and even bought a 5th for the spare. I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope it works out.

suginami · #7 08-13-2002, 01:29 PM

All of these M103 (and M104) engines will leak oil from the front of the engine at the cover for the timing chain at the 'c' shaped area where it meets the head.

It is very easy and cheap to reseal these.

Remember to insist on taking home all of his maintenance receipts for your file.

Also, you've heard this before, but in the words of Hans and Frans from Saturday Night Live (in an Arnold Schwarzenegger accent), "Listen to me now and believe me later", it is also a better idea to pay full price for a clean, well-maintained MB than to get a "deal" on a questionable car and try to bring it back to life.

suginami · #8 08-13-2002, 01:35 PM

I also do a lot of wood working on the side.

I have so many shop tools in my garage, I had to move everything to fit my W124.

Now my car slots right in between my radial arm saw and my band saw.

My work bench is now on the side wall of the garage instead of the head of it.

Ron Brooks · #9 08-13-2002, 02:06 PM

I'm not smart enought o know how to do wood working. I'd only manage to lose a digit or two. I did m,ost of my own repair work on my 944. I find it relaxing and it keeps me out of trouble.

I'm really hoping this SE works out. It's the 9th car I've gone to see and by far the best.

G-Benz · #10 08-13-2002, 02:26 PM

Good luck with your potential new purchase...hope it works out for you!

My walk with Jesus is not a perfect one, and I too, probably would fail at matching up to his carpentery skills during his tenure on earth.

I sit in awe in front of the TV watching Norm Abrams build furniture from scratch and join unusually-shaped pieces from complicated angles!!!

suginami · #11 08-13-2002, 02:44 PM

I have been recording Norm Abram's New Yankee Workshop and This Old House for over 10 years.

Norm Abram's skills are light years ahead of mine. My father was a high school drafting and wood shop teacher, so I learned from him, but I never built the kind of complicated furniture that Norm builds.

The most involved project I built was a home office set-up for myself at home. I built it in the Shaker sytle of furniture out of solid cherry, with a black melamine board table top, and black porcelain door and drawer handles. It is in the shape of an 'L', about 4 feet on the long side of the L, and 2.5 feet on the short side of the L. There are cabinets above the desk that go to the ceiling.

It took me so many weekends and evenings after work (about 9 weeks total), that I got so burned out that I've done very little wood working in the past 2 years since it was finished.

The only thing I've built since is overhead storage in my garage above the roll-up garage door.

G-Benz · #12 08-13-2002, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by suginami
The only thing I've built since is overhead storage in my garage above the roll-up garage door.

Way ahead of me...I help my daughter do those kids kits on weekends at Home Depot!

MikeTangas · #13 08-13-2002, 03:03 PM

I didn't know you were such the woodworker Paul. Same here. I have a three car garage with one bay dedicated to storing all of the big tools.

My most complex project was a rocking chair - from scratch. Not even plans for it (couldn't find any). I worked from 6 photos of a chair I liked and a couple crude drawings and measurements I made using a grade school protractor (only device I could lay a hand on while traveling). Took me 5 months working weekends and after work. Best bonus was I got to buy a $700 lathe with the wife's blessings

.

I love Norm too.

suginami · #14 08-13-2002, 03:47 PM

I actually had a lathe, but very rarely used it. I've never really done much lathe work, so I never got good at it. It was taking up so much space that I sold it.

If I ever have the need for turned pieces, like legs to a chair or table, they can be ordered out of wood working catalogs or purchased at specialty stores like Rocker in Costa Mesa, CA.

They have a website, too.
www.rockler.com