1993 300E Powerband - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Q-Ball · #1 09-26-2002, 01:17 PM

I am new to the this site and it is great!! Recently aquired mother's 1993 300E, 3.2 liter, with 130k. Thought of selling, but now will keep. 8,000 miles ago she blew the motor due to blown radiator hose and car overheated at 80mph on Florida Turnpike in 90degree weather. (she had no clue what happened) Complete overhaul by a Mercedes shop in South Florida to the tune of $3500. Whatever they suggested she did. I do not have a detailed laundry list of what they replaced, yet, it is on the way. My problem is the car does not pull as strong as it used to during the 2nd to 3rd gear transition. 1st to 2nd redline shift strong and smooth, 2nd to 3rd, seems like it does not breathe as well and struggles to reach redline for the upsfhift. Also any passing or high speed acceleration past 80mph is weaker than it was. I have driven this vehicle at 130 for periods of time, but now I am scared to push it. It is lacking the nads it once had. What should I have checked on this car. I figured it would be "fresh", otherwise the car is perfect.
Thanks in advance. Frank Q

suginami · #2 09-26-2002, 05:35 PM

Well, without really knowing anything about the car, I would speculate that the catalytic converter could be plugged up. That would limit performance.

Have you taken the car into Donnie's shop (Benzmac) who is one of the owners of this site? He and Bill Woods (the webmaster) own this site and the shop, MB Autowerks, in Sugar Hill, GA. The link is at the bottom of the home page:

http://www.mbautowerks.com/

It might be worth the trip, and I'm sure he'd be the best MB mechanic you could possibly find in your area.

Heck, I live in Souther California, and I drive 51 miles to a good MB independent that was recommended on this site.

David C Klasse · #3 09-27-2002, 04:18 AM

Yes, catalytic converter would be a good place to start I suppose... have it checked.

Second, change the air filter.... definitly.

Also, I would have these simple & cheap things done:

Change the fuel filter.
Change the spark plugs (Copper ONLY, NO Platinum).
Run some Techron (Fuel Injector cleaner) through the fuel system.
Make sure the oil & filter were recently changed.

Off topic, but I would have the trans fluid changed if it hasn't been done so in more than 30k miles. This I leave to the MERCEDES DEALER ONLY... it's $110 well spent.

Good luck!! You've got an amazing car!

Q-Ball · #4 09-27-2002, 09:17 AM

Thanks David and Paul. I now have a start.

FQ

Q-Ball · #5 10-04-2002, 03:05 PM

Wanted to thank Donnie and Bill from MB Autowerks for there professionalism and honest approach to diagnosing a driveability problem on my 300E. A variable intake vacuum line was "capped" off due to a previous repair, (inderpendent repair facility in Miami) not allowing the car to breathe as openly after 5,000rpm's(variable valve timing). Quick easy diagnosis, and Donnie also quickly spotted an exposed wiring harness issue right next to the oil filter. He made a new one and all is back to normal.. If ANYONE is within driving range to there shop located just North of Atlanta, GO!! They will treat you right. Beautiful shop, and you can see the Kleeman CLK55, amongst other vehicles.

Again thanks to Donnie and Bill and crew at MB Autowerks!!

Happy Motoring!

FAQ

suginami · #6 10-04-2002, 03:06 PM

Excellent. I'm glad you used Donnie and Bill's shop.

Q-Ball · #7 10-04-2002, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the heads up Paul, on Benzmac. I am glad i visited them.

FQ