Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-21-2002, 07:11 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 30
maintenance

My 1989 300e has gained most of its 98,000 miles in very short (1,2,3miles) trips. It has had a few problems down through the years, but nothing major besides a/c. It does drink extra oil (about a quart every 500-700 miles) and its steering is losey/goosey.

Would it be a wise investment to have the oil problem corrected (about $1600) and the steering tightened and keep the car or is it probable that other major problems are just down the road and will require more large outlays? Any crystal ball gazing would be appreciated.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-21-2002, 12:26 PM
I told you so!
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Motor City, MI
Posts: 2,853
Your questions are hard to answer because it depends a lot on the individual owner and how he/she feels about their car. It depends on how much "slop" you're willing to tolerate on your car. You can do nothing and drive it into the ground. Or you can wait a bit and have the engine overhauled. A lot depends on the condition of the body.

Steering should be repaired on an as-needed basis. Look for excessively worn components and replace them.

Barring leaks, I believe the industry standard for oil consumption is a quart every 500 miles before something MUST be done to bring the engine back into roadworthy condition. It might be that beyond that rate the converter and plugs are adversely affected.
__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-21-2002, 02:26 PM
Jackd
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I faced th same dilema with my 1989 a year ago. The car had 235k on it.Should I fix it or trade it?
I decided to throw $3,800. in repair on it. Valve guides,/ job, suspension work, shocks, bushings, full tune up, new battery, new rubber hoses & belts, new radiator, new exhaust system, all fluids, flex-disks, etc. etc.
it is the best car investment I could do.
Compare that to the price of a new/used car.
I'm still driving the MB, drives, and runs like the day I bought it in 1993.
For that price, I would have ended-up in a 5 year old ricer. No comparision.
JackD
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-21-2002, 03:00 PM
PaulC
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
It really comes down to the condition of the rest of the vehicle. Is it rusty? Is the loosy/goosy steering indicative of the need to adjust the preload on the steering box, or of more expensive problems?

Most importantly, do you like the car enough to live with it for a few more years?

Assuming the car is otherwise sound, I would opt for the repair, although at 98K miles with oil running through the exhaust system, I would wonder about the long-term health of the catalytic converter.

You would be hard pressed to find a better (non-Mercedes) car for the cost of your car as it stands, plus the cost of the needed repairs.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:18 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2018 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page