New (to me) W124 Coupe ??'s

[hitch02]

Folks -

Car is a 1990 300CE with 127,xxx on it. In recent (last 20K) history, a/c was revamped, radiator was replaced, and it had a complete head job.

Overall, I like the car, but there are a few issues that you all probably know the answers to off the cuff:

1 - Recirc button - doesn't appear to do *anything*.. Push it, no vacuum noise, no light comes on.

2 - When cold, it takes several cranks to start the engine. Once running it is fine. Only thing I could come-up with that might be related was a fairly significant buzzing noise from the main fuel pump.

3 - Knocking noise from passenger front when driving at low speed - guessing ball joint, but other common causes?

4 - Passenger head rest doesn't - as I understand many of them don't. I know the motor is doing something, but the other thing is I can adjust it manually with little effort.

5 - Trip Odometer - Doesn't. Isn't this supposed to be a relatively easy fix?

Thanks for the help.

-Reed
'90 300CE
'84 300D-T
'70 BMW 2800

[jrmd01]

Definitely get it checked by a Mercedes specialist. Spend the extra cash for a professional non-bias opinion. Then use that to bargain with the seller (maybe you could get him to lower the cost of the car by 1/2 what it would cost you to get the minor things fixed).

I bought my Mercedes with a "few" problems that I felt were fairly easy to fix, but after having the car only a year, I've already put in an additional $3000 into the car.

Don't get me wrong I love my car, but there are a lot of "small" things not working that irritate the **** out of me. I'm also too stuborn to over pay for a minor problem (ie, $200 to fix the odometer).

Anyway goodluck.

jrmd01@yahoo.com

Hello,

Just checking but is the climate control system on when you push the recirc button?

[pmizell]

Replace that switch! $21 at dealer... I think WorldPac is out of stock on these.

Remove the 2 screws at base of wood AC panel .. just above stereo. Then remove the ACC push button control unit by removing 6 screws (2 large, 4 small). Pull the unit out and then you'll have access to switch.

Good luck!

[LuckyF8]

Just to start: Cranking up to 4 seconds before start is normal.

Just read your Owners Manual, and you will be OK.

[hitch02]

Thanks for the replies. As much as I'd love to use some of this stuff to negotiate the price, I already own the car...! That said, I got a *very fair* price on it, especially considering the mechanical work that went in to it.

Answering your question, yes, the climate control was on when I tried to use the recirc button. But now I'm wondering, after driving it a little more, and doing a further search on the topic, could this be related to vacuum pods? I ask only because I noticed that no air was flowing from the center vents when I had either the cold air or the warm air on, in any of the a/c settings...

Thanks again for your help!

-Reed
'90 300CE