Hello everyone,

I just bought a 1989 300ce. I don't know much about this car and want to learn. I understand that this car's a :
Chassis #124.050 and Engine #103.983

I have to take the car in for a full inspection as soon as I can get an appointment. The first thing I want to do is change the oil and filter. I was thinking about running Liqui Moly 10w40 MoS2 for oil and MANN oil filter. Is this alright or do you recommmend something else?

Thank You In Advance.

Apart from the full inspection I would recomend a transmission service. (if it has not been done lately or you lack full records) Fluid and Filter.

Iggy

__________________
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2006 - Suzuki Gran Vitara (2.0 L fully equipped) Like this car so far except for trying to put on the seatbelt.
1988 - 190e - 2.3L - 172K miles (It now belongs to the exwife)
1999 - Chevy Blazer LS Fully Equiped - killed it June 2006
2001 - Honda Civic EX - 68K miles (sold June 2004)
1963 - 220S - Dual Carb 6 cyl. (sold)
1994 - Yamaha WaveRaider (fun to ride)

Get a manual. Check the brake fluid and coolent. The coolent should not be green! It is also a good idea to change the brake fluid once in awhile. I don't know what kind of oil that is, try doing a search you will find more info then you want! I recomend Mobil 1 10W-40 or if you want Dino, Castrol High Mileage 10-40. (I have had good luck with Castrol)

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

1. Cograts
2. Great choice, you will only hear positive things hear on said vehicle
3. "full inspection"? Seller agreed to refund you the sale price if the mechanic finds stuff wrong with ? If not , the norm is to do pre purchase inspection (PPI) before u buy the car and $ exchanges hands
4. Just use some good oil. As long as you change it every 3K miles, I reckon. Which one? You will probably hear a variety of answers. Don't think none will be backed up by scientific evidence LOL

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1995 E320 smoke silver / parchment

I too do post-purchase inspections. It makes life more interesting and I've never been burned. We post purchase inspection people think pre-purchase inspection people are sissies - the kind of people who have to see a weather report before they go outside.

Dean... funny guy. We pre-inspection folks don't have to pay 10-15k everytime we go out in the rain

__________________
Willy

'94 E420 White

Mods
-------
Berg Werks Keyless Entry
Buzzer replaced with Chime
Dash Light Upgrade
Burlwood/Leather shift knob
Alpine CDA-9815 Head Unit
2002/2003 16" C Class 7-Spoke Wheels
Updated "Chip" to fix Code 19 problem

Thanks everyone for the posts. I am definitely going to change all the fluids including, engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant and brake fluid. What I meant by full inspection is that I am going to go over the car completely from bumper to bumper. When I bought the car, I did do an inspection, but it wasn't as thorough as what I intend to do. Today I bought 2 Liqui Moly 10w40 MoS2 5-liter bottles (I'm not sure how much oil I need for the change, my guess is about 6 - 6 1/2 liters) and the MANN oil filter. I also bought a bottle of Liqui Moly Pro-Line Engine Flush.

*Liqui Moly is also known as Lubro Moly in North America.

To let you know a little more about your car:

The C124 or W124 coupe was produced, as it is in most coupes from M.B. in limited numbers. Its wheelbase is slightly shorter than the sedan and the wagon (which have the same lenght wheelbase).

For the worldwide market it was iniatially available as the 230CE and 300CE, then as the E 220 and E 320. Limited number 200CEs and E 200s coupes were manufactured for Germany, Italy and some other countries with high taxes on large displacement engines (like Ireland as mentioned above).

No 260CE nor E 280s coupes were mass produced.

The C124 has no B-pillar, giving it a very exclusive and elegant look. Because of cost constraints, later M.B.s coupes like the CLK have been manufactured with B-pillars, which makes them look CHEAP and awful.

The look of the 124 series is timeless, and the C124 and the A124 (Cabriolet) are exceptional. The automatic courtesy seat belt system available in this coupe was a very special feature available also only in the C126 and the C140.

Some people say that because of the shorter wheelbase the coupe is a little bouncier in ride than the sedan and the wagon. I can say that only the coupes with the Sports Edition suspension feel a little harsh.

Enjoy your new car. It is definitely something special.

__________________
A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

Thank You A. Rosich for the history and the warm welcome. I did notice that the previous owner had just replaced the shocks for Bilsteins. I believe that the are Heavy Duty. I got under the car in the driveway and saw the Bilstein sticker on the rear shock with the part number B36-1385. I can't see the sticker on the front right now. I 'll check it out when I get my oil changed.

I've never had to pay even a thousand. My theory is that the problem with PPIs is that if you need one, if you can't tell you just drove a good car, you probably shouldn't be buying the car. I admit to a fairly dogmatic view on this - out of warrenty Mercedes are for DIYers. Maintenance has gotten too expensive for the less sophisticated, better off with a new car, any car. I think recent market trends are bearing this out - cars are becoming more disposible. As many cars as I've had I'm sure I've saved thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours by avoiding PPIs. I also think I've bought the cars for less. When a prospective buyer tells me they want a PPI, I say "OK" and then think to myself "no discount for you" with the same venom that the soup nazi on Seinfeld says "no soup for you". I doubt that I'm the only seller who feels this way.

i test drove a 300e 12V, felt normal, but decided what the hizzle and let my mech look at it for $50 bucks. It needed valve job and front end work to the tune of 3000 bones.... Its worth it to check out. But what an adventure it woulda been not having it looked at right!?

I see that there are many views regarding getting a PPI or not. I looked over my car to the best of my ability and drove it and decided to buy. I have a good idea what a good car looks like, but then again, looks can be deceiving. I am going to have my bumper to bumper inspection done this week hopefully for my peace of mind and to be aware of any serious repairs that I might not have noticed.

Here is a list of repairs performed on my car by the previous owner. I was very lucky to be able to obtain these. These records go as far back as 100,000 km. Basically, since the warranty ended. The following records are from the Authorized Mercedes Benz Dealer that sold the car and did all the service since new. All prices are for parts and labour combined in Canadian Dollars. I copied them directly form the actual printout. I have not been able to get the records during the warranty period as of yet. There are also more records that are more recent that I am also working on. I know that the waterpump has been changed, new Bilstein shocks etc. (Still In Progress) This car was stored for the last 4 years or so, driven only a couple of thousand miles.


14MAY99 189 338 km
Check If Battery Drain (Car Was In Storage) / Battery
Battery Replaced $206.60
Check For Slow Leak From All 4 Tires (Note Car Was In Storage)
TOTAL $206.60

14MAY99 189 338 km
Oil And Filter Change $51.37
Recycling Charges $2.50
TOTAL $74.87

14MAY99 189 338 km
Unknown $20.05
TOTAL $20.05

14MAY99 189 338 km
Wheels - Two, R & R $57.32
Brake Pads Rear R & R $19.92
Cylinder Head - Single, R & R $602.91
Replaced Exhaust Manifold Gaskets $99.60
Engine Cooling System, Flush $349.21
Inner Door Panel - On One Front Door, R & R $490.64
Door Lock Cylinder - For L/Front Door, R & R /Replace If Required $33.20
TOTAL $1652.80

***Service Opened: 09APR99 - Closed: 14MAY99 ***

26JAN99 188 906 km
Found Car Not Starting Due To Defective Battery, Nec To Replace
Generator Incl. Regulator And Cables, Test $41.00
Battery, R & R $125.60
TOTAL $166.60

19OCT98 188 027 km
Generator Incl. Regulator And Cables, Test $33.20
Generator Replaced $46.48
Battery, R & R / Replace If Required $23.09
No Description $162.50
TOTAL $265.27

28AUG98 186 631 km
R/R All Wheels, Replace Tire Valves, Balance $17.20
Power Seat Control Switch - For Driver's Seat, Replaced $171.39
Oil And Filter Change $25.17
Recycling Charges $10.65
No Description $21.00
TOTAL $245.41

09MAR98 183 754 km
R/R (Four) Wheels, Install * Balance (Four) Tires $67.00
Battery, R & R / Replaced $154.67
TOTAL $221.67

27OCT97 179 989 km
Exhaust System - After Catalyst/Front Pipe Connection, Replaced $612.89
Belt Tensioner Shock Absorber - Single Belt Drive Replaced $91.23
Automatic Transmission (722.0 TO 722.4) R & R $356.40
Crankshaft Driven Plate/ Ring Gear R & R $32.40
Starter Motor Replaced ( While Transmission Is Removed) $446.92
TOTAL $1539.84

02OCT97 177 686 km
A/C Blower & Flap Control Test, Performed $19.44
Aspirator Blower Motor, Replaced $93.29
No Description $20.06
Replaced Control Module $925.04
Rear Axle Center Piece Rubber Mounts All Replaced $211.50
R/R (Four) Wheels, Install * Balance (Four) Tires $588.00
TOTAL $1857.33

21MAR97 169 380 km
Summerize $196.23
R/R (Four) Wheels, Install * Balance (Four) Tires $40.00
Recycling Charges $2.50
No Description $15.00
TOTAL $253.73

15NOV96 160 487 km
Door Lock Striker - One Adjustment $15.80
TOTAL $15.80

11NOV96 160 478 km
R/R (Four) Wheels, Install * Balance (Four) Tires $70.00
Radio/Telephone Antenna - Motor Type Replaced $220.30
TOTAL $290.30

01OCT96 156 167 km
Engine Checks And Adjustments, Performed $71.10
Over Voltage Protection Relay Module - Fuel Injection System, Test $47.40
Over Voltage Protection Relay Module - Fuel Injection R & R Replaced $112.75
Engine Checks And Adjustments, Performed $18.00
Over Voltage Protection Relay Module - Fuel Injection System, Test $12.00
Over Voltage Protection Relay Module - Fuel Injection R & R Replaced $70.20
TOTAL $331.45

24SEP96 156 166 km
A/C Blower & Flap Control Test, Performed $23.70
Blower Motor - Heating Or Autom. A/C, R & R / Replace If Required $441.70
R/R (One) Wheel, Install - Balance (One) Tire $20.00
TOTAL $485.40

16AUG96 154 532 km
Brake Pads Front R & R / Replaced $42.65
Front Engine Mounts - Left And Right Side Replaced $283.24
Menu Pricing Allignment $130.30
Steering Shock Absorber - One, R & R / Replace If Required $16.50
Inner Door Panel - On One Front Door, R & R $16.00
Oxygen Sensor with Wiring Test, Test $152.97
Oxygen Sensor - Single Version, Repl. $17.25
156000km Inspection $105.65
Recycling Charges $2.50
No Description $21.00
TOTAL $788.06

16MAY96 150 038 km
Oil And Filter Change $42.45
Recycling Charges $2.50
No Description $15.00
Door Lock Cylinder - For L/Front Door, R & R / Replace If Necessary $15.80
Door Lock Cylinder - For R/Front Door, R & R / Replace If Necessary $15.80
TOTAL $91.55

18MAR96 144 208 km
No Description $21.00
Trunk Lid Lock Actuator - ATA System R & R / Replace If Necessary $281.98
Wiper Blade Insert - Windshield (Single Wiper System) Replaced $11.05
R/R (Four) Wheels, Install * Balance (Four) Tires $70.00
Repair Exhaust Best As Possible / Replaced Exhaust Hangers $141.18
Brake Discs, Front - Left & Right Side, R & R / Replaced $55.30
Brake Discs, Front, Reface $55.30
Wheels - Two, R & R $120.57
144000km Maintenance $549.87
Recycling Charges $2.50
TOTAL $1308.75

24NOV95 136 841 km
Winterize $185.71
Recycling Charges $2.50
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose Left & Right Side Replaced $22.50
No Description $15.00
Front Brake Pads, R & R / Replace If Required $359.49
Front Brake Discs - (Brake Pads Removed), Replaced $52.50
Power Window Switch In Center Console - One Replaced $56.45
TOTAL $694.15

15SEP95 133 379 km
132000km Inspection $101.61
Recycling Charges $2.50
No Description $21.00
TOTAL $125.11

31MAY95 128 474 km
Front Interior Lamp - One Replaced $114.45
Replaced Retainer For Front Left Seat Belt $26.17
TOTAL $140.62

18MAY95 128 074 km
R/R (One) Wheel, Install - Balance (One) Tire $172.00
Light Bulb For Third Brake Light Replaced $16.44
TOTAL $188.44

12APR95 126 171 km
Right Side Seat Belt Triangular Replaced $24.00
Front Interior Lamp - One Replaced $156.35
Summerize $50.00
R & R (Four) Wheels-Install * Balance (Four) Tires $594.48
Menu Pricinf Alignment $69.95
Tie Rod Assembly - Left Side Replaced $77.19
TOTAL $971.97

25NOV94 114 235 km
120000km Service $226.03
R & R (Four) Wheels-Install * Balance (Four) Tires $80.00
Recycling Charges $2.50
Front And Rear Brake Pads $780.45
No Description $21.00
TOTAL $1109.98

19AUG94 113 765 km
Rear Shock Absorber Left Side Replaced $213.05
Front Interior Lamp Replaced $101.30
No Description $21.00
Engine Oil With Filter Change $127.58
Headlamp Bezel/Lens Seal - On Left Headlamp Unit Replaced $15.00
Ven $45.00
TOTAL $522.93

29JUN94 111 279 km
No Description $396.77
TOTAL $396.77

18MAY94 107 413 km
R & R (Four) Wheels-Install * Balance (Four) Tires $75.00
Engine Oil With Filter Change $30.00
Poly V Belt- Single Belt Drive Replaced $114.62
No Description $21.00
Alignment $75.00
TOTAL $315.62

08MAR94 103 418 km
Front Interior Lamp Replaced $89.65
Group 72 No Operation No. And Time Given $30.00
Group 91 No Operation No. And Time Given $60.00
TOTAL $179.65

18FEB94 101 995 km
Engine Oil With Filter Change $41.95
No Description $21.00
TOTAL $62.95


TOTAL Cost $14,523.67
TOTAL Mileage 87,343 km or 54,272 miles
TOTAL TIME 5 Years 3 Months

I went to see a 95 E320 with 105K miles, immaculate visually, drove nice... I fell in love with it... price was right.... it was a at a well known Lexus franchise in town... I posted about it here and one of the users said, "my buddy is a tech there and the car has some problems, don't buy it". I was like, "wtf, the car looks great (I WAS PLANNING ON A PPI)" ...

.... I later asked my other freind, who's brother is a MGR at the dealershp... and he said, "its junk"...... granted I didn't buy the car, and would've been screwed, so much for your "if you need a ppi, you can't tell you drove a good car"... theory :p

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1995 E320 smoke silver / parchment

That's a great car and you are fortunate to have the maintenance history.

However, I agree with an earlier poster. This is a car that should be owned by a D.I.Y.'er. Labor costs at dealers and even Indy's have become insane.

You can do oil changes, coolant changes, P/S flushes, brake pad and rotor changes and most things that can be done from the top of the engine.

Things like flex disks, motor mounts, timing chain cover leaks, A/C evaporator leaks, fuel injector cleaning or replacement and head gasket leaks are big ticket items. Otherwise most things can be handled by a healthy person with a few tools.

Good luck with your new car. Take it from someone who has spent the last year looking at new cars, they don't make 'em like the W124 any more.

In this case I'd have to say "Thank God!" Cripes, $14,000 in repairs and maintenance from 1994 to 1999? Sheesh. That car's had a new starter motor, new battery (expected), head gasket, ACC system, engine mounts, numerous electrical items, coolant pump, tranny ring gear, interior door panel (from delamination, I am sure...), trunk lock actuator, 02 sensors, exhaust parts, tie rod, belt tensioner and shock, suspension parts, and so on.

In barely more km's than my C230, it's had MANY MANY more things break. Even if you add in the $8000 that Mercedes Canada spent on replacing the tranny in my car (instead of the $1K repair they could have done) I don't come close to $14K in nearly seven years and 160K of ownership. In the last 10 years, I don't think we've spent half that on the 190E 2.6 and it's coming hard on 400K now.

Since this model didged the wiring harness bullet, I am sure that it was a good buy. What more could possibly be repaired?

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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