Quote:
Originally Posted by lws1
I love Mercedes but can only have one. It actually is my second car/weekends. I own a 560SEC in near perfect condition with 161,000 miles but for some reason don't enjoy driving it as much as the wagon I used to have. It feels like I am driving a cruise ship down the road! I guess it's the practical side of me. I was thinking about buying 300TE '93 wagon with 170,000 miles on it and was wondering if someone could help me with what to look for and how long I could expect a gas engine (the one that is in the wagon) typically lasts if taken care of. I just can't bring myself to buy anything newer than '95. Call me a snob, but they don't build 'em like they used to!
Thanks for any input! LWS  |
As you can tell from my sig I own four Benzes, including a 300TE. The 300TE has 210K miles on the clock and it is absolutely a joy to own and drive.
Last weekend Ihelped my oldest daughter move to her new apartment and the 300TE was the perfect hauler for all of her stuff.
Still, as with any car there are a few problem areas:
1. The SLS needs regular maintenance. If you stay on top of it, however, it should not be a problem.
2. The struts that support the rear hatch will eventually need to be replaced, unless you don't mind the tailgate falling on your head. The replacement
can be a DIY project, but it takes above average skills.
3. Does the 300TE that you are looking at has the M104 engine? If yes, you may have the wiring harness issue.
4. Leaky headgasket.
5. The tranny will eventually need a rebuild (if it hasn't been done already).
That's about it.
Check service records to see if the items listed above have already been tended to. The tranny in our 300TE did not need rebuild until after 200K, so they do last a long time.
There are lots of 300TE threads here, so do a search and go for it!
Good luck!