Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Kenny
I'm considering a 95 E300D with 198,000 miles. Owned by same family since new; but passed down to teen who is now an adult. This is A "must sell need money" deal.
Dirty inside and out, dented here and there, no rust.
Timing chain rattles at idle, but the rattle instantly goes away when revved a little.
Muffler broke off at neck, and is in trunk.
Transmission supposedly overhauled like 6000 miles ago...no receipts; they are 'back home' with the folks.
Air compressor clutch is on but no cold air....?
Drives smooth, shifts normal and stops straight & smooth.
Some of the glow plugs have been replaced but some not.
He says it won't start in winter if the block heater is not plugged in. (Bad glow plugs?)
Engine is quiet & seems to run nice and pull pretty good for a non-turbo.
Is this car worth more than $2300 at this point and am I an idiot for considering it?.
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You have described my father's car mostly (his does not have multiple little cosmetic issues or muffler repair needs), and the car is NOT A PARTS CAR or basket case!! Geeze, you guys are way too tough
A/C: could be leaking evaporator (top 3rd weakness of this car imho), leaking Schrader valve, leaking hose, or just plain low of r134.
Rattle: there was a FSB about possible timing chain noise, so to replace the chain tensioner if so. Could also be belt tensioner spring or pulley or shock (as said above), or water pump.
Winter starting issue: sure, probably needs glow plugs, and removing them is top 2nd weakness imho. If the glow light does not during the glow sequence but does light up after car is started, that means bad plugs.
The engine wire harness insulation cracking is the top weakness imho. The head gasket can be an issue because of the aluminum head and iron block.
Check the flex discs and center support bearing bushing, the motor mounts, and the front strut mounts. Be prepared for a radiator or thermostat or water pump, antenna stuck up, door checks breaking, rear window regulators breaking , bad blower motor or regulator or the 30a fuse, cruise control failure, voltage regulator, and fuel leaks (fuel return lines, O rings on lines to IP and main filter). That's some of it
I say buy it for $1900.