Hi everyone,
I have been a little itchy lately and want something to clean up and make beautiful
and the CE has always been a favorite. However, I don't want to replace the E420 for I really like the M119 motor in it.
Anyway,
I found a 1989 300CE Black Pearl w/ Grey Leather Interior with 118k mi. on the odometer.
Initial impression :
Straight body but the paint needs some cleaning, claying, polishing and waxing
- good.. something I enjoy doing.
The tires are recent 205/65/15 (they looked huge) Michelin XGT H4s - found receipt for them in the service records for $120 ea.
Mechanicals/Electrical Stuff:
- Oil all over the right hand side of the motor down to the lower plastic panel
- Oil around the P/S fluid reservoir
- pitch black brake fluid :p
- A/T Shifts nicely
- All windows, A/C, sunroof, mirror, seatbelt extender, seats, etc. work
- Remanufactured Bosch Alternator (looked pretty clean and recent)
- HIGH TEMP - 110*C standing still with AC on. I got scared so I turned the AC off and started moving
- Aux. fans did not come on
- owner said that the fuse blew and he had it replaced 2 mo. ago - wasn't there an update? (i.e, higher rated fuse?)
Cosmetics :
- Worn steering wheel, shift knob - no big deal .. dont want the original shift knob anyway
- cracked and dull lacquer on the wood - will probably replace them all with burlwood from the 94+ cars anyway
- hood pad was destroyed...
- rust on the right hand frame just below the windshield washer fluid reservoir?
- left side headlight looks new - accident I suppose
Misc:
- Driver's seat bolster had rips but otherwise normal wear and could be cleaned up I think
- hoses under the hood looked good, and the radiator seemed to have been replaced
- metal t-stat housing
- rear diff had some oil but it was not wet (just seeping?)
They want $6k for it. I don't think it's worth that much. How much do you guys think is a good price for it? I want to offer them $3500 - do you think that's low-balling it?
and.. any tips on how to politely offer the low price? The owner and his wife are really nice people - I don't wanna be rude at all.
and he's honest about someone backing up into it, trying to break into the car
, oil consumption (1 qt. every 6 mo.), etc.
or.. should I pass?
btw, I don't want to make it a beauty queen - more like my fun 124 as the E420 is a little too nice to mess up.
Things found in the Service Records folder
-
- Valve guides, seals, and other seal related items (huge service)
- dist. cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs, etc. to fix idle problem
- brake work receipts
- oil changes obviously
- fuel filter, air filter change receipts
- timing chain, guides, etc.
- etc.
Thank you,
-Holson