MB sold two versions of the mis-named 300E in 1993. The 2.8 liter version - really an E280, and the 3.2 liter version - really an E320. I recall seeing the sales figures a while back and the 2.8 liter had about 80% of the volume, the 3.2 liter the remainder. I have a 2.8 liter model my wife has been driving for about two years now.

The 2.8 liter engine is from the m104 family. Do a search on m104 and you'll have plenty of reading for the holidays.

Most of the 2.8 liter cars have MB-tex upholstery, not leather. If it's clean, free of cracks and wear spots, it's probably tex. That's not a bad thing, tex is indestructable.

The real problem areas have been listed earlier in this thread. If you can get service records to verify some or all of these have been addressed it is a big plus.

A few things to examine. Drive the car in city traffic. Watch the coolant temperature - it shouldn't venture above 90, at the most. If it does, you've got some kind of issue. Pay attention to the engine idle, especially stopped in gear. It should be perfectly smooth. If it vibrates or the tach fluctuates up and down the engine needs some (possibly expensive) attention.

Switch on the a/c and verify the compressor engages. You won't be able to test how well it works this time of year, but at least insure the system is charged and the compressor operates.

Other than that, drive it and see how it feels. They're nice little sedans. I find it a bit underpowered in summer (when running the a/c) but it's my spouse's favorite car she's ever had.

- JimY