Need for advice of buying 95/W124/300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Pavka007 · #1 07-29-2009, 09:46 AM

Morning guys,
I would like to ask for a bit of guidance please.
I will meet with a guy today to look his 1995/W124 300D. The car (as per him) is in fantastic running condition. The car is with 244000 miles.
I know that is very difficult for you to tell me a lot sight unseen but what I should look for?
How much do you think a fair price would be?
Thanks

tankowner · #2 07-29-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pavka007

Morning guys,
I would like to ask for a bit of guidance please.
I will meet with a guy today to look his 1995/W124 300D. The car (as per him) is in fantastic running condition. The car is with 244000 miles.
I know that is very difficult for you to tell me a lot sight unseen but what I should look for?
How much do you think a fair price would be?
Thanks

Well, it's hard to say up front without knowing much about its condition. But find out as much info as you can and we can toss around some numbers. There are lots of things you should check over before you make a decision. You can search the web for checklists of visual inspect/driving inspection ideas.

Check to see if the owner has good maintenance records for the vehicle. Is he the original owner? Where did he get the car from, etc.?

- Ask what kind of oil he runs in it?
- What color coolant - shouldn't be green (but you can change that later if you buy).
- Pull the trans fluid dip stick and examine the fluid - is pink like it should be (let a drop fall on a white paper towel to see) or is it dirty? Does it smell burnt? Ask when the last time it was changed was.
-When you take it for a drive, pay special attention to how it shifts. Do some in town driving, then take it out on the highway and floor it. Shifting should be nice and smooth. When sitting idle, move the gear selector between gears to make sure there are no delays in engaging any of the gears.
- Does the AC work, make sure you test it out. This model has issues with the evaporator - has it ever been changed in this car?
-This model also has issues with the wiring harness deteriorating - has that ever been changed (doubtful), but you might want to inspect it. Ask if it has ever had any electrical issues.
-Crawl all over it. Is it leaking any fluids?

Take some pics of the car (exterior, interior, engine bay) while there and then post them here. That would help out.

What is the asking price? With that many miles and assuming average condition I would hazard a quess of $4500. Probably asking more, but you can work him down. Let us know what you find.

Pavka007 · #3 07-29-2009, 11:02 AM

I knew that I can trust the brotherhood of diesel fanatics

I will do everything and will post a report and pictures tonight

JimmyL · #4 07-29-2009, 11:47 AM

I wouldn't pay over $4000 with that type of mileage, although these OM606.910 engines are getting a very good reputation for going over the 300K and 400K mileage milestones.
Wiring harness, tranny and evap. are the normal issues. Harness and evap WILL fail. Tranny just "usually" does at or near the mileage in question.
I can't tell your location, but as usual, rust is the 800lb gorilla in the room. Don't accept any.
You are homed in on the right year/model. Mine is miles away my favorite MB!!

Pavka007 · #5 07-29-2009, 07:48 PM

OK lets go,
The car drives very well, there are not any rattles at all. Looks good and as far as I can tell no paint work. All panels are free of any dings and scratches. Front lower bumper maybe need re-spray (road debris) The engine bay is dry with no leaks at all. Under the car is dry, front arms and struts are free of any leaks. The engine is very smooth, the transmission is shifting smooth from gear to gear, no delays at all.
The only issue I can see is:
The rear axle is leaking. No drops at all but when I bent down to look under the rear bumper I can see that it is covered with oil.
I think that the rubber seals are gone and they need to be replaced. What kind of job is this money wise?
Inside is very clean, the carpets need shampoo but, this is not an issue. The only bad is that the driver seat bottom cushion is lifting only from one site, so perhaps motor??? Both headrest are not working. Dash is like new, no cracks or marks.

As per "TANKOWNER" above the coolant shouldn't be green

guest what?? IT IS GREEN

I will download some pictures later (I am not home at the moment)
The seller is asking for $4500. OBO
Wheels and tires are in good condition. Tires are good for perhaps 15000 to 18000 miles.
So guys.... should I jump?

Jeremy5848 · #6 07-29-2009, 07:56 PM

The headrests could be due to bad motors but if you can hear a motor running when you toggle the switch then the problem is that the drive-shaft has popped out of its position. All you have to do is to remove the seatback and pop it back in place. I had to do that on my '87. Fear of the unknown was the only problem; there are now threads on how to do the job on this forum.

Pavka007 · #7 07-29-2009, 08:25 PM

OK some pictures from the site that the car is listed for sale:

babymog · #8 07-29-2009, 08:56 PM

Were it me, based on what you've told us, I'd offer $4000 (have it in-hand) and see where it goes. Is it leather? ASR (not sure it's available on '95s)?

matthias08 · #9 07-29-2009, 09:05 PM

$4k seems like a decent deal for me...

my '95 has developed those single side seat problems, but headrests work..
its the stupid "it popped off" deal.

I don't know a whole lot on maint. costs, aside from ball joints thus far...
but it looks good from where I sit

babymog · #10 07-29-2009, 09:09 PM

Seats have a motor on one side, a drive cable across. The cable can break or become disconnected.

The headrests are designed to be disconnected from the drive by pushing a button through a soft-spot in the seatback. Often someone pushes hard on the headrest and breaks the clip, ... about $3 and a couple of hours work.

Pavka007 · #11 07-29-2009, 09:19 PM

OK I am home now, so the engine

The car

Pavka007 · #12 07-29-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Were it me, based on what you've told us, I'd offer $4000 (have it in-hand) and see where it goes. Is it leather? ASR (not sure it's available on '95s)?

The seats are MB TEX but it does have ASR

tankowner · #13 07-29-2009, 09:57 PM

The car looks well kept. I believe $4500 is a fair asking price but, of course, you should pay less. IMO, if you pay $4000 you will have done well. This is a great car and if you decide to buy I think you will be pleased. Just remember those issues with the AC evaporator and the wiring harness. If these haven't been addressed, bring them up subtly in conversation. The evaporator runs about $300 and the wiring harness about $400. Pay someone else to install them and those prices triple.

Just tell him you really like the car and that he has kept it in good shape (a little flattery never hurts), then admit that you are just a little concerned about the evap and harness. Offer $3500 and see what kind of reaction you get. Know what you are willing to pay, but don't give in too easy.

I wish I were good at taking my own advice. LOL. I paid more than that and mine isn't in quite as good of shape as this one. Wish I had known about this forum then . . . live and learn.

Pavka007 · #14 07-29-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankowner

I wish I were good at taking my own advice. LOL. I paid more than that and mine isn't in quite as good of shape as this one. Wish I had known about this forum then . . . live and learn.

This is the reason why I am asking the best of the best

I will call the guy in the morning and make an offer. I will keep you posted

ah-kay · #15 07-29-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pavka007

This is the reason why I am asking the best of the best

I will call the guy in the morning and make an offer. I will keep you posted

The car does look very good. However, I have read it somewhere that the best years for the W124 chassis is between 91-93. If you can get it for a good price then go for it.