Found this add on craigslist. What do you guys think. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BillGrissom · #1 03-29-2013, 12:41 PM

The engine is the main question, since not really affordable to rebuild. A simple test is to remove the oil fill cap and judge the "blow-by" (keep a rag to clean oil spits). A little puffing is OK, but if a lot of flow, the rings are gone and likely the cylinder liners worn. If no puffing, put the cap back and remove the PCV tube. If no puffing thru that small hole, the engine is like new. If a good engine, $2500 sounds like a good price since the engine should be good until at least 300K miles. CA cars are almost never rusted.

I wouldn't worry too much about the seats. Most driver seats need rebuilding since the horsehair cuts into the springs, and springs break. Leather covers are expensive or un-obtanium (I need). I would consider using seat covers or eventually installing new seats from a newer junkyard car, as others have. The factory seats were too springy even when new, in my opinion.

Rollguy is right about the R2 compressor. It seized in both of my 300D's. You can read about it on GM websites. I bought Rollguy's Sanden brackets but haven't installed yet.

dude99 · #2 03-29-2013, 12:49 PM

Body looks good from what I can see on my phone. I think with done sear covers and a cab of contact cleaner it could be a good car. The guages sound like a dirty found and the seat is very likely a dirty switch. The window is either a dirty switch, bad motor, or regulator (all easy to find in a junk yard). I think for what it is I'd offer $2000 and go from there. For a rust free car, assuming drives well, what he's asking seems fair.

MBZ123 · #3 03-29-2013, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom

The engine is the main question, since not really affordable to rebuild. A simple test is to remove the oil fill cap and judge the "blow-by" (keep a rag to clean oil spits). A little puffing is OK, but if a lot of flow, the rings are gone and likely the cylinder liners worn. If no puffing, put the cap back and remove the PCV tube. If no puffing thru that small hole, the engine is like new. If a good engine, $2500 sounds like a good price since the engine should be good until at least 300K miles. CA cars are almost never rusted.

Agreed, I'd be absolutely certain re: the entire drivetrain. Some blow-by ok, alot...NOT! Same goes for tranny, make sure the test drive is thorough. Also, be a stickler on the overheating issue that HE mentions in the ad. Could be as simple as a bad temp sender, but then again... You have plenty of hilly areas around there for long steep pulls at 80+. I'd stretch her legs out BIGTIME before dropping my knot!

Second, mentioned already, but deserves repeating: Just because it's here now doesn't mean it's always lived in California. Even then, it's in the bay area, so still not ideal. GOT SALT? It may not get tossed on the roads in the winter, but it's there. Get under that chassis with a magnifying glass and your comb. Just a hunch, but I'd say the front suspension will need attending to. If I'm correct you have a powerful bargaining chip with a highly probable front end rebuild to worry about. Will that list of fix-its for the interior, all the rubber outside the cabin better be attended to. Tires included.

Asking price not out of line at all.

And points for the clever use of dash pad! I would have expected to see sheepskins on the front seats.

MBZ123