1995 E300D w124: Buyers Guide? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ian White · #1 02-14-2018, 08:52 PM

Hello:

After a few years out of the Mercedes diesel game, I'm thinking about purchasing a 95 e300 diesel with the OM606 N/A. I was hoping you could provide some information on w124 model specific things to investigate.

The particular car has 187k on it. https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/d/1995-mercedes-benz-e300-diesel/6487325490.html

I know of monovalve issues, wiring harnesses, glow plugs and leaky return lines and delivery valve o-rings.

I'm going to look at the car in Portland, ORE tomorrow. Anything I should test / look out specifically for?

(I've owned several 617 diesels in the past)

RunningTooHot · #2 02-14-2018, 09:10 PM

1995 E300 = The most ridiculously bulletproof and reliable car I've ever owned OR known of.

The only thing you've missed would be cleaning the EGR sludge out of the intake manifold and making sure the resonance flaps are working, otherwise the only other "issues" would be like any other late-production w124... which means very few.

However, for that particular car, I'd sure want to know why it's got a salvage title.

KrustyKustom · #3 02-14-2018, 10:03 PM

My 1995 E300 is beyond amazing...
Crazy reliable, body with 300k is tight as a new car. Truly an example of buying at the end of a model run and particularly true with a W124.

Ian White · #4 02-14-2018, 10:13 PM

Salvage due to the fact someone hit the front fender as you can see in the photo. The other person's insurance totaled the car.

sixto · #5 02-14-2018, 11:34 PM

AC works? All ACC functions work?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Ian White · #6 02-14-2018, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

AC works? All ACC functions work?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Yes, even cruise control.

sloride · #7 02-15-2018, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian White

Salvage due to the fact someone hit the front fender as you can see in the photo. The other person's insurance totaled the car.

No badges on deck lid, possible earlier rear end damage.

Bengoshi2000 · #8 02-15-2018, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloride

No badges on deck lid, possible earlier rear end damage.

Or possibly the emblems were "shaved" (common on Hondas that get the FnF treatment).

Odd that there is no pic of the passenger's side of the car, or a pic from the front. I'm going to bet that car has had a Maaco/Earl Scheib repaint post collision on the passenger side (that happened prior to the passenger's fender damage shown).

Were "chromed" wheels an option on the later w124s?

The antenna looks non-operative and that awful air freshener on the mirror screams "I smell musty" which likely translates to an interior water leak (or possible excessive cannabinoid consumption).

And why, oh why don't folks even bother to wash their cars prior to posting for sale pics?

bigpanda16 · #9 02-15-2018, 08:27 AM

Looks like a clean ride, maybe it is really low miles as claimed... One never knows as its stupid easy to swap clusters around or have a broken odometer for a decade or so...
I'd like to have seen an engine bay shot..
One thing is to eyeball the serpentine belt tensioner(make sure it is parallel to the routing of the belt, not cocked at an angle).
And on all of these(including m104 and older om60X motors) check the rear passenger side block at the head gasket joint. Look for signs of coolant weepage and oil leaks there, indicating an imminently failing head gasket.
Leaking a/c evaporators are a problem with these cars and are a time consuming bear to replace

chronometers · #10 02-16-2018, 12:35 PM

Good vehicle....reliable long distance road cars. Mine sat for a couple winters outside in OH.....always started right up after 4 months in freezing weather.

That one looks like it has the upgraded leather seats.

Do check previous maintenance.

mbolton1990 · #11 02-16-2018, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bengoshi2000

The antenna looks non-operative and that awful air freshener on the mirror screams "I smell musty" which likely translates to an interior water leak (or possible excessive cannabinoid consumption).

Well if that's the case all my cars moldy wrecks and owned by a serious toker!

Haha, that's a bit drastic of a claim just because of a air freshener.

Maxbumpo · #12 02-16-2018, 02:27 PM

Posting deleted now, did you get it?

For future readers:

Maintenance and repair records are gold in terms of the value of the car, if they show that the car has been well cared for. Engine oil and transmission fluid changed on schedule are huge, right after that would be coolant flush / change and then brake fluid flush / change. Better records = more valuable car.

Check the coolant to make sure it is not evil green but the proper color (gold color was the standard, but the newest coolant from MB is blue?).

Check the brake fluid - should be clear. If black, maintenance has been neglected.

Look for oil or fuel leaks.

Check the operation of all the electric windows and the sunroof and the w. wiper.

AC should be able to freeze you out of the car during a short drive. If you've got an AC leak sniffer, bring that along and test the air from the center vent for leaks from the evaporator coil. Big $$ repair if that is leaking, and the factory evaps have a terrible reputation.

I think you already mentioned the biodegradable wire harness insulation in the engine bay.

Bengoshi2000 · #13 02-17-2018, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbolton1990

Well if that's the case all my cars moldy wrecks and owned by a serious toker!

Haha, that's a bit drastic of a claim just because of a air freshener.

Based on some personal experience... of a friend of mine...

R.Diesel · #14 02-17-2018, 01:56 PM

I think we need a little reality check...

Likely replacement items:

Anything rubber; vacuum connections and hoses, oil filter O-rings, breather bushings, hoses, all suspension pars, shocks, flex discs, center bearing support, axle boots, differential mounts, mirror gasket, every single weather seal. brake hoses, vacuum actuators

Rust (again due to failing rubber): check wheel arches, under weather stripping, battery tray, jacking points, behind plastic cladding.

Engine;glow plugs (notoriously stubborn on the om606), injector nozzles, various vacuum elements, engine harness.

Transmission; Vacuum modulator, various leaks

interior; collapsed seat, window regulators, Various computer modules (cruise control, convenience module etc), brittle plastic parts such as mirror mounts.

Electrical, alarm microswitches, fuses, various electric motors, rear antenna, failing monowipers and sunroofs due to 25 year old grease.

Owning one of these is WORK! don't kid yourself...