I wrecked my beloved 1984 300D this past weekend and need to make the agonizing decision as to whether to fix or scrap (separate post).

I'm being talked into a 1988 300TE that has 92k miles, engine has been replaced with a 70k mile engine because the original engine's timing chain broke. Car looks OK--dash is badly cracked, wood on console is cracked, but the rest of the interior looks good--just a little bit dirty (nothing seems broken/missing). Body looks straight; a few dings; minor rubs on the bumper corners; paint looks vy good and all original. Tires are good. Rides/stops well.

What are the *gotchas* on these types of cars? What should I look at before buying? Is $5k a fair price? What are the normal maintenance procedures and costs? Are they as reliable as a 300D? Ride? Insurance? Any and all information is appreciated. Thanks.

...here for information on the 300TE, especially as it relates to problem areas. I think that some of the most common concerns are: 1. the rear suspension, 2. the A/C controls and 3. bad radios. #'s 2 & 3 seem to be problems with some of the cars in the 300E series. #1 is related to the self-leveling suspension and I think that if you do regular maintenance you should be fine. Stand up on the rear portion of the wagon and turn on the engine. If the wagon rises to compensante for your weight, then it is working fine.

I recently bought a 1989 300TE for my teenage daughter and I am very happy (and so is she) with the purchase. It is a great "little" car (I say little only because I drive a 420SEL). It has a sweet ride and it corners better than many cars that I have driven in the past. The in-line 6 has a lot of power. Fuel economy, however, is not very good for a six cylinder engine and MB recommends that you use premium fuel.

I am not sure about any differences (if any) between the 1988 and the 1989 models. The one that I bought for my daughter is very well equipped with options.

I cannot advice you on prices, because I have no idea what DC prices are like. In California car prices seem to be a bit higher. but $5K seems like a reasonable price for a car with a low mileage engine.

My advice: read the other posts here and take it to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.

Good luck and let us kow how it goes!

__________________
Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

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Not in this weather!

I'd find another 123 diesel wagon if I were you; I still have the rather thick pile of service records for my 1987 300D. That five cylinder turbo diesel was a wonderful motor. The 123 cars are simpler to maintain, too. Be patient and you can find one. People want too much for their 1987 300TD's.

Also, check the head gasket on ANY 300E engine; my mechanic tells me they all, eventually, require replacement and it costs a LOT of money.....especially if you do not catch it prior to oiling your cooling system.

I got out of my 124 and now drive a 1978 280ce ...no airbags...no abs....no computers...less things to break.

Regards,

Carl