Now that I have done it - wish me luck - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

elau · #1 01-13-2005, 01:04 PM

I just bought a car from eBay against all my religion. It is a '96 C280 Sport with 95K on the clock to replace my aging '87 300E with 300K. It will be my daily driver and work car. I probably won't see it for at least a week or so as it has to be shipped. Hope it is as nice as they advertised it. But hey, for $8K what can I expect?

Any one has experience with the C280?

Have not decided what to do with the 300E yet. I don't think I can sell it with that many miles. Idea, anybody?

DieselHead · #2 01-13-2005, 01:19 PM

Wow, congrats! I just bought a C43 on eBay and was really quite nervous about what the actual condition was going to be. I didn't want to ship it so I flew down to West Palm Beach to pick it up and I was relieved to find out that it was just about what I expected. The tires had less tread than advertised, one of the air bladders in the passenger seat didn't work, and there was a small tear in the drivers side arm rest (which they nicely patched up) but otherwise, it was clean. The things we do to save money. I hope your's turns out well.

boneheaddoctor · #3 01-13-2005, 01:40 PM

It goes against my common sense to say this to you of all people but good luck..................

#4 01-13-2005, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elau

I just bought a car from eBay against all my religion. It is a '96 C280 Sport with 95K on the clock to replace my aging '87 300E with 300K. It will be my daily driver and work car. I probably won't see it for at least a week or so as it has to be shipped. Hope it is as nice as they advertised it. But hey, for $8K what can I expect?

Any one has experience with the C280?

Have not decided what to do with the 300E yet. I don't think I can sell it with that many miles. Idea, anybody?

I bet that you can sell the 300E on this forum, miles or not. If it is in decent shape and the price is right, it will go. If you weren't in MD, I know a couple of folks in TX that might want it.

elau · #5 01-13-2005, 02:50 PM

Bought the car from a non-MB dealer. They said they already have the car checked out and everything is there, supposedly.

I am more concerned damages to the car enroute to my house.

drbrandini · #6 01-13-2005, 04:39 PM

Elau,

Congrats !! I too just bought a new car to replace my 90 300E with 300K on it!!! I bought a 97 E320 with 146,000 fully documented miles.

Do you have a link to your new C280?

P.S. I have my 300E tentatively sold for $2,500... I figured whatever I get is a bonus since it has more than paid for itself. I'm almost sad to see it go...I'll see it again though since I sold it to a high school kid I know.

TX76513 · #7 01-13-2005, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elau

I just bought a car from eBay against all my religion. It is a '96 C280 Sport with 95K on the clock to replace my aging '87 300E with 300K. It will be my daily driver and work car. I probably won't see it for at least a week or so as it has to be shipped. Hope it is as nice as they advertised it. But hey, for $8K what can I expect?

Any one has experience with the C280?

Have not decided what to do with the 300E yet. I don't think I can sell it with that many miles. Idea, anybody?

I know the feeling of anticipation. When I bought my 83 300D I had the transport truck come to work (Industrial area) It was up on the top deck - it was very cool to see the new exhaust and front end parts.

azimuth · #8 01-13-2005, 06:57 PM

we have one of those.....very nimble and quick. it does pretty well on fuel. it's a cheap benz but still has some nice amenities. i'd check the rest of the board for some things to look out for. if this car is in good shape, you'll enjoy it. when you get it, post pics please.

good luck to you

#9 01-13-2005, 07:10 PM

I bought my TE off ePray back in '00 aside from the rear axle bearings, the engine and evaporator being shot it was a fine car, thank god I had Lemon Busters do the PPI.

But I paid $7500 for it and after all the rebuild was finished I was up to the normal market value of the car so it wasn't to much of a loss. If I catch up to the beatch fanica that covered up the problems I will end my I'll never hit a women creed.

Michael K · #10 01-13-2005, 09:52 PM

Congats. The W202 is a great chasis. Have fun with it. It's a perfect aroud town car for the Maryland/DC area (Odenten is near BWI, right?). It piles on the miles effortlessly and cheaply, but is still very much a Mercedes. As you look at its various systems in detail, it will very much be like your W124, but it will handle so much better.... well not so much "better" but ten years of engineering improvement to help things along. Now it's no W211 or whatever the new C class is, handling wise, but it's very nice day to day compared to a W124. I think you're really going to like the M104. If you can deal with keeping up with a W124 and an R129, the W202 will be easy for you.

mikemover · #11 01-14-2005, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elau

I just bought a car from eBay against all my religion. It is a '96 C280 Sport with 95K on the clock to replace my aging '87 300E with 300K. It will be my daily driver and work car. I probably won't see it for at least a week or so as it has to be shipped. Hope it is as nice as they advertised it. But hey, for $8K what can I expect?

Any one has experience with the C280?

Have not decided what to do with the 300E yet. I don't think I can sell it with that many miles. Idea, anybody?

My advice is sell the C280 QUICKLY, and just keep the 300E....It's a MUCH better car. I am not a fan of the C class at all....Looks like a Honda, but won't last half as long!

Sorry to put a downer on your new purchase......but I have to be honest.

Mike

KirkVining · #12 01-14-2005, 01:37 AM

Isn't that the model that is prone to oil leaks or some other kind of engine problems?

sfloriII · #13 01-14-2005, 01:38 AM

I feel pretty fortunate. I bought my E-320 over the internet from our own engatwork down in Georgia. One of the best decisions I've ever made. Great car!!

Michael K · #14 01-14-2005, 11:48 AM

The 1996 C280 is about as bullet proof a car that Mercedes has ever made. If that thing is not rock solid, then something is not right. While there is potential for trouble in two areas, leaking head gasket and self destructing engine wiring ala later model W124s, the problems are well understood and easily remedied. If yours has the newer, "fixed" stuff, great. If not, it's an easy fix. The one area I would pay attention to is the "sport" wheels. The standard 1996 C220 and C280 came with 15 inch wheels, 6.5 inch wide riding on 195/65 rubber. I think the sport, and later year W202s, came with bigger, wider wheels and rubber. I've heard many folks with the bigger set up report the need for early front suspension work, especially the lower ball joints. The W202 chassis, paired with the M104 and 722.4 transmission, is arguably the most robust package that Mercedes has made in the last ten years. It should last quite some time. The W202 combines the good stuff from W124 solidity but builds on chassis personality inherited from the W140. In short, it's a great blend of old world craftsmanship and solidity combined with modern era handling performance and driving comfort. Good luck with it and ENJOY!!!

#15 01-14-2005, 12:48 PM

What do you want for the 300E? What sort of condition is it in?