Im considering buying a 89 300E from a friend. Im trying to get a little educated..what are somethings to consider, or other models to consider before doing this...

Hi taylorshade,

Welcome to the forum!

I owned a 1989 300E. It has been one of, if not the best, automobiles I have ever owned thus far (my E430 is still new to me).

I bought it nine years ago with 194,000 Km on the clock. It was in mint shape. I owned it up until February of this year. I sold it for $3200 with 335,000 Km on the clock.

When I sold it, the car had lived through 18 Canadian winters and had only recently started to show rust on the body. Underside was still excellent. This is no small feat for any car in Canada and is a testament to the build quality of this model.

As for the engine, I did absolutely nothing to the trusty M103 other than regular oil changes. Nothing. Valve guides, seals, everything was original. The only major items I replaced were a water pump, upgraded the stock 70A alternator to an 80A, and that's it. Car had the original catalytic converter and when sold this Feb., it easily passed emissions tests.

Same with the transmission. This four gear box is also solid and bulletproof. Not as smooth or repsonsive as the new 722.6 5-speed, but it never failed once. It was also original and going strong when the car sold. I only performed routine fluid and filter changes.

Known issues for this car are:

- oil leak at right front timing chain cover
- A/C evaporator failure (pretty much 'when' and not 'if') - $$$ to fix
- poor stock headlights (euro versions are a popular and worthwhile upgrade)
- very poor stock radio/stereo system, easily upgraded

I'm sure others will chime in if I've missed anything.

My car also survived two accidents. One rear ender was particularly bad, but it was repaired and went on to drive flawlessly for another few years.

So...I think you would be hard pressed to find a better Benz. They're solidly built, the M103 is an excellent engine with proven high mileage and they're classic as far as looks.

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

The 300E is hands-down one of the best used cars you can buy. Period. Plenty of power, handles like a dream, timeless styling.

I recommend doing a search in the tech section so you can get an idea of the weak spots.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280