I'm thinking about getting a 1989 300SE with approx 150K miles on it for $5K. It's in the local paper and also on cars.com and is at a local Volvo dealer. What trouble areas should I look for in this car? What would be show stoppers?

My appoligies to several people who have cars for sale in the 'CARS' section, but they are a little too far away.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

valve seals tend to go bad on that motor. Check maintenace records, other than that i think its a strong runner.
Ryan

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

One review (can't recall which) said that this model is built to outlast its owners. Solid and handles well despite its size. The only thing at this point in time would be rust spots.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

It's going in for a PPI in the morning. I drove it today but the winds were blowing in the 40 - 50 mph range here in Northern Va. There was some vibration from the tires almost as if they had flat spots and the brakes during stopping. The tires are the Kelly brand. The owner, who works at a Volvo dealer, said he had it aligned there. That's odd, the only alignment options for Volvos is the toe-in. They must have @#$% what they looked at the 300SE's front end.

I suspect some bushings are bad and the rotors and pads need to be replaced.

Also, there was some trim inside the car that was 'creaking' a bit. Tthe throttle seemed odd. I really had to put my foot down to get any kind of response, other than idle, from the engine. Almost a reverse progressive linkage.

It's black with light gray interior. Man that car is big.

Thoughts?

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Great car, great motor. The mileage is no biggy if its had proper maintenance. If the tie rod ends and center link haven't been changed at this point they are probably due. Look for an oil leak behind the timing chain cover, also as noted above valve job may be nearing if not already performed.

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Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

I'm doing a cylinder head job and front suspension rebuild on an '89 model with 160k miles. If I were to purchase a gasser I believe this is the one I would consider. Like posted earlier - easy to work on and, in my opinion, one of the best gas engines MB has put out.

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Jim

I have Kelly tires on my SD, and love 'em. Except I can't get the tire place to get a good balance on them. Maybe that's the shortcoming of that brand tire. Other then that they ride nice, and hold the road real well. But then I'm not running a slalom race with a diesel

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

There's some info on the engine of the 300SE/SEL cars here:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=79486&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

The PPI was done today, Friday, and the only problem area were the tie rods. I'll replace them and get an alignment. I've decided to buy it. The A/C was overhauled last year and converted to R134a. The engine and trans are fine, no rust, and a solid car. The power antenna is shot, so what else is new. My old 740 Turbo went through lots of them and I always went to the junk yard for replacements. I'll get one at the Potomac MB junkyard in Maryland. I should have it early next week.

Hmmm, maybe next year I'll trade my two Volvos in for a 00 or 01 320E wagon for SWMBO.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

If you hear the antenna motor humming, maybe all you need is a new mast. It's $10-20 for a replacement mast.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

W126 wrote:
Where was the creaking coming from? Typical 126, if emanating from the door sills. Plastic on plastic.



God yes!!!How do I get rid of this noise. Both of my W126s make this noise and it's driving my crazy. I love both of these cars but I have got to fix this noise.

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I'm sick of .sig files

I recently had to replace the plastic slider piece on the 300SD rear window regulator and prior to doing this work the door panel would kinda make that creaking sound. I made sure I tightened the fasteners good and since putting it all back together the noises are gone. Pretty sure about all you have to do is remove the door panel and make sure all the fasteners that hold the panel are snug.

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Jim

Actually the noises sound like their coming from where the a-pillar meets the dashboard, it's kinda strange as both cars make the same noise.

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I'm sick of .sig files

How about using silicone spray to lubricate the plastic?

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

I fortunately haven't experienced any noises from the A-pillar.. but I do get squeaky noises from the back... and I have not been able to pin point the sourse. Anyone have similar problems?