Should I Buy 91 300ce ????? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jeff & Jo · #1 10-21-2005, 03:10 PM

HELP! I need input on this model: 91' 300CE, 131K, formerly mechanic owned, in absolutely gorgeous condition. Recently done: head gasket, all belts except timing, brakes, suspension, emmisions, major tune-up, overall mechanically perfect, interior and exterior like new condition, no accidents or rust. Asking price is $4,000...? Sounds and looks like a perfect car for my better half. While I work on my 84' 380SL (219K) myself, and plan to do the same on this one, I have no experience with these and therefor need help to figure out what this model is all about...what should I check? Any problems unique to this year/model? Is this as good a deal as it sounds? How are these engines? I think it is a small 6 cyclinder...have only seen photos so far but am going to check it out tomorrow AM. I have first right of refusal on it so I need input fast as there are several others clamoring to get it. Many thanks in advance,
JEFF & JOANNE

#2 10-21-2005, 04:50 PM

That sounds awfully cheap for that car if it truly is in the condition you describe. I imagine seeing the car in person will explain the price.

gmercoleza · #3 10-21-2005, 05:06 PM

Ditto. The CE is not a very common car. They tend to be somewhat sought-after and I think that price, if in the condition you describe, is very low.

Do a search so as to be aware of the A/C evaporator issues on the W124 chassis, at least if you care about A/C. Replacing the evaporator can be big money.

But if it all checks out, it could be the deal of a lifetime.

dynalow · #4 10-21-2005, 05:55 PM

This info is from MB USA website:
For the 1991 300CE:
1,929 units sold in US
MSRP $57,350
3.0 litre 6 cylinder 24 valve engine
217 hp @ 6400 rpm
195 lb ft torque @ 4600 rpm
Fuel & Ignition system KE-5
Compression ratio 10.0:1
PREMIUM UNLEADED GASOLINE

My advice is to get the VIN & immediately do a carfax on it. You will know how many times it's changed hands.
Then inspect the service records. Is the "mechanic" the seller (or a former owner)?
Were the valve guides replaced when they pulled the head? Valve guide wear was a problem on some years of the 3.0 engine. I don't know if yours would be in that category. MB switched to the 24 valve from the older 12 valve 3.0 in 1990, so you are the 2nd year in that 3 year engine run. In 1993, they went to a 3.2 litre 24v mill.
Sounds like the description you give is from an ad. Check it out well.
If you are in New England, look closely for rust. The more owners, the more likely one of them skimped on maintenance.

The oft repeated saying here:

There's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

But, I own an 88 300ce and love it.
And I'll bet your wife won't like you driving "her" car all the time.

Good Luck.

POS · #5 10-21-2005, 09:20 PM

"Mechanic-owned" is not necessarily a plus, for one. Two, I got rather sick of the "doctor's car" and "mechanic's car" when I was searching - they're sales pitches and I'm usually extra leary of those things.

Forget mechanic-owned and do all the due diligence you should do with any car purchase. $4,000 is too cheap.

Jeff & Jo · #6 10-21-2005, 09:22 PM

JIM: The description is from my scrutiny of the photos e-mailed to me. The seller is the 2nd owner and mechanic (formerly)...has his own business now and lives in Newport R.I. with a 12 car double-stall garage. Among others, he has 3 Ferrari, 5 Mercedes, a Ford F40 (the new one) and a pair of restored Jaguar XKE convertibles. I can't imagine what he does for work, but I'm very interested in finding out! I'm also looking forward to seeing his collection of toys. Obviously money doesn't appear to be an issue...but I'm still approaching this with caution. He has offered me to take it anywhere for a few days to have it checked out (with a deposit) and I plan on doing just that...know a great M.B. mechanic nearby. All of this makes me think its the real deal. My wife and I are so excited about this car....just hope it all checks out. I will post photos of it if I buy it...and I guess I'll post even if I don't. We are going down there tomorrow to check it out in person so....wish me luck! Many thanks for all the input!!!
JEFF & JOANNE

Jeff & Jo · #7 10-21-2005, 09:34 PM

I've got one more question...does anyone know how well the timing chains and guides hold up on these, and when should they be replaced? Again, thanks so much y'all for your help!!!
JEFF & JOANNE

dwest · #8 10-21-2005, 09:44 PM

Sometimes things are not too good to be true. They're good and true. So what if it costs you a couple of bucks in the next few years. It's still minor dollars for a great car.
Mine's an 89 300CE with 178K and still running fast and strong while looking great. I don't hesitate to take it on a ten hour run. Every week or two someone asks me "What is it?" and "Is it for sale?"
Let me know if you pass on this car; what color it is and where it is.

Ferdman · #9 10-21-2005, 10:10 PM

Jeff, we own three 300CE's and they're great cars ... attractive body style and fun to drive. You're taking the proper approach by having a PPI done by a MB-trained mechanic. If the car is as advertised it's a steal at twice the price. From what I've read the timing chain and guides should be good for 150,000 miles or so ... provided the oil was changed regularly. One of ours has 131,500 miles and I'm going to get our independent's advice on when to change the timing chain and guides.

edge · #10 10-21-2005, 11:30 PM

Buy it before someone else does...

haasman · #11 10-22-2005, 03:24 AM

If in doubt, take it to an authorized dealer for an inspection for purchase. It usually runs about $150 or so but well worth it.

The dealership wants to earn your future business, they tend to like these inspections and will give you a detailed list of items need.

Be sure to specially ask whether it has been:
-crashed
-repaired
-repainted
-etc.

For a few more labor $'s they will do a compression and leakdown test.

Haasman

glenmore · #12 10-22-2005, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff & Jo

HELP! I need input on this model: 91' 300CE, 131K, formerly mechanic owned, in absolutely gorgeous condition. Recently done: head gasket, all belts except timing, brakes, suspension, emmisions, major tune-up, overall mechanically perfect, interior and exterior like new condition, no accidents or rust. Asking price is $4,000...?
JEFF & JOANNE

It is a gorgeous car. One of the best looking older MBs. Something about coupes. I bought mine 3 years ago at 111k for $9500, now with 133k. If the car checks out, $4000 is a deal. It is good that the head gasket has been done as this is one of the big ticket items to be wary of. Besides the expensive head gasket ($1500), I've had just small inexpensive items. If the key tumbler is sloppy, change it out ($100). My shocks seem to be original and are fine. Little bit of front suspension work I've done myself, tie rods and drag link. Hopefully you got a new water pump with the head gasket. Brakes are an easy DIY. The much feared evaporator repair is big bucks. A small problem on mine that I am ignoring is the expensive replacement of the rear glass. It starts to delaminate in the lower corners, looks like a growing white paint spot. My tranny is still perfect and my indie said that they'll easily go to 150m-200m and even then a rebuild at that time is reasonable. Euro lights are a nice upgrade.

As with any older car, a check by an indie would be mandatory.

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400
2000 C280