I am looking at buying a 1989 300E, but it needs a new water pump! The price is right, but I am a diesel guy so this whole gas engine thing is new to me. I do all of my own work...so can any body out there give me any advise on the headache I may be making for myself. Plus since I love Benz Diesels...can anyone tell me how well a Benz gas engine works if it has good up keep with it having over 200,000 miles?

5 to 6 hour job, about $250 in parts. Pretty easy job, and a good part should last another 100K miles or more if you use the correct coolant. I wouldn't let this simple job prevent me from purchasing a 300E.

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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

replace the water pump to block bolts with new 13mm head bolts and wave washers because the allen head bolts may strip a bit during removal and you do not want to play games getting the bolts out again someday.

While you are at it plan on checking/replacing the belt tensioner too. I recently replaced my water pump (1986 300E) and found my original belt tensioner was shot. Additionally replace the hoses, thermostat, belt and use the correct antifreeze. It took me 8 hours to perform all the work but I work slow and methodically with some of the time spent cleaning while I had access. I removed the radiator and fan just make things easier but many feel it is unnecessary. The most challenging step for me was removing the bolts on the water pump, not that they are tough to access but they were incredibly tight.

Do a search in this forum and you will find a wealth of information regarding water pump replacement. The information I found was all I needed and I never had to reference the manual.