Electric rear latch? I opened one on a car with no battery last week, a '91, ... did the same on an '88 a few months back, both in the boneyard with no battery. I know the pull-down is electric, but isn't the latch mechanical? If electric, how did the ones I opened work, magneto button?

The smoothest way to force a 1st gear start in the TE is to shift down to 2 and back to drive while stopped, it will downshift and stay there for a quick launch without flooring it.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I've had my 300te for six years. The parts on this car are hyper expensive! The rear shocks cost more than your cars purchase price. My Range Rover is cheaper to drive. Take a look at the parts prices on this website.

Yeah....now I think we'll just let that car lie. It was mechanically ok, but had a whirring noise when the engine was rev'd up.....and cosmetics/interior were not good. It would be a money pit....I'll try looking for a normal 300E sedan......that'd be better.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

First thing I would do is get a new fuel filter, new fuses, new OVP and voltage regulator for the alternator. Start there and report back. Relatively cheap and the above can make a huge difference.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k