1993 300E 4matic with 4matic problem does it worth to buy?
 

Hi,
I live in blacksburg,va and we don't really have snow problems here
I was looking 94-95 E320 but couldn't find one the right condition/price combo
I found one 1993 300E 4matic and the guy said 4matic has problems
Mileage of the vehicle 93k and from the pictures it seems good condition
I read alot about this at the forum got some ideas but I just one to be sure before I buy this mercedes. (by the way price is 2200)

1. If we disable 4matic thru under the hood switch solution (turning the test)
is that ok the drive like that long time without turning on 4matic

2. Is there any mercedes shops (not dealer) around my area (24060)

3. If I have to how much it will cot me to fix

I am in kind of hurry to close the deal any quick information will be great

thanks in advance

Now days the cost of repair is way to $$$$$.

Most people would install a trans & driveshaft from a regular 300E.

What do you think of this part?
How much do you think only labor?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRANSFER-CASE-MERCEDES-300E-1990-91-92-93_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a 1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem390033995127QQitemZ390033995127QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5f TruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Do you mean switch under the hood does not work?
you have to modify the trans and driveshaft?
just a reminder again I don't really need 4 wheel drive

thanks

I think it will drive fine with it disabled....but its better to swap out the trans/shaft to have a normal setup.

I'm not sure you can simply convert from 4matic to RWD. The front diff and axles are integrated into the hubs and engine, might be quite a bit more involved.

Isn't the 4matic hydraulically controlled? If that is the case, when you switch the test lever to off wouldn't that also render the hydraulic suspension ineffective?

No, it has no affect on the SLS (suspension). It does share the hydraulic flow/pressure with the 4matic system, but the on/off switching does not affect the SLS function.

Also, the '90/'91 has an on/off lever on the hydraulics, the '92/'93 version has an electrical switch on the electronics.

I did not got exact response to my questions but thank you all anyway
I probably will buy and take the risk and will try to drive with RWD

There was no comment to ebay ad for Trans case If drivebiality effected I might buy something like that and try it.

Other question is what do you think I should change with no special tools
I am thinking
1. Spark plugs (if necessary wires)
2. I don't know if it has distributor cab or something similar
3. Transmission flush
4. Injector cleaning and/or replacement
5. Air Filter, PCV Valve etc.
anything else you can think of will be great

Thanks

I think that the reason you received no specific answers is, there is no specific problem.
If the transfer case has internal leaks, it can be filling with hydraulic fluid, which eventually could spell disaster for the transfer case. If it is merely the controls, and switching off the 4matic (IIRC it is next to the battery on the '93) is acceptable, probably removing the warning light also, fairly cheap and easy fix.

The 4matic system is somewhat integrated into the car's system though: hydraulics are shared with the leveling system, oil pain has an axle through it, ABS system is used for 4matic logic, etc. It isn't as easy as removing the transfer case or a driveshaft to make it 2WD, and doing so can be complicated.

The good part is that if it truly has 93k miles on it (doubtful, do some checking with carfax and the local dealers) and has a nice straight interior, body, and funcional everything else it seems that you're pretty light at $2200 and therefore in pretty good shape. To put it in perspective, I sold my '91 with 124,000miles on it for $21,500, ... in '96.

Follow up
 

Ok for one, yes you can disable the 4MATIC system by turning the lever (in engine compartment) to the forward "TEST" position.

And according to Bentley's Mercedes Bible it is perfectly safe to run it this way. And the SLS will still work since the hydraulic distributor runs independent lines (where the "TEST" lever is) to the TC and SLS.

IF you want to convert to RWD tranny would be the way to go to eliminate the (TC) transfer case.

Or you can remove the front driveshaft between the TC and front dif and the front axles. You would have to keep the outer CV joint piece bolted to the wheel hub so your wheel wont fall off.

Or you could transfer a RWD front shocks, springs, knuckles, brakes, and sway bar. Also maybe the tie rods, center link, and steering damper.

But you'll still have a little added weight of the front dif and pan that is incorporated with the 4MATIC engine oil pan.

Does that clear things up? :D

But seriously, all in all it's probably cheaper to shop around and buy good use (or new if affordable) parts to keep the 4MATIC system operational.