1988 300SE - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Just Jenny · #1 05-02-2009, 06:00 PM

Hi, I was just given a 1988 300SE the only catch is that I can never sell it. There's a couple of major issues that I need to address before I can even tell if I'll be able to keep it. The car won't start if its in park. Also, when its in park on a flat surface it rolls if the parking brake isn't engaged. I think it may be the linkage. The other issue is that if accelerates REALLY slow. If you give it too much gas it bogs down and sputters. If you don't give it any gas it dies. I don't know what to do. I really like the car. If these are goin to be expensive fixes I can't keep it. Can anyone give me any ideas on what could be going on?

86560SEL · #2 05-02-2009, 08:04 PM

Hi. Well, thats a nice gift. I have a '88 300SEL (same as the 300SE, only longer) and rarely I have to put the car in neutral to start it and sometimes it takes about rolling the car about 5 inches before it engages in park, but this is not an everytime occurance. Sounds to me as welll like a linkage issue.

The bogging down you mentioned could be as simple as a clogged fuel filter, weak fuel pump, or even out of gas. If a MB fuel gauge is on the fritz, it may show it has gas, when it actually has none. Could be something even more serious, but dont really sound to bad.

Keep us posted.

ps2cho · #3 05-03-2009, 11:56 AM

As 86560 said start with the fuel filter.

Any history of maintenance?

Just Jenny · #4 05-03-2009, 12:21 PM

I got the car from the original owner. It's been taken good care of, not great, but good. They mentioned that the engine had been replaced. That doesn't sound good to me. I don't know how many miles are on it because the odometer is broken. Anyone know how to fix that?

ps2cho · #5 05-03-2009, 03:14 PM

I grabbed an entire cluster from the junkyard and threw it in for my 260E for ease. At some point I will roll it back to the 84k that it should be. Right now it says 260k lol.

I understand the cogs slip out of place and that is why it stops. Some people have managed to fix it, but only to last a few thousand miles before it did it again. Best option as I understand is having it professionally done.

pawoSD · #6 05-03-2009, 05:05 PM

The fuel bogging issue is probably a clogged filter, or it could be an issue with the CIS injection adjustments. A good MB/German auto shop could probably figure it out.

The shifter/park issue is likely a sloppy shifter due to worn bushings. Cheap parts, but annoying to replace. They are under the car by the transmission.

A 300SE is a great/reliable car. I have the smaller chassis version with the same engine. (300E).....I've been enjoying it thoroughly. One thing you might want to check is the condition of the spark plugs/spark plug wires. When I replaced both on mine I was rewarded with quicker starts, and more power/better running and acceleration. At this age the car probably just needs some wear items like that replaced.

Jim B. · #7 05-08-2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

The fuel bogging issue is probably a clogged filter, or it could be an issue with the CIS injection adjustments. A good MB/German auto shop could probably figure it out.

The shifter/park issue is likely a sloppy shifter due to worn bushings. Cheap parts, but annoying to replace. They are under the car by the transmission.

A 300SE is a great/reliable car. I have the smaller chassis version with the same engine. (300E).....I've been enjoying it thoroughly. One thing you might want to check is the condition of the spark plugs/spark plug wires. When I replaced both on mine I was rewarded with quicker starts, and more power/better running and acceleration. At this age the car probably just needs some wear items like that replaced.

I agree about the shifter bushings. Just replaced mine on the '90 coupe I have, just 90,000 miles on it, but it a car that is 19 years old.

Actually all of PawoSD's advice here is very good.

Hit Man X · #8 05-08-2009, 07:52 PM

I have that tool if anyone wants to bum it, works great for these cars. If you have more than one of these cars, it's $40 VERY WELL spent.

86560SEL · #9 05-14-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

I have that tool if anyone wants to bum it, works great for these cars. If you have more than one of these cars, it's $40 VERY WELL spent.

Thats a nice gesture.

Larry Delor · #10 05-03-2009, 06:57 PM

If the shift linkage is that far out of place, isn't it possible that the car might be trying to go from 2nd gear? Or..maybe even between gears somehow?

I would get the linkage lined up first - then see what troubles remain.

Your odometer is by far, not the first one to break a little plastic gear. A search in the archives ought to reveal places that can rebuild the whole thing, and I think there might be a thread where somebody just recently posted a link to a place that sells just the little gear.

86560SEL · #11 05-03-2009, 09:00 PM

Do you mean 3rd gear? I think these start out in 2nd anyway... at least mine does.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

If the shift linkage is that far out of place, isn't it possible that the car might be trying to go from 2nd gear? Or..maybe even between gears somehow?

I would get the linkage lined up first - then see what troubles remain.

Your odometer is by far, not the first one to break a little plastic gear. A search in the archives ought to reveal places that can rebuild the whole thing, and I think there might be a thread where somebody just recently posted a link to a place that sells just the little gear.

pawoSD · #12 05-03-2009, 09:44 PM

Its not possible for it to start in third, no matter what the linkage was adjusted to. 2nd start is normal. Its probably not the zippiest car off the line with 2nd gear start. Thats a lot of car for the M103 to push around.

Larry Delor · #13 05-03-2009, 10:25 PM

hehehe...I wasn't trying to say it was starting out in third. I was trying to say, that who knows what that linkage is telling the transmission to do.

pawoSD · #14 05-03-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

hehehe...I wasn't trying to say it was starting out in third. I was trying to say, that who knows what that linkage is telling the transmission to do.

Yeah, if the linkage was so sloppy that it didn't go into park, I'd be fixing it before I drive it anymore!