300E General advise wanted - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

William73 · #1 02-07-2010, 04:34 AM

Hello all, I just purchased a 1987 300E with 155K miles.
I got it for cheap because the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. Thanks to this forum, I was able to replace the lock cylinder.
I think the wiper unit has been replaced because I found one in the trunk with a striped gear.
I would like to know what I should look into as far as maintenance goes.
What are some common problems?
What should I be on the look out for?
How could I improve the performance and fuel economy?
Why does my fuel gauge jump around?
Why doesn't the lumbar in the seat work?
Why doesn't the sun roof retract?
Thanks in advance for any advise you might give me.

d.delano · #2 02-07-2010, 03:13 PM

How does it run currently? Just do an inspection of vacuum connectors and fuses, change them if needed, and change all the fluids. Read the service records if you have any to see what work may have already been taken care of. Drive the car around frequently and get to know it. Be advised stuff will break. But don't fix it unless it is broken or you will be entering a world of financial hurt lol
I have a similar car, m103 6 cyl, which belonged to my father and naturally had all the service records. That's great but none of the records show anything of concern had been done, no waterpump, no headgasket, no valve stem seals, no evaporator core. Nothing but fluid changes and other minor things. I got it after it had been sitting in a garage for about five years. Almost perfect shape but guess what I get to do. I get to drive it and find out what's going to break next that's what. My point is there's no way you can tell right now. Just do the cheap maintenance first off, get to know the car, and go from there. Consult the forum as you go.
Performance and fuel economy? Make sure all the consumables are good. Filters, plugs, wires, the usual.
Fuel guage is jumping around because the sending unit is gummed up or something. Get a new one or try cleaning the old one.
Lumbar seat might be a fuse, or the switch, or the motor/mechanism, or all three.
Sunroof might just be stuck through lack of use. Might also be completely broken. If you want this cheap car to stay cheap you should leave it alone until last if it's closed and not leaking. You can investigate further by checking the fusebox again and the switch. See if you can hear a motor running when you hit the switch.
Do a search on these topics individually and you'll get the info you need. Best to have another vehicle or a bicycle while you're sorting this one out. Just kidding I've got two old MBs and neither one has stranded me, but they do seem to need parts every now and then.

William73 · #3 02-07-2010, 04:27 PM

Thanks, I think I will just leave the sun roof alone for a while. I'm just glad it runs and drives.

Hit Man X · #4 02-07-2010, 10:13 PM

I would service all the fluids (coolant flush, fuel filter, oil, ATF, brake flush, air filter, etc) along with the ignition system (plugs, cap, rotor, wires) and drive it. While in there inspect for oil leaks... check the upper timing case cover (common) and inspect the breather from the valve cover to air filter assembly. Also the "PCV" style breather is right in that area and is probably brittle is can be... easy to replace while in there. If valve cover gasket seeps, replace it too.

Replace all the fuses and clean the contacts in the fuse box. This may be the issue with your sunroof and seats.

Eye the fan belt and all hoses, if they look suspect... replace them.

Performance is what it is, an inefficient (by todays standards) EFI system, non lockup converter, and 177hp. They are quick vehicles but not fast. Just take it for what it is at face value.

Better econ? Syn gear oil and in the motor can extract a bit more economy along with sensible driving. Use a volt meter to see if the O2 sensor is cycling properly, but from the neglect it appears the vehicle has I would bet on replacing that also.

I agree, leave the sunroof shut until you are ready to deal with it.

Lastly, you need to obtain the Factory Service Manual on disc. This shows you how to fix just about everything.

Enjoy the car.

agplate · #5 02-07-2010, 10:52 PM

Great advice!

JimmyL · #6 02-07-2010, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agplate

Great advice!

He's good isn't he!!

samiam44 · #7 02-08-2010, 12:47 PM

Common problems:

The aux air intake hoses crack (2 different ones)
OVP relays
At your mileage alternator brushes wear out($25 to replace the assy and can be done on the car).
Fan clutches, fan support bearing, fan belt idler bearing, fan belt tensioner.

Non-leave you stranded stuff: A/C, power windows, cruise control, leaky transmissions.etc. Some of the rear suspension links, idler arm bushing and dampener.

Michael

William73 · #8 02-09-2010, 12:34 AM

Thanks everyone. I just took it on a long trip. I think I got 20+mpg. Odometer was less than 1 percent off compared to the mile markers on the highway. Cruse control worked but got a little lurchy down hill. I'll do a search to see what people say about that. I liked driving that car. It does pull a little to the right but I'm sure after I put new tires on it and get an alignment it will be fine.

Ferdman · #9 02-09-2010, 07:22 AM

Have the alignment done either at your local MB dealer, or at a local MB-trained tech's shop after making sure all front suspension & steering components are OK.

William73 · #10 02-09-2010, 08:04 PM

Should I put ant sort of fuel treatment in the gas tank?

pawoSD · #11 02-09-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William73

Should I put ant sort of fuel treatment in the gas tank?

The only one I would use is Redline SI-1 fuel system cleaner. It works very well in these cars. I have used it with noticable improvement in my 300E and in my sister's 190E. (same but smaller motor)