Hi, I'm fairly new, was looking for new ride to replace the aging cadillac now that we are pregnant again and I want a decent sedan that is good on the highway now that I can't afford to fly anymore. I found a 1991 300E, supposedly with the 2.6 engine. Trans has been replaced already and some of the electrical work with 115K on the engine.
a. is this a decent buy for ~2500
b. is this a decent car with the 2.6 and can I cruise at 70-75 without issues? or is the 3.0 better?
c. anything I should look out for?

There is also a 97 320 that I found too, but need to talk to the guy first as he's only asking a little over 3K for it and it looks in good shape. Says it has rust, but i don't care about looks. I need something to get a year or 2 out of at least and something I can do some small road trips in.
Any advice I know you guys are great.

Thanks Paul

what about service records...?

it would be a good buy with them... without.... 2200

you have to have ice cold air...other wise it's a 1000 car

the 2.6 is fine ....it's a little slower out of the gate, but that's about it...gas mileage is the same....

i would never buy a car with rust.... Rust never sleeps

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


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From what I know there are receipts for the transmission and the over-voltage relay and cap and rotor were replaced by a dealer...that's the limited info I have on records, hope to look at it tomorrow. As long as it can handle the 70-80 mph highways out west, I'll be happy if it all works out. We have been using our honda accord for long trips and it's just not worth it anymore. thanks

go for it ..if you have cold air

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

The trans is worth about $2500.00 itself. Engine is pretty solid and I have 187K on mine (3.0), no leaks. Everything else, you can pretty much fix yourself. Like they say, if AC Works (and these blow ice cold), and it looks good...I'd go for it in a heartbeat!

Things to check:

-All Power Seat functions work?
-Do vents function fully and shut off outside air, defrost, foot heaters,
center cold hard blowing air?
-Car start on first crank easily?
-Is idle smooth (like it's almost not on, even when in gear)?
-Is the shifting firm (good for these cars) but not jerky?
-Odometer and Trip meter working?
-Leaks around cooler lines? Oil leaks around valve cover near plugs?


Steve

Paul, have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) done by a MB-trained tech who knows that vintage MB automobile so you know what, if any, major repairs may be pending. Better to be safe than sorry. Very few folks are selling perfectly maintained MB automobiles for no reason.

Strongly recommend staying clear of any car with rust issues because it will only get worse quickly.

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Fred Hoelzle

Thanks for all the advice. I plan to look at it inside and out, sounds like she got a new car and basically said I'm not in a hurry to sell and she's not taking any low offers. So we'll see and i'll keep you posted either way....thanks paul

Paul, best to pay on the high side for a properly maintained MB automobile that needs nothing instead of paying a pittance for one that is a "money pit". Keep in mind the adage "There is nothing more expensive than a cheap MB automobile".

The owner realizes a knowledgeable buyer will pay top dollar for her car, and likely continue to maintain it properly. That's why she's in no rush to sell.

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Fred Hoelzle

Well, checked it out and here are the deails:
Oil leak from valve cover seal right in front.
Tires need to be replaced as do rear brakes
she did tell me the back part of the muffler, which I took to be a tailpipe was off. Well, it was the actual muffler. However, it is OK the pipe just fell off from I'm assuming a resonator. Not rusted or anything though and I have people for that.
other than that, perfect on the inside, no rust underneath either, AC and heat both work, but seems like the blower motor is a little suspect, but it was putting out both. Air seems like it may need to be rechared it was cold, but not ice cold....any thoughts? I can probably pick it up for 2100. ps she almost had tears in her eyes when she talked about selling it. I can see why I now love these cars. Maybe not this one, but there is one out there for me....

what about her service records...??? what was the ambient temperature when you turned the air on? if you start getting serious...you may want to buy a recharge kit..... that will show you low side pressure

my a-1 concern about these cars are 1. a/c 2. service records 3. how does it shift in reverse

valve cover front seal is a diy...maybe a little bit of pia..but very do-able

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

Paul, unless you are intimately familiar with a 1991 300E from working on one in the past do yourself a favor and have a PPI done by a MB-trained tech. Otherwise, you are liable to spend considerable money making the car right, especially if the AC system needs a new evaporator.

I am a DIY'er and have worked on our MB automobiles for the past 12 years; however, I would never consider buying a pre-owned MB automobile without having a PPI done. I can't afford to spend thousands of dollars for neglected preventive maintenance by the previous owner(s).

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Fred Hoelzle