Gas Mercedes Recommendation - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #31 06-28-2011, 01:13 PM

Works on the common stuff like MAF sensors, O2, coils etc.

The only time it let me down was on my Chevy, wouldn't read airbag codes.

AlexTheSeal · #32 06-28-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atikovi

An OBD2 scanner won't get you very far on a Mercedes.

Exactly. You're flying blind---missing the vast majority of trouble codes and scan data---if you don't have a scanner that can hook up to the proprietary connector as well as do OBD2. This is about the cheapest one I've found that's adequate:
http://www.autoenginuity.com/products-software.html#EI17

Hatterasguy · #33 06-28-2011, 02:16 PM

That's nice, that's probably worth the money if you have a couple of cars. Its not necessary though.

Hit Man X · #34 06-28-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexTheSeal

Agree totally. The M103/W126 combo is underpowered for typical American driving conditions (suburban stoplight races and short freeway on-ramps). I wish they'd put the M104 in the SWB 126---that would have been a match made in heaven. Enough power, decent fuel economy, acres of empty space around the engine to work on it.

Alex

YES, and imagine the 104 with a five speed manual or even the five speed auto. One can dream.

Ferdman · #35 06-29-2011, 05:29 AM

Joe, I realize you can only choose from the 124 cars that are for sale now, but be aware that the 1994 & 1995 model headlights are much brighter than the 1991 model headlights. If you don't do much night driving then it doesn't matter.

Recommend using premium fuel if the Owner's Manual and fuel filler door sticker for the 124 car you buy specifies "premium fuel only". Any savings from using lower octane fuel will be offset buy degraded engine performance and potential engine damage.

jmcgill · #36 06-29-2011, 06:05 AM

At this point, I'm going to be needing a car for everyday transport in the near future.

I looked at another w123 last night, and while it was lower miles, and rust free, the paint had degraded quite a bit along with some other issues.

I'm willing to accept any w124, w210, or even C Class if I can find a good, reliable one in my price range.

I have no issue with the premium gas, I just thought I had read that before on here, that's all. My main concern is reliability and my being able to work on it myself to an extent.

engatwork · #37 06-29-2011, 07:18 AM

There is a 1989 300TE in Rincon, Ga for sale. It is only showing 142k miles. The guy is asking $2800 but it has been sitting there long enough you may be able to pick it up for $2200. Says it runs good and a/c works. I did not test drive it but the car looked good with no rust.

The phone # on the windshield is 912-655-8989.

AlexTheSeal · #38 06-29-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atikovi

Average condition or lower 124's are pretty cheap now. There is an '87 300D with 226K at a dealer auction tomorrow that I could get for $500 and a green '95 E320 with 186K for under $1000 but nobody has bought them. They need some work but are decent cars that few people want now.

Those prices are crazy, even for a dealer auction. Apparently you live in the same fairyland as some of the people on the boards here, where the Pick-N-Pull sells heads for $50 and climate control PBUs for $10.

Seriously, you could buy that 300D, Band-Aid whatever's wrong with it, drive it to Portland or San Francisco, and flip it for $3K right now.

AlexTheSeal · #39 06-29-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

YES, and imagine the 104 with a five speed manual or even the five speed auto. One can dream.

The M104 was definitely offered outside the USA with a stick, in the 124 and probably also in the 126. If you really want one, theoretically you could find all the parts used. Have any friends in Germany?

Alternatively, the M103 and M104 must use the same trans bolt pattern, since they were both offered with the 722.4 automatic. Therefore a 190E stick swap would be doable. Only question is whether it would handle the extra power and torque...

jmcgill · #40 06-29-2011, 03:13 PM

What's the overall opinion of a 1992 400E?

There is one for sale locally that has like 138K miles on it with all maintenance records since new. Owner wants about $4500 for it.

It's in very nice shape at least from the pictures I've seen.

mbzman · #41 06-29-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcgill

What's the overall opinion of a 1992 400E?

There is one for sale locally that has like 138K miles on it with all maintenance records since new. Owner wants about $4500 for it.

It's in very nice shape at least from the pictures I've seen.

Wiring harness should have been replaced by now. I would want to confirm that it has been replaced. Oil tubes are known to break. Power steering system is know to leak with age. Also any early ASR car can be problematic.

Hit Man X · #42 06-29-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexTheSeal

Those prices are crazy, even for a dealer auction. Apparently you live in the same fairyland as some of the people on the boards here, where the Pick-N-Pull sells heads for $50 and climate control PBUs for $10.

Seriously, you could buy that 300D, Band-Aid whatever's wrong with it, drive it to Portland or San Francisco, and flip it for $3K right now.

I can attest to dirt prices at times. I have purchased high dollar MB Diesel alu heads for $40-70 on sale, seen just about every odd ECE car in the yard, etc. You have to catch them on their half price days to really receive the steals at the big yards. Small ones know good cars, but not the specifics... I paid $60 for two gorgeous W126 front grey leather seats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexTheSeal

The M104 was definitely offered outside the USA with a stick, in the 124 and probably also in the 126. If you really want one, theoretically you could find all the parts used. Have any friends in Germany?

Alternatively, the M103 and M104 must use the same trans bolt pattern, since they were both offered with the 722.4 automatic. Therefore a 190E stick swap would be doable. Only question is whether it would handle the extra power and torque...

The five speed with the M103 would be simple and we know it works, I tried to buy a 280SE with a five speed W126 here a few years back. So I know manual trans W126s do exist too.

I believe an EFI swap to the M103 and a manual trans would run fantastic, enough to rival an M104 with the five speed auto at least.

FWIW to anyone, I have been running 87 octane in my 300SEL for a while (years) now with NO ill effects. I know another member that has been doing it for longer than I have been with no problems. The ignition timing is very low on this motor so there is real no sense in using 91+. I have no performance loss nor mechanical issues.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcgill

What's the overall opinion of a 1992 400E?

There is one for sale locally that has like 138K miles on it with all maintenance records since new. Owner wants about $4500 for it.

It's in very nice shape at least from the pictures I've seen.

I have always liked the 400E. Does it have the evap core and harness replaced? If not, that is some serious asking for the car.

jmcgill · #43 06-29-2011, 07:08 PM

Owner doesn't know about the Evap core and harness.

I've basically narrowed it down to a six cylinder w124 or w210.

There are a few examples of each for sale around here, and I'm likely to jump on one.

I'm scared by the evaporator and harness issues on the w124s (just the evaporator on the earlier ones).

I would guess that the early w210's have the same issue with the harness, and maybe other issues as well.

Similarly, the suspension on the wagons worries me quite a bit.

I'm wanting to stay at 4K or below, so in that range what would be best in terms of longevity and drivability?

Thanks so much, as this discussion has largely shaped what will be my next purchase!

atikovi · #44 06-29-2011, 07:18 PM

I just hope you are a good DIY'er if you're spending just $4K on a Mercedes daily driver.

jmcgill · #45 06-29-2011, 07:28 PM

I spent $1500 on my 300d w123 and drove it a year without issue. I can do most repairs that don't need special tools or special training. He DIY aspect is why I am looking at w124s.