300E 4matic
 

I am contemplating the purchase of a 300E 4matic (91-92) despite having read the tales of woe about this first generation 4matic system. If the system really falls apart, is there any damage done to the rest of the car by shutting it off via the bypass valve.

DON'T DO IT. Not worth it, don't even "go there".
Yes, the car can be rendered inoperable by the trashed transfer case.
The front half shaft boots are prone to failure both inner and outer.
The car, even when new, drives very "heavy" if you know what I mean. Just not very light feeling to the steering, very stiff feel to it.
The front springs are just weird, has a large gap wound into it towards the bottom where the half shaft comes through. On the new style 4M they at least put the spring up on a perch and the half shaft goes through underneath it.
I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy. Even if the transfer case never fails, it's not a real satisfying "ride". Plus they also have this stigma attached to it, so you'd have a tough time getting rid of it.
Gilly

Though I do know someone who has had an '88 300E 4-matic since it was about 3 years old, and it's always been great. It's now way past 200,000 miles and no problems, though at one time the autobox was slipping a lot and would then 'thunk', and stop slipping.. it was just the usual autobox-recondition fix.

later,

Russ

tick,tick,tick,tick,tick,tick.............

I have a 1990 TE 4MATIC and have had to replace the transfercase (TC) due to the common internal hydraulic leak problem. But all in all I have been happy with the car in my 4 years of ownership. The PO replaced one front drive boot but the rest are original. My car has 100kmi on now. The 4MATIC mods add about 300lbs to the car and the performance suffers slightly too. If you are really interested in buying one make sure it has the MB rebuilt transfer case and that the transfer case fluids have been changed every 15k. If the TC has not been done, then it will eventually leak and you will be looking at $2.5K to R&R. So low ball the seller on this fact. The rest of the car is the typical 124. Where the rad can break and valve guides wear among other things. Be aware that the 4MATIC has different front suspension and it does cost more to repair, but if you live in an area where snow is common then a used $MATIC can be a solid/cheaper alternative to a new 4WD vehicle. You can contact me at benzjunkie@yahoo.ca for other info if you like.

The 4-Matic systems were popular in Canada, despite the early '90's versions being serious $80K+ car when new.

I've seen lots of these cars for sale, and people ask a serious premium over the regular W124 cars. I think for a few reasons:

1. The cars were so much money when new. The 4-matic added about $12K here.

2. They have poured tons of money into the cars.

3. They think the 4-matic is more desirable, and since lots of "non-MB" potential owners don't know what trouble they can be, might be right.

Most of the W124 4-matics I see (91 or so) are going for $25-30K asking.

There are TONS of 1998 ML320's off lease right now (every dealer has 20-30 or more) and some Classic trim examples are about $30K.

$25K for a ten-eleven year old 300E 4-matic? Not when I can pick up a 1998 ML for $30K! And I can get a three year warranty for it.

Gilly,

Those were two of your more spirited responses ;)

300E07960.

I had a ’91 TE 4-matic and it was the most enjoyable car I ever owned. Except for one little thing. Well, really, something like 40 little things -- called days in the shop having something related to the 4-matic system replaced. Even though it was all done under factory warranty (Starmark), I just couldn’t take it anymore. So I traded it for a new ML.

A friend has had a ’90 E 4-matic since new and he loves it, and it has been low maintenance, except for some of the typical E class issues. He has driven it about 140K miles.

I think the implied point is that if the car is in good shape, you aren’t likely to see it for sale. If there are problems looming that’s when folks put their 4-matics on the block. BTW my ‘TE had well over $20K (USD) worth of repairs and it never went 3K miles without needing something else. And this car had about 70K miles on it when I bought it….

Friends don’t let friends buy 4-matics…. :eek:

Yes, what LeBenz said, especially the last sentence.
It was "schitt" when they built it und is still "schitt" yet today.

At least the AWD system in the ML is an inherently good design, simple mechanicals, more complex on the electrical side, but for a few manageable electrical problems (some campaigns for tx case control modules, and position sensors in low range motors, and also a few reports of input yoke seals leaking on the front diff) have been problem free. I think a 98 ML is a real bargain, unlike the first version 4magic. 98 ML problems are all fixable, no chance of that with a early 4magic.
Gilly

Guys i have a w124 1988 4-matik 300, its had the TC fixed and updated with latest mod by the factory, any way the car has very safe handling and the system on our mountainous and slippery roads is a real saver to have. the system really stops the rear end steping out even on lift off. as for summer days, my car is fitted with switch in place of the audio fader that switches the sys off on the fly.