May trade for an '87 300E 2.6 - what to look for?
 

I really wanted an 92-96 W140, (trade my Lincoln for one), but no luck. I have been asked by someone with a 300E (not sure of exact year, but its a late 80s model) if I would trade. Looks like a nice car and he said it runs fine.

On the trunk it says 300E and 2.6 on the other side. I am thinking this is a inline 6? I have owned several 80s Mercedes, one was a '85 380SE, '84 190D and our current '88 300SEL, but I have never owned this series and not familiar with them.

Can anyone tell me if these cars have any trouble spots and what areas should I look for?

Thanks!

Here is a pic of the car...

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...uemercedes.jpg

The 2.6 is basically the same engine in your 300SEL just smaller displacement. How many miles on the car? Any servicing records? They are solid cars but like your 300SEL can be expensive if they were neglected.

86560SEL, recommend buying a 1994 or 1995 E320 instead. Those E-Class models have brighter headlights than the earlier vintage models, although not as bright as the newer Xenon headlights. The headlights on the late 80's and early 90's cars are marginal, at best. The later models also have a more refined, lower revving engine with three coil packs (no distributor cap & rotor). Bottom line is better performance with less preventative maintenance required.

As with any 20+ year old car, has the car been serviced?

Have a good MB tech look over the car, maybe even a compression check.

I think you would do just fine with that car if it's been serviced correctly.

That said, our 95 e320 is the sweetest 124 we have owned.. I wish I could find a nice coupe in that vintage. Our 89 coupe is a great ride except the 104 engine is clear a superior powerplant.

From the photo and the badging, I'd say it's a 1989 model year. Confirm with the VIN ("K" in the 10th digit). I love my '88 260E and it's plenty peppy, particularly for in-town or cruising the Interstates. One possible noticeable difference from your 300 is lower gearing in final drive. It uses a 3.27 rear end while the 300 uses a 3.07 (IIRC). One other issue that blue cars have is that the blue dashboards seem to be particularly prone to sun cracking. Otherwise, very solid driver.

You can add a set of Euro lamps to an older W124 easily enough. Also remember that the M104 has wiring harness issues if it has not been replaced, as well as the problematic ASR traction control system if so equipped. With that said, if your budget will allow the last W124s are definitely the most refined of the series.

Remember 87 uses the older style cam so look for correct oil change interval or in the near future you'll need a full top end replacement.

Also check A/C operation. Evaporators are expensive PIA's

Thanks for the replies.

He said it was a 1988 model. Nor sure about much else at this point. I wasnt seeking out to buy another MB, it was just I had my 1995 Lincoln offered as a trade (on local craigslist) and the guy with this car messaged me and asked if I was interested in a trade.

I am just tired of my Lincoln and he is about the only person that has been interested in a trade. Guess most people dont want large cars these days.

Our '88 300SEL has been one of the best cars I have ever owned. I bought it in 2008 for $2000 out of Atlanta, the owner and drove it to me! Since then all we had to do was put on a fuel pump, a shop said it was leaking, but I dont think it was, I think he pulled a fast one on my mom.