$500 dollar W124 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

244brick · #1 08-03-2013, 11:21 AM

I bought a really clean 1991 300e (175k), but it has a few issues.
It was sitting for two years so Im pretty sure it needs a fuel filter, although the acceleration cut out and sputtering issue seems to be getting better.
Ignition parts all seem to look new, except the coil.

The main problem that is a major annoyance is the Alarm. It is an aftermarket set up, and its been draining the battery. I try unhooking all 4 wires that are tapped into the fuse box, the alarm still works, but now I cant turn it off, or start the car. So I have to leave them all wired in and it doesnt make sense. Also, unlocking the door doesnt not deactivate it, i have to turn the key and push a button under the dash. Stupid.

Couple other issues Im not happy about, its a bit sluggish and the engine sounds like its out of a dump truck, minus the turbo. Just loud straining sound. My 89 was quiet and clean.
Also I hear a bit of rattling from my timing cover. Could the chain be stretched at 175k?

Any feedback is much appreciated, cheers.

Tom C. · #2 08-03-2013, 04:40 PM

Hi. At this point, I'd definitely drain ALL the fuel out and replace that old nasty fuel. I'd replace it with a BOSCH Fuel Filter or other reputable bands. Make sure it's non resistor plugs, they can decrease fuel mileage from what I know/hear. I'd disconnect the aftermarket alarm and leave it alone.

Mike D · #3 08-03-2013, 04:44 PM

All together now," There is no more expensive car than a "cheap" Mercedes Benz".

PARSHOOT1 · #4 08-03-2013, 09:26 PM

I have an '89 260e and '95 C220 each purchased for $500, so welcome to the club. I might have missed what other Benzes you have, but didn't see any in your profile, so I'm not sure how handy you are. Anyway, I went over both cars and put together a list of maintenance and repair items and then took them to an indy shop and for $100 they go over my list and see if they can add or subtract anything. Then I have a list of what needs done and can triage my way thru addressing hopefully any and all problems. Yeah Benzes can be expensive, but an organized approach with some outside help can cut the cost down a bunch.

CamelotShadow · #5 08-03-2013, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

All together now," There is no more expensive car than a "cheap" Mercedes Benz".

CamelotShadow · #6 08-03-2013, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 244brick

I bought a really clean 1991 300e (175k), but it has a few issues.
It was sitting for two years so Im pretty sure it needs a fuel filter, although the acceleration cut out and sputtering issue seems to be getting better.
Ignition parts all seem to look new, except the coil.

The main problem that is a major annoyance is the Alarm. It is an aftermarket set up, and its been draining the battery. I try unhooking all 4 wires that are tapped into the fuse box, the alarm still works, but now I cant turn it off, or start the car. So I have to leave them all wired in and it doesnt make sense. Also, unlocking the door doesnt not deactivate it, i have to turn the key and push a button under the dash. Stupid.

Couple other issues Im not happy about, its a bit sluggish and the engine sounds like its out of a dump truck, minus the turbo. Just loud straining sound. My 89 was quiet and clean.
Also I hear a bit of rattling from my timing cover. Could the chain be stretched at 175k?

Any feedback is much appreciated, cheers.

Alarm sounds like a kill switch & its a beast if it decides to go into kill mode which cuts off ability to start it. Hope you figure that out

Sitting for years could be one of 2 things...
OK car put away as owner got sick or similar...It could be but

More likely Not OK ...Car went into cartiac arrest & died in garage. It was left there for years til they finally got someone to take it away & hand them $500.

Could be a great learning experience if thats what you like.
there is no guarentee with any old car but bringing it back to life from a parts car might not be the way to go esp $ engine problems

Hoping yours takes the high road.

lorainfurniture · #7 08-03-2013, 10:29 PM

Timing chains don't really stretch on the m103. I checked mine at 200k and it showed -0- stretch.

Likely the chain guides disintegrated. It will show low oil pressure after the car warms up if this is the problem.

Give it a tune up, then an Italian tune up. Check vacuum hoses too.

CamelotShadow · #8 08-04-2013, 01:44 AM

244brick · #9 08-10-2013, 04:08 PM

Sorry for the late response, ive been tied up with work but thanks for all feedback. Story on the car is I stumbled upon a CL ad with no pictures titled "Mercedez". The ad said runs and drives runs a little rough in the cold because it has a bad carburetor. I thought, for 500 bucks and knowing its not actually carbed, it would be worth a look. When i pulled up, the car had couple imperfections here and there but overall its very clean for its age, and it was running. I took it for a drive, cycled through every gear etc. It drove smooth for the most part, i thought what the hell what do i have to lose. So since ive owned it, i changed the fan clutch and spark plugs.
Oil pressure reads 3 on accel and just above 2 on idle iirc.

PARSHOOT1 · #10 08-10-2013, 07:47 PM

As I reread your post, I didn't notice until now you said the car sat for two years. When you started it up and ran it was it on the 2 year old tank of gas?

Ferdman · #11 08-11-2013, 04:20 AM

244brick, unless you are an accomplished DIY'er recommend taking the 300E to a reputable indie who knows that vintage MB automobile. Realize that you should have had a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by that same indie before buying the car. It sounds like the engine may need a new timing chain tensioner. Have the indie go over the car and advise what engine work must be addressed immediately. As mentioned, owners don't let MB automobiles sit for 2 years unless there are problems that they don't know how to fix, or they can't afford to fix.

pwogaman · #12 08-11-2013, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 244brick

Story on the car is I stumbled upon a CL ad with no pictures titled "Mercedez".

Smart thinking. I'll add that to my regular search terms. I just found this, in part, using this misspelling "Transmision is got leat Pablo espanol or me jor oferta."

p7fan · #13 08-11-2013, 11:03 PM

244brick--- Rattling noise from behind the timing cover on a m103 is not a good thing. The chains on m103's typicallly do not stretch. In fact many recommend not replacing the chain because the replacements are not solid chains. The master link must be "peened" which can be a little touchy. I would recommend replacing the chain guides and tensioner rail ASAP. A proficient diy'er can probably do the job in a full day, or over a weekend. I doubt you have a tensioner issue, but to r/r the tensioner for inspection and reset it only takes ten minutes.....

The engine currently in my $300TE (yes I paid $300.00 for it, 89 model) was given to me because it jumped time at 186,000 miles. The chain guides had failed and the tensioner rail was coming apart. When the chain jumped it bent every exhaust valve in the head!

I have fallen in love with my $300TE! I'm glad that I didn't part it (which is why I bought it). I have done a good bit of work to her; but I would drive her anywhere. Put a little over a thousand miles on her last week going to Florida. FWIW--- I am a professional technician, and many of the parts I source are from the local pull-a-part.......my SEC gets the "top shelf" treatment...

Hogweed · #14 08-11-2013, 11:27 PM

so you're actually suggesting spending ANY money to have a $500 car PPI'd? to paraphrase the OP/buyer you CANNOT go wrong at $500.....now if you go blowing 4 grand trying to have someone fix the car that is a different story but to get it and try to fix it on the cheap? no worries

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferdman

244brick, unless you are an accomplished DIY'er recommend taking the 300E to a reputable indie who knows that vintage MB automobile. Realize that you should have had a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by that same indie before buying the car. It sounds like the engine may need a new timing chain tensioner. Have the indie go over the car and advise what engine work must be addressed immediately. As mentioned, owners don't let MB automobiles sit for 2 years unless there are problems that they don't know how to fix, or they can't afford to fix.

dlssmith · #15 08-12-2013, 08:40 AM

I've got a $1000 87 260E. It will soon become a $4000 car with a number of repairs. It has only 135k miles and a minimal amount of rust and runs straight down the road. Who can ask for a good car like this and not pay $4000 overall?

Unless your $500 car has rust or major component issues, motor, trans, It's probably worth it. If you want a cheap car, buy a KIA! (ok, just kidding).