What should I be concerned about a low mile well maintained 300E? I have a 91 with 180K and have had it for 20 years so I am not a novice. Anything special I should check out? Engine wiring harness is not a problem correct? Thanks for any and all thoughts.

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Handyjay

same car... you know the drill... probably biggest potential issue is front end rubber

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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]

Where's the car located? Your info doesn't list yours.

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'89 260e (212K Mi.), '92 400e (208K Mi.), '92 400e (not a misprint) (146K Mi.), '95 C220, '81 240D--Sold

Mine is a 91 300E 4matic with 180K.

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Handyjay

and vacuum lines.

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Jim

And fuel injection stuff that has sat around with old gas in it.

As long as its a M103 powered car you are fine on the harness. I would be concerned about the head gasket and the transmission. Those are the weak points on the M103 powered cars of this vintage. They may last you a long time but just be aware that they will both need work at some point if they haven't already been addressed.

I am unaware of transmission issues with the 103. What specifically is or was the problem? As far as I know the head gasket issue only shows up with oil in the coolant. Is this correct? Thanks for the input.

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Handyjay

As they age reverse goes out first. Slow engagement in reverse is no good. Also look under the car for transmission leaks. There should not be any oil leaking. Also check the transmission lines that go to the radiator. They should be dry as a bone.

All good replies, in what state is the proposed car located?

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'89 260e (212K Mi.), '92 400e (208K Mi.), '92 400e (not a misprint) (146K Mi.), '95 C220, '81 240D--Sold

This sounds pretty generic, not specific to W124s.
I don't see W124s having any transmission issues that are not on parity with other series with the similar transmission.

I've owned several "early" W124s that logged well over 250K miles on the original transmissions.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Yes, I was going to add the same thing. The slow engaging reverse/loss of reverse plagues all 722.3 transmissions. Internally there is no difference in the design of the reverse piston in any model. Some just have had better luck then others.. when it comes to mileage lol. Its a 50/50 mix of mileage and age that causes these 2 symptoms.

Im tempted to do a small writeup on this specific issue, I have lots of pics and details on what causes this specific problem, and if your a DIY, how it can be repaired.

But to add to what others are saying, for the M103, is basically 2 things to keep an eye out for, head gasket (m103 specific), and slow reverse->(applies to any 80- early 90's benz).
Other then that, its just small maintence tidbits. Ive been doing a once over on my friends newly acquired 91 300e. Great mid size car, has essence of the w126 robustness, but in a compact form. Only thing that will potentialy cause you some headache is the bosch jetronic, but that's a given for classic benz owner. lol

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Just my MB's:
1990 420sel - Winter DD - 410,000km
1990 560sel - absolutely showroom mint - 360,000km!

It's specific to the car because it's in it. . But I would agree it's not a problem with the car. The 722.3 and 722.4 transmissions are troopers. But with anything mechanical they will eventually begin to fail. Slow engagement in reverse is definitely the first sign of one going downhill.

They've been around long enough now to give an estimate. What's a typical life span? 120-200k depending on service history and a little luck?

I would say around 200,000 mi is a good estimate. My 420sel had 382,000km (237,000mi), before the reverse gave up on the original trans.
My 560sel is still shifting like a champ, but reverse is a bit slower then I would like. Right now it has 362,000km (224,000mi). Then again there's various factors that would affect this. Vehicle weight, driving technique..etc. But its a decent guestimate for anyone jumping into a new-to-them benz purchase.

My buds 91 300e has around 226,000km, trans still feels fresh, and reverse is nice and quick.

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Just my MB's:
1990 420sel - Winter DD - 410,000km
1990 560sel - absolutely showroom mint - 360,000km!

I've been driving on a 722.4 with weak reverse and it leaks a lot of fluid for two years. If I neglect it for a few months and don't add fluid it starts making clanging noise in hard corners to remind me. Lol

Mine has 160k on the clock but this tranny is definitely not original. Reinstallation was definitely not professionally done. I've got a nice one on the bench I'm going to rebuild.