New (to me) W124 Coupe ??'s
 

Folks -

Car is a 1990 300CE with 127,xxx on it. In recent (last 20K) history, a/c was revamped, radiator was replaced, and it had a complete head job.

Overall, I like the car, but there are a few issues that you all probably know the answers to off the cuff:

1 - Recirc button - doesn't appear to do *anything*.. Push it, no vacuum noise, no light comes on.

2 - When cold, it takes several cranks to start the engine. Once running it is fine. Only thing I could come-up with that might be related was a fairly significant buzzing noise from the main fuel pump.

3 - Knocking noise from passenger front when driving at low speed - guessing ball joint, but other common causes?

4 - Passenger head rest doesn't - as I understand many of them don't. I know the motor is doing something, but the other thing is I can adjust it manually with little effort.

5 - Trip Odometer - Doesn't. Isn't this supposed to be a relatively easy fix?

Thanks for the help.

-Reed
'90 300CE
'84 300D-T
'70 BMW 2800

my 2 cents
 

Definitely get it checked by a Mercedes specialist. Spend the extra cash for a professional non-bias opinion. Then use that to bargain with the seller (maybe you could get him to lower the cost of the car by 1/2 what it would cost you to get the minor things fixed).

I bought my Mercedes with a "few" problems that I felt were fairly easy to fix, but after having the car only a year, I've already put in an additional $3000 into the car.

Don't get me wrong I love my car, but there are a lot of "small" things not working that irritate the **** out of me. I'm also too stuborn to over pay for a minor problem (ie, $200 to fix the odometer).

Anyway goodluck.

jrmd01@yahoo.com

Hello,

Just checking but is the climate control system on when you push the recirc button?

Replace that switch! $21 at dealer... I think WorldPac is out of stock on these.

Remove the 2 screws at base of wood AC panel .. just above stereo. Then remove the ACC push button control unit by removing 6 screws (2 large, 4 small). Pull the unit out and then you'll have access to switch.

Good luck! :D

Just to start: Cranking up to 4 seconds before start is normal.

Just read your Owners Manual, and you will be OK.

Thanks for the replies. As much as I'd love to use some of this stuff to negotiate the price, I already own the car...! That said, I got a *very fair* price on it, especially considering the mechanical work that went in to it.

Answering your question, yes, the climate control was on when I tried to use the recirc button. But now I'm wondering, after driving it a little more, and doing a further search on the topic, could this be related to vacuum pods? I ask only because I noticed that no air was flowing from the center vents when I had either the cold air or the warm air on, in any of the a/c settings...

Thanks again for your help!

-Reed
'90 300CE