Compatabilty between years - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

patc · #1 09-05-2003, 12:11 PM

I recently purchased a '91 300e and can pick up an '86 300e for $200.00 as a parts car. The engine runs but there is no reverse. Are the parts (body, electrical,drivetrain) interchangable enough to make it worth doing? Also are the sevice CD's which are available through Fastlane worth the price? Thanks

patc · #2 09-05-2003, 07:46 PM

C'mon guys, somebody knows the answer to this question!

zeronero · #3 09-05-2003, 11:37 PM

Think that there are some differences between them besides the obvious, like some electrical. Whatever parts you swap out just double check to be sure, try ebay for the CD's.

patc · #4 09-07-2003, 11:06 AM

Thanks for the reply. I guess the real question is do you htink its worth purchasing for the amount of parts that could be used. It seems like it would be a good car to learn on. The really big repairs for my daily driver i leave for the pros.

Glen · #5 09-07-2003, 11:19 AM

I'd say it's worth it. The '86 car has a 3.07 differential, I believe the '91 has a 2.87; you could swap and instantly increase performance...if that's important to you. Window regulators, switches, and miscellaneous other parts are interchangable. You could part out the '86 car and make way more than your investment.

stevebfl · #6 09-07-2003, 11:23 AM

Lots of parts are the same and many are different.

I can tell you from experience that it will have most parts wore out. Anyone who scraps a 300E because of a trans problem didn't fix the last 100 problems it had and never serviced the car while he owned it.

I call such an owner a "consumer". I have seen them totally waste a gorgeous, one owner, car in as little as three years.

I see the car again when they are trying to off it on someone that has enough sense to ask for a professional opinion of the car.

Even with the parts all used up, its still worth $200 though. If you don't want it I'll send a wrecker.

Benzwood · #7 09-07-2003, 03:57 PM

Sounds like a great deal for $200 if you have someplace to stash it. Or understanding neighbors.

The service CDs won't show you part number interchangeability... you need a dealer parts CD for that.

patc · #8 09-07-2003, 05:52 PM

Steve thanks for input, I'm just a regurlar guy with limited abilities . I'm an electrician whose not afraiad to get his hands dirty and would enjoy working on his 1'st mb . I'm not a mechanic!!!!! I just thouight a spare pats car would be good to have.

stevebfl · #9 09-07-2003, 07:24 PM

All of the suspension will work. Most of the engine, trans, and fuel systems will work. The ABS will be the same. Most of the sheet metal will be the same, all of the windows and lift mechanisms will interchange (there are different regulators but they will both work in either door, if you change enough)

patc · #10 09-10-2003, 03:03 PM

Well I'm convinced its worth purchasing especially after I saw the receipts for all of the work that has been done to this thing. I think it has nickle and dimed the old owners to death(a/c compressor, brake booster, waterpump, radiator, brake sensors and on) The problem is that my wife (yea thats right) is flipping out thinking that we would have an untagged car in the yard. I told her that she will flip even more when we have to puchase a part that we need. But I don't think that I'm going to win this one guys. Thanks for all of your input. There are some real knowledge writting in to this board. Any body need any electrical(a/c) advice I'll be glad to return the favor!

rastaman190e · #11 09-10-2003, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Benzwood
Sounds like a great deal for $200 if you have someplace to stash it. Or understanding neighbors.

The service CDs won't show you part number interchangeability... you need a dealer parts CD for that.

difficult it is to get a hold of a dealer parts CD to check interchangeability?

I have a 190E 2.6 93 and would love to know what parts from other 103 engines/etc can bolt up to my ride.

Thanks,

zeronero · #12 09-10-2003, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by patc
But I don't think that I'm going to win this one guys.

Don't listen to her. Just buy the car without telling her, $200 is an offer you can't pass up. Then take her out to some restaurant or buy her a new stove of something.

patc · #13 09-12-2003, 02:23 PM

What the heck! I just hope the trunk is big enough to sleep in. You may find it available in the classifieds if not!! I'm still looking for the manual or CD if anyone has one, and the reverse doesen't work, any ideas. For what I'm paying for it a can of TRANS-x can't hurt but I have a feeling its beyond any magical elixer!!