Purchasing 300 E need info - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-28-2003, 07:48 PM

I have been searching the MBworld.org for the past week now and just found this site yesterday. I'm looking at a 1991 300E that I believe as the 3.0L engine it as I don't see any 2.6L badges. How reliable are these cars? I need a very reliable car for the winter, and thought a 300E would do (german car fan) while my 944 Turbo is put up in the winter months. The dealer just said the car had a major service done which included a new waterpump and fluid change so from what they claim the car is ready to go and runs perfect. The car currently has 148k on the clock and appears to be in excellent condition. What things should I look for when I look at this car next weekend? Below are some pictures of the car that the dealer sent me. Does anyone know the color? It looks purple but is kinda growing on me. If anyone has a carfax and could run this vin WDBEA30D3MB395047 I would appreciate it.

Thanks

BobK · #2 10-29-2003, 07:15 AM

I bought an '87 300E for my daughter and have been pretty happy with it. It is not a new car and I expect and have had some problems. P.O. had used green anti-freeze in it and that seems to take its toll on the plastic in the cooling system. Had to replace the plastic thermostat housing cover and then the radiator when the plastic neck broke. Both were reasonably priced. Cheaper than GM actually! Flushed system with the fancy citric acid crystals and refilled with good MB anti-freeze. Also replaced the temp switch in the head as it had stuck and was keeping the electric fan on all the time. To check plastic, just look and see if it appears new and shiny or old, cracked and degraded.
Voltage regulator died and had to be replaced. That is such an easy job I actually had my daughter do it while I supervised. Took five minutes.
Only other thing I did was tune-up and oil changes. Car runs fair but idles a bit rough. Needs valve seals and will get them fairly soon. You can check for this problem somewhat by watching the exhaust at startup or under acceleration. Mine getting about 1000 miles to quart of oil. Common problem on the 3.0 from what I hear.
If they have the service records, see when (if) the timing chain and rails were replaced. by 150k miles, they need it for sure.
I really hace been happy with this car. Looks good and the level of appointments is quite high. Daughter drives fairly hard and a lot of miles. Car seems to take the abuse well. I like it well enough that I'm going to keep my eyes out for an low priced '88 with manual shift for wife to use as winter driver (she has an SL for nice weather).
Since you are buying from a dealer, you may be able to get him to give you the name and number of the previous owner. Give that person a call and see what they say. Sounds like a good car to me. You'll love it out on the highway

Zeus · #3 10-29-2003, 04:11 PM

It's a fantastic car. Do a search, there's tons of info on them and common problems particular to the W124 (A/C, oil leak, etc.). Mine has been 100% reliable and trustworthy.

plink49 · #4 10-29-2003, 08:38 PM

I will ditto Zeus....it it a fabulous car. My '86 has 202k miles on it (not km) and the engine is strong as an ox, and uses no oil whatsoever. The transmission is still original so it leaks a tad because of 17 year old seals, but nothing to worry about at this point. Worst feature for me has been the heater/ac blower motor which constantly blows fuses when used on high speed. There is a MB fix which is cheap (by MB standards) at $100 but I just haven't gotten it done yet. The interior is semi-spartan but very well done, the Becker radio leaves something to be desired, the leather is showing its age, but damn....I love this car! This is a classic MB...perhaps among the very best models ever produced!

liverpooluk · #5 10-30-2003, 06:38 AM

I bought this a few weeks back. 101K 2 previous lady owners

apart from changing bulbs and battery. Runs like a dream.

TROVERMAN · #6 10-30-2003, 08:41 AM

Great car (easy for me to say as mine has low miles!) but even with 150 k on it should be fine. From the pics, it looks great, and I would check under the car for leaks. Ask the dealer to take the engine underpan off to inspect the bottom. If there's oil, don't worry to much about it (mine leaks some) Male sure the air con works, it's a very pricey repair. Ditto on all the above comments, especially on the spartan interior, but it is very classy and functional. Mine doesn't have glovebox as there is an airbag there. Good Luck!

esm6869 · #7 10-30-2003, 08:56 AM

I have an '88 300E with over 200K miles on it and its running great. Oringinal trans, no leaks... did timing chain, rails,and guides along with valve stem seals, it doesn't consume oil. If you keep up with the regular maintenance, these are great cars.
Definately suggest a set of separate snow tires for the Michigan winters. I haven't been stuck yet in three winters (knock on wood):p

Zeus · #8 10-30-2003, 04:45 PM

I got rid of my Becker so fast I had almost forgetten about it. Lol. If these cars come equipped with anything truly miserable, it is this radio unit.

Get an Alpine or a Nakamichi in there and you'll be able to start enjoying the incredible sound space these well-insulated and quiet cars can provide (a speaker upgrade and subwoofer doesn't hurt either).