I have the opportunity to replace my 1985 300CD with a 1988 300TE. Anyone know the reliability of the 300TE? Any known problems?

I owned a 1981 300TD for 18 years, a 1987 300TE for six and currently own a 1995 E320T. They all are excellent cars. The things mainly to look for: oil leaks in front of the engine, engine mounts, oil leaks on the rear self-levelling suspension and/or transmition, a/c cooling and heating capacity, power windows (run smoothly up and down), check all switches and power accessories (sunroof, antena, etc.). Anything wrong with this list could cost you a lot to fix it up.

Good luck!

A. Rosich
E320T 1995
S320 1998

I agree with A. Rosich Windows and transmission for sure.


Cardude

89 300TE

My '88's been a great car; 169k and going strong!
Also check the tailgate wiring harness...with use they short out (one possible symptom is that when you open the tailgate the license plate illumination bulbs light briefly)

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

cbpa40,

I only have one thing to add to the replies; See that the valve stem seals have been replaced. It was a problem with these engines, and oil consumption will be excessive if they have not been replaced.

Good luck

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Make sure the a/c works properly while idling and while driving. It is a trouble spot with these cars and can be very expensive to fix. Good Luck!
Colin