300TE value? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chazola · #1 05-31-2004, 11:12 PM

I have on loan from the owner a 300TE for a week that I may purchase- '93 model with 104 engine and 175k in good condition though it has a few minor issues.
She wanted $5500 but says she'll take 5k, which I know is below blue book price but I'd like your advice on whether I should try haggling considering these items-

it has a few appearance issues- usual cracked wood center console/chip out of grille and wrong hood release handle sticking out, few minor scratches in paint. The driver's side door has some damage on the inside- the plastic door pocket is broken all the way along the bottom and has come away from the door (held on the bottom sill with duct tape) and the wood panel has come away from the door at the end.
Apart from that the interior is in pretty good shape. All powers work. One of the rear light clusters is broken and duct-taped on. The aerial is broken too.
Transmission is good, some flaring 1-2 shift but no burnt smelling ATF. Engine seems good and much pokier than my 103-powered 300E.
It is leaking oil at the front cover gasket, coolant looks clean though with no sign of head gasket leak. Air con is working.
Tyres are almost worn out, the rears are so worn I expect they're illegal.
Alignment is off and there is some vibration at speed (both may be tyres though).
Also, it runs at 85 deg. at speed, 90-95 in traffic- is this a little hot or normal on this engine? My 300E runs at 80 at speed/85-90 in traffic.

recent new parts include belt and tensioner, radiator, ignition tumbler, some hoses and front brakes/discs.

cheers.

alexnatt · #2 06-01-2004, 04:11 PM

I paid 3200 for a 1988 with 212k. 8/10 appearance-wise, immaculate interior, california car, but needed new rear accumulators and the head gasket repair. Spent about 2500 getting those items fixed.

Bruno_300TE · #3 07-15-2004, 09:01 AM

I paid 5500$ for a 92 TE with 120kmiles. Head gasket done, cosmetically 8/10 (a few minor scatches, two small dents). Had to replace front shocks, flex disc, rear brakes, balljoint, steering damper, blower motor, tandem pump, distributor rotor/cap for about 2000$ total. Everything works perfect now.
Your car does not to be in very good condition. I'd be worried about the transmission and the alignment as well. Also, the general condition might indicate some abuse. I would look for a car in better condition, it might be cheaper in the end.
Bruno

stevebfl · #4 07-15-2004, 09:41 AM

The car has all the characteristics of a car that has not had a thing done to it in years. I fear such cars like the plague. Their owners universally have a knack for thoroughly using up a vehicle and then wish it to sell for some reduced price. These owners form a sizable part of the owners of such cars. Their mechanism is one of the least expensive ways to drive a quality auto. When done with them asking money for thse cars is usually akin to larceny.

The oil leak IS the sign of a head gasket problem. They almost never leak coolant.

My advice is to find a car owned by someone that cared and pay a premium or less. It won't be the things that you can see now that make this a bad deal two years from now.

Chris Blanchard · #5 11-22-2005, 09:18 PM

I just bought a 92 300TE from another board member Aaron Greenburg. 040 Black with Palomino MB-Tex w/ 3rd seat and roof bars. Only 99,125 miles - $7000, quite fair in my opinion. We're still chasing an issue with the central locking system, other than that it's a very nice car with a solid service history sold by an honest man.

I kinda do miss my 92 300D which Aaron helped me sell to a friend of his in Atlanta, but I'll get over it.

Since I am so familiar with how a W124 diesel sedan and V8 sedan, it's taking some getting used to the wagon ride. The car currently has some tires on it that aren't so hot (Eagle HP), but I'm picky. I can hear/feel a lot more tire/noise rumble than I am used to (used to listening to an OM602 which may have masked the noise of my MXV4s that it propelled). I think that the car may need a fresh alignment, the front toe feel wrong to me and I don't think the rear camber is correct (visually). This wagon maintains proper height in the rear when not running, but the rear tires APPEAR to have much more camber than my w124 300D ever did.

It's taking some getting used to the wagon ride again (had a 91 300TE 4matic 6 years ago, owned it for a year). I like the self-leveling suspension in the rear, but I'm not quite used to how it feels yet (and it is in proper working order). I'm pretty sure the front toe is off, it feels like the front wheels are "fighting themselves" to go forward at highway speed. And the car pulls to the right a wee bit at speed. All of this can be fixed with a competent MB alignment, I'm certain (and maybe also with a fresh set of MXV4s, I'm ready to dump these HPs).

Chris

t walgamuth · #6 11-22-2005, 10:29 PM

resonate on the road. because of the fact that the rear of the car noises are in the trunk in a sedan and in the pass compartment in the wagon.

remember?

tom w

Chris Blanchard · #7 11-22-2005, 11:38 PM

There is some kind of resonance going at 65mph or so. I think that all of this could be cured with 4 good tires and an alignment.

Chris

lkchris · #8 11-23-2005, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Blanchard

The car currently has some tires on it that aren't so hot (Eagle HP), but I'm picky.

Those were on Wife's 300E when purchased and several times I tested for wheel bearing problems because of the noise. When I finally took car to Indy mechanic to check wheel bearings he said only problem we had was Goodyear tires.

Get Michelins. MXV4+ You won't believe the difference, and it will remain for life of the tires.

PS: Year ago had a cheapo rental car with Goodyears ... deja vu all over again as regards tire noise.

dtf · #9 11-23-2005, 10:18 AM

I agree with Steve - don't do it.