Advice/Opinions on possible 1989 300CE Purchase - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Holson Adi · #1 06-25-2004, 05:02 PM

Hi everyone,

I have been a little itchy lately and want something to clean up and make beautiful

and the CE has always been a favorite. However, I don't want to replace the E420 for I really like the M119 motor in it.

Anyway,

I found a 1989 300CE Black Pearl w/ Grey Leather Interior with 118k mi. on the odometer.

Initial impression :

Straight body but the paint needs some cleaning, claying, polishing and waxing

- good.. something I enjoy doing.

The tires are recent 205/65/15 (they looked huge) Michelin XGT H4s - found receipt for them in the service records for $120 ea.

Mechanicals/Electrical Stuff:

Oil all over the right hand side of the motor down to the lower plastic panel
Oil around the P/S fluid reservoir
pitch black brake fluid :p
A/T Shifts nicely
All windows, A/C, sunroof, mirror, seatbelt extender, seats, etc. work
Remanufactured Bosch Alternator (looked pretty clean and recent)
HIGH TEMP - 110*C standing still with AC on. I got scared so I turned the AC off and started moving
Aux. fans did not come on
owner said that the fuse blew and he had it replaced 2 mo. ago - wasn't there an update? (i.e, higher rated fuse?)

Cosmetics :

Worn steering wheel, shift knob - no big deal .. dont want the original shift knob anyway
cracked and dull lacquer on the wood - will probably replace them all with burlwood from the 94+ cars anyway
hood pad was destroyed...
rust on the right hand frame just below the windshield washer fluid reservoir?
left side headlight looks new - accident I suppose

Misc:

Driver's seat bolster had rips but otherwise normal wear and could be cleaned up I think
hoses under the hood looked good, and the radiator seemed to have been replaced
metal t-stat housing
rear diff had some oil but it was not wet (just seeping?)

They want $6k for it. I don't think it's worth that much. How much do you guys think is a good price for it? I want to offer them $3500 - do you think that's low-balling it?

and.. any tips on how to politely offer the low price? The owner and his wife are really nice people - I don't wanna be rude at all.
and he's honest about someone backing up into it, trying to break into the car

, oil consumption (1 qt. every 6 mo.), etc.

or.. should I pass?

btw, I don't want to make it a beauty queen - more like my fun 124 as the E420 is a little too nice to mess up.

Things found in the Service Records folder
-

Valve guides, seals, and other seal related items (huge service)
dist. cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs, etc. to fix idle problem
brake work receipts
oil changes obviously
fuel filter, air filter change receipts
timing chain, guides, etc.
etc.

Thank you,
-Holson

dwest · #2 06-25-2004, 06:48 PM

I have owned an 89 300CE for 18 mos. Bought it because it is the best looking car on the road. Now has 166K. Just returned from a 600 mi jaunt and report good news, ran strong and fast. You know you will have some issues and some repairs, but "What price beauty?"

Right side oil leak is typical, but may signal a head gasket problem. I'd spend the $ for compression/leakdown test. Then at least you'd know.

I didn't see any A/C work done. You can expect some.

Brake fluid black? Calipers are not that much $ for these cars and rebuilts are available. Safety first. If owner ignored the brake fluid, might also have neglected the coolant. Nothing like a good flush and the right golden coolant to help with the temp problems.

I don't think you'd offend the sellers if you just told them what you would be willing to pay. If they say "no", then you give them your # and wish them well. How else will they get an accurate idea of their car's worth?

I paid $5k for mine, 150k mi, full service records, incl orig invoice, the guy paid $59K for the car in 1989.

Looks like if you buy it right and spend some $ to get it right, you can have a great car for $6 or 7. That's a good deal.
goodluck

Holson Adi · #3 06-25-2004, 08:46 PM

I can't believe that I forgot to check the coolant for any signs of oil. I did confirm that the coolant was green in color (was hoping to find the orange MB coolant) and didn't recall any oil drops from seeing thru the plastic.. but.. wish I had opened it up.

But I did remember pulling out the dipstick and the oil looked clean and did not see any water drops.

The Engine was very smooth and powerful and idled nicely...

yeah I was kind of wondering if the AC had been worked on but it felt nice and cool (considering it was on low cool all the time).

yeah the brake fluid looked black but I don't mind flushing it - but the receipts showed recent brake work.

any thoughts on the overheating issue? The temperature was fine when it was moving only when I pulled over and stopped to browse thru the service records that it started overheating - and even at 110*+ the aux. fans did not come on. Had to be the aux. fans... don't you think?

btw,
the owner still has all the brochures, papers, and the window sticker...

Ferdman · #4 06-26-2004, 07:29 AM

Holson, I recommend that you get a PPI done by an experienced MB tech. The overheating seems to be the aux fans not running, but why? Just because the owner has the original window sticker, brochures and papers doesn't mean that the car was maintained properly. Does the Maintenance Booklet show that this car was serviced regularly? The condition of the brake fluid suggests otherwise unless an indie installed something other than MB brake fluid, e.g. ATE Super Blue Racing brake fluid. If not done already this car is due for a new voltage regulator. The deteriorated hood pad, cracked interior wood and cracked driver's seat left bolster are normal for a 15 year old car. Does it appear that the leather was ever conditioned? Leatherique could do wonders for the seats if they're not too far gone.

I have two 300CE's and the proper oversize tires are 205/60 R15 ... with the 65 profile the speedometer accuracy may be affected slightly - no big deal, but worth noting.

The Kelley Blue Book Values for this car in our area is $3,600 - fair condition and $4,600 - excellent condition. Of course, condition is very subjective and the desirability of the car may make it more valuable. As you probably realize there is a limited number of 300CE's in the USA, let alone ones for sale. Go to www.kbb.com and check the value for yourself based on your evaluation of the condition.

Tobias MB · #5 06-26-2004, 12:38 PM

I had a 1988 black,tan CE that was appraised at year end, 2003 for $5500. The car had 172,000 miles on it, had remote locking , sunshade and the only worn interior piece being the armrest as the former owner drove many highway miles. The body was original and never been in an accident. The car also had the later 8 hole wheels on it with decent Pirellis.
This should give you an idea of value and this was in NC.

Did you also check out the cruise control as they also go bad...??

Good luck in your search,
Tobias MB
3 MBs

Too bad they never made a 400CE, THAT would have been a great car, nice lines with power to boot!!

Holson Adi · #6 06-26-2004, 09:18 PM

Ferdman,

I suspected that the aux. fan fuse blew because the aux fan (one big one in the 300CE) was drawing more current? My 95 E420 has a higher rate fuse in place. I thought it was wrong so I put the lower rated fuse in there and my mechanic told me about a Mercedes bulletin regarding the fuse upgrade

I did not look at the maintenance booklet because I was busy watching the water temp needle

and looking at the receipts for the big jobs..

i don't think the leather was ever conditioned as it looked pretty dry and I would be very interested to try leatherique now that it's hot outside

Tobias MB,

i didnt get to test the cruise as I barely use mine..

so I forgot...it wasn't even on my checklist...

and if there was such a thing as a 400CE, I wouldn't have bought the E420 sedan :p

btw,

I'm also thinking of getting a BMW E30 or E28 ? but I really think the Mercedes is very stylish among them

thanks everyone for the input.. I think I'll offer them $3500..

Hatterasguy · #7 06-27-2004, 11:46 AM

"and if there was such a thing as a 400CE, I wouldn't have bought the E420 sedan"

You could make one, you already have an M119...

Or a nicely done 560SEC would look sweet.

bi-turbo, AMG wheels, lowered, nice exhaust to let that V8 sing, etc.

Holson Adi · #8 06-27-2004, 11:05 PM

Update:

Offered $3500 and the owner said it's too low

he also mailed me back saying that he replaced the aux. fan fuse and it's now working great.

no oil in radiator overflow tank

water pump is new

so is the radiator because the old one broke where the top hose attaches to (the plastic part)

and the cruise works..

But anyway, I am also in the market for a nice 5-speed BMW . 3

Probably an E30 3-series because one in decent condition could be had for short cash and im interested in the 4WD version so i could use it in winter too.