Need advice on purchasing 1988 Mercedes 300e

[szyzygy]

I came across a 1988 Mercedes 300e on the local craigslist. 196K on the clock.

The Bad:
paint is pretty bad. It's silver so it looks ok from like 20 feet but up close it looks quite faded .
little patched up rusty spot over passenger side front wheel
interior is pretty beat up, but the leather is holding up.
passenger side window doesn't function
gas pedal felt like it wobbles from side to side
idles rough on start up
needs a new windshield
a/c doesn't work
no known service/repair history prior to this past year.
leaks a little tranny fluid at the front

The good:
Seems to drive ok. took it on some bumpy roads and on the freeway. windows up and no stereo on. Sounded ok.
owner has put some time and money into:
new brake pads
new o2 sensor
alignment
wires and plugs looked ok
under the hood generally looked clean and so forth
tires looked like they had plenty of tred in them
cruise control, sunroof, power seats all work
has the code book
no lights are on, oil light flashed on a couple of times
seller has all receipts from the stuff he's done to it over the last few months. Also has his 44 point PPI from when he bought it at the end of last year.
seller is mechanically inclined/proficient as far as I can tell

I don't care too much about the cosmetic stuff like the windows, trim pieces on the front fender coming out, etc...

I am looking for a car to drive in the winter here in the NE and on rainy days. Seems like I when I wash my 911 and it rains the next day . Winter will be here before I know it.

Prices are all over the place from peachparts, benzworld, ask yahoo, nada, etc...seeing from 1200-5300 over the last few years. The 5300 is from NADA guides, which I feel is biased towards DMV tax valuations. There's a pristine one in canada for 6000 as well on CL.

What do you guys know about the value of these cars? I plan on taking to a mechanic on Monday to have them look at it.

thanks

[ChemMan]

On the m103 engine, top end, timing chain and rails need to be addressed at 200K miles.

[RANDY P]

it had better be cheap- To rehab that interior will cost almost as much as a clean car. One without any of those issues and looked after can be had under $3k.

Take a close, close look at the front of the engine, inspect where the head gasket, and front timing cover meet and along the rear of the engine- if it's seeping oil it'll need a HG.

HG is a routine 100K failure, it's about time. Not a bad DIY but it needs to be done...


CHeck for rough tranny shifts as well.

rjp

[Steve Carlton]

My advice is don't. It would be cheaper to buy a paper shredder at Office Depot and put your money into that.

[Chocaholic]

Also...valve guides if not already done. Mine started using oil at about 140k so had the guides done. Could have easily gone longer though, so worth knowing.

[FLYGEEZER]

Not just cylinder head issues with the M103 engine. Automatic transmission (722 series) has a reverse clutch problem that will cost a rebuild sooner or later, it happens to all of them. The 124 body is a great driver and if ya just have to get one try for a little newer model with the M104 engine. But then again ,it has head gasket problems too.

[szyzygy]

yeah, I'm probably gonna pass on this one. Plus, I came home with some spider bite on my wrist and it's looking pretty bad. I was super dizzy and queasy all day yesterday. I can only imagine it's from when I was checking out the gas pedal to see why it was so wobbly.

thanks everyone

[FLYGEEZER]

Look after the bites!!!! I got "nailed" by a camel spider in 1998 . I got real sick. Get to a doctor if ya haven't done so. If ya really have to have a W124 Mercedes, look for 1994-95 E320 that has proof of the engine harness replacement. I know the 124's well and if ya still want one or have any questions you can PM me anytime. Regards & get well.

[slow&rusty]

Passs.

[speeder]

Those cars are extremely plentiful, (they were a big seller), good ones are probably worth a few bucks at this point because most are now schit like the one you're describing.

Unless we're talking about Porsche 356s or some other *worth fixing* old car, it is extremely foolish to buy anything with a bunch of known issues when perfect ones are pennies. I'd be shocked if there was a w124 300e that sold for more than $4500 anywhere in the U.S., and that would be in showroom condition with low miles and full service records. Check eBay completed auctions for a reality check.

[speeder]

Rust belt 300e:

Mercedes-Benz : 300-Series 300 E 91 92 in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

[speeder]

And a pretty clean one with under 100k miles:

Mercedes-Benz : E-Class w124 chasis 300e e320 e420 e500 in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

[szyzygy]

thanks guys, I did put together a list of what I could find on the internet. I checked ebay, guess I'm not familiar with how to search closed sales...I thought I checked that and found little info.

yeah, I'm just gonna wait. I don't have to have an extra car, it would be nice though.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I'm lusting after this car but it's across the country and I technically don't need it.

1993 Mercedes Benz 300te 4matic wagon. 1owner. Low miles

[speeder]

Nice looking car but it's strange that they don't say how many "low miles" it has. Like no one would even care about that.

I've seen lots of ads where they seem to think that 200k is "low miles", because the car is 20 years old and that's only 10k a year, blahblahblah.... Guess what? Low miles is low miles, no matter how old the fking car is. See the *Chevy barn find* thread for clarification.

Portland is a fantastic place to buy a used car if it's been garaged and had an easy life. Generally rust-free unless from right on the coast, no powerful sun to cook it-just beautiful cars.

[szyzygy]

I see some pretty good cars here in VT, but you have to drive a hour to see them.

I'd love to put an ad on craigslist with a list of cars that I'd like to buy, a picture of some 100 dollar bills, and my address. Everyone comes to my place, lets me check out the car, 1 person goes away with the money and I get a car. That would be nice.

[greglepore]

I love that color combo, not sure about 4matic, but still its a gorgeous car for the money, esp. if head gasket and harness have been addressed.

[Chocaholic]

I see some pretty good cars here in VT, but you have to drive a hour to see them.



I'd love to put an ad on craigslist with a list of cars that I'd like to buy, a picture of some 100 dollar bills, and my address. Everyone comes to my place, lets me check out the car, 1 person goes away with the money and I get a car. That would be nice.

Ha! I'm sure that would go well...