1988 300CE PURCHASE INFORMATION WANTED

BENZITCH · 04-09-2012, 03:35 PM

I found a nice 1988 w124 300CE.

170k Miles

One owner
Good Service Records/Books
No Apparent Rust and or Repairs
Interior Very Nice No Cracks in Wood or Dash
Garage Kept
Everything Functions

It appears to be correct, maintained in very good visual inspection.
I have not put the car up on the lift as of yet.

I have been, and am an owner of a few W126's and C126's for years. I know pretty much the "Achilles Heel' on these cars.

I have little knowledge on W124's.

What is problematic in 1988 300CE'S or in other 300 W124's of the same vintage?

I will have my mechanic do a compression test, but only if it can pass the 'You Guys Know Group'.

Thanks Bruce

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JayAre · 04-10-2012, 05:29 AM

Really nothing more than your experiences with the W126's. Same potential for HVAC evap failure, same suspect transmission delays from park to reverse.

M103 motors are very reliable. A design problem with original head gaskests causes gasket failure. Once replaced, you should be good to go..

Good Luck

Jayare

BENZITCH · 04-10-2012, 07:02 AM

Thanks for your info JayAre.

BENZITCH · 04-10-2012, 05:35 PM

Bump

visal911 · 04-12-2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZITCH

Bump

Look for front timing chain cover leaks as well as the head gasket leak that someone else mentioned.

what kind of engine oil did the previous owner run on it?

Drive on the highway before you buy it!

BENZITCH · 04-12-2012, 01:49 PM

Thanks Visa It is always best to hear from people who own them.
Thanks Bruce

stormtigers · 04-16-2012, 03:08 AM

Few things I have had issues with on my 1988 300CE.

1. Single Fuse OVP can cause a few weird *** issues.
2. Front timing seal leak (common and a PITA to repair)
3. Cold start issues but found if I count to 7 slowly then start - 1st pop every time.
4. Speedo cable - speedo needle bounces at low speed
5. Fuel Gauge bounces when less than 1/2 full. Could be Pot in gauges or fuel sender.

Marvellous car love it to death !

BENZITCH · 04-16-2012, 08:59 PM

Thanks Stormtigers. I will check those out on Wednesday, when I see it.
Your car looks great also.
Do you have the aluminum fuses in the fuse box, or the copper ones?

Thanks Bruce

stormtigers · 04-16-2012, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZITCH

Thanks Stormtigers. I will check those out on Wednesday, when I see it.
Your car looks great also.
Do you have the aluminum fuses in the fuse box, or the copper ones?

Thanks Bruce

Originally aluminium but bought a complete set of copper off eBay and replaced them all.

04-10-2012, 07:02 AM	#3
BENZITCH Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mercerville New Jersey Posts: 778 Drives: 1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White	Thanks for your info JayAre. Last edited by BENZITCH; 04-10-2012 at 07:04 AM. Reason: add information

04-16-2012, 03:08 AM	#7
stormtigers Senior Member 1988 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 484 Drives: 88 W124 300CE	Few things I have had issues with on my 1988 300CE. 1. Single Fuse OVP can cause a few weird * issues. 2. Front timing seal leak (common and a PITA to repair) 3. Cold start issues but found if I count to 7 slowly then start - 1st pop every time. 4. Speedo cable - speedo needle bounces at low speed 5. Fuel Gauge bounces when less than 1/2 full. Could be Pot in gauges or fuel sender. Marvellous car love it to death ! __________________ 1988 W124 Midnight Blue CE300 (220,000 kms)** Zender Body Kit (bumpers & skirts) / MB 'Facelift' front installed LED Sports Mirrors / Eibach Pro Kit Suspension (lowered) Ergon (Italian) E 17 inch wheels - 17x7.5"" Nexen 5000 235/45/17 Tyres "Only two things are infinite, the universe & stupidity - and I'm not sure about the former." Big 'AL' Einstein

04-16-2012, 08:59 PM	#8
BENZITCH Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mercerville New Jersey Posts: 778 Drives: 1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White	Thanks Stormtigers. I will check those out on Wednesday, when I see it. Your car looks great also. Do you have the aluminum fuses in the fuse box, or the copper ones? Thanks Bruce Last edited by BENZITCH; 04-16-2012 at 08:59 PM. Reason: spelling

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04-10-2012, 05:29 AM	#2
JayAre Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Seminole, FL Posts: 39 Drives: 86 190E 2.3 16V, 90 300CE (sold), 93 190 2.6 Limited Edition, 93 400E, 98 S500	Really nothing more than your experiences with the W126's. Same potential for HVAC evap failure, same suspect transmission delays from park to reverse. M103 motors are very reliable. A design problem with original head gaskests causes gasket failure. Once replaced, you should be good to go.. Good Luck Jayare

04-10-2012, 05:35 PM	#4
BENZITCH Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mercerville New Jersey Posts: 778 Drives: 1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White	Bump

04-12-2012, 01:49 PM	#6
BENZITCH Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mercerville New Jersey Posts: 778 Drives: 1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White	Thanks Visa It is always best to hear from people who own them. Thanks Bruce

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04-16-2012, 11:14 PM