appatula

Hello all,
I'm a long time veteran of the W202 chassis owning a 99' C280 as my second Mercedes. It's been quite a long time since then and quite a long love affair with my W124. Recently I came across the opportunity to pick up a very high mileage C280 for a very fair price, it is a 1995 with a bit over 350K miles on it. I know I'm asking for trouble but I really just need this to last me the winter and partway through spring. I know that the wiring harnesses are notoriously prone to failing and as with all old or high mileage Mercs the bushings are usually shot, front timing chain cover oil leaks etc. Are there any other key things I should keep my eye out for? I've done all the work on my W124 so I'm very handy with my M103 and I plan to step things up a notch with this M104...I'll be really happy if I only have to work on this C280 50% of the time I'm usually busting my knuckles on the 86' 300E. I've talked the seller down to $1500USD, and it has a set of AMG Monoblock II's on it so I'm under the impression that if it feels strong and solid when I take it for a test drive, although high mileage its a no brainer. Your input and opinions are welcomed.

AcousticplayerJ

If you want a project to keep you busy, then go for it! Is the car stick or auto? If stick, do the syncros seem intact (like no grinding sound at all when you shift?)

You're clearly aware of it, but a 350K mile car could be on its last legs. My guess is it's spent most of its life doing highway driving. I would suggest taking it out on a highway and seeing how it feels at higher speeds. You'll know if something seems very wrong. Keep in mind, you could have to rebuild the engine sometime soon and parts could fail at any point. So I do not think I would trust it to be all that reliable.

Again, if you want something to keep you pretty busy, go for it. Good luck!

C280 Sport

350K you will def keep busy with it. Best of luck to you.

xvvvz

"A cheap Mercedes purchase will often be the most expensive car you will ever own" - annonymous

appatula

I concur, if your afraid of grease and skinned knuckles makes you queezy.

appatula

Thanks for the kind words. It is a auto. I have no problem with top end issues, I plan on putting valve seals in depending on the oil consumption. Let you know when I have the title

appatula

Thanks!

YNVDIZW124

Don't do it! the 280s have a lot of problems. Get a c230k and you'll be happy...

appatula

Long time no post! Thanks for the heads up man, but what are some of these common problems you refer to that I should beware of? Although a C230 would be more fitting for the time being I'm going to be picking up a C36 come springtime. Like I said I just need this car to last me through the winter.

YNVDIZW124

They have the same problems as the m104 and the w202 has some rust issues, but nothing that can't be fixed. They are pretty easy to work on too.

appatula

Thats what I figured, apparently the kid totaled the car anyhow the other night. Ample front end damage, I'm thinking about chiseling down on the price and parting it out or trying to do the body work myself.