autobahner44

I'm new to this Forum, and to Mercedes as a potential owner. We have typically have owned BMW's, Audis, and VW. Looking to purchase an '88 300TE with 168,000 miles on it. Looks good, but no service history coupled with a whine in the rear end plus very rough idle makes me very hesitant to take the leap. Brakes aren't all that great either.
What type of repairs may I be in for? How much would it cost to fix?
Any pointers would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
autobahner44

ashman

Look for a good independant mercedes tech to do a pre purchase inspection

myfirstbenz

I would keep looking If this one doesn't grab you right away. Rear accumulators or nitrogen filled capsules, act as a dampening device for the adjustable rear suspension... these often go at around 100k and most people don't know to change them. make sure the hydraulic res. has fluid in it. It is behind the driver's headlight. When I bought my TE last Nov, I had to replace these, I replaced the front sway bar bushings, I put HD bilsteins in the front, put stainless steel brakelines all around(these last two items I had left over from my last benz). Euro Hedlights are also a must, for both safety and looks. These cars also rarely get their cap and rotor changed. These are all simple mainenence items but make a big difference, so if you find a car that needs these, then you can just negociate down the price. You will be hooked on MB's if you have been running VW's and Audis.

autobahner44

I had my mechanic go over the car this morning. Needs rear bearings and brakes, major tune-up and front headlights are cracked. About 800$ not including the headlight surrounds. Cheesy aftermarket CD player.Body is very clean with no rust except dime-sized spot near right taillight-only visible when tailgate lifted. Springs are worn in front seats. He's too high on his price by about 1200-1500$.

shadowgriffen

I have a TE and it is the most reliable car I've ever owned! Very easy to work on.

Well, what I would advice for you to do is get a tune up (if you do purchase the car). The rough Idle is probably due to bad plugs/wires/cap combo. the car sounds like it needs a refreshening!

Do this and you'll have yourself an every-day driver with style and class

Ron in SC

I bought a 1992 300TE about a month ago with 133K miles on it and I've pretty much fixed it up to be quite nice. You can spend some time and money going over the vehicle to get it the way you like. Some of the stuff I did others may not have bothered with. Here's a list.

Work done immediately prior to purchase by seller:
A/C blower motor
oil sending unit
driver’s side door window motor
Climate control unit

Work done by me:
Coolant reservoir
coolant reservoir cap
5 coolant hoses
thermostat & gasket
radiator overflow plug
coolant
Acc mono valve
auxiliary water pump
grommets for windshield washer tank pumps
fuel filter
oil and oil filter
power steering fluid flushed & filter
hydraulic fluid flushed & filter
transmission fluid, filter, & gasket
rear diff. fluid
wiper blades: front, back & headlights
distributor cap, rotor, suppressor & o-ring
ignition wire holder
6 spark plugs
voltage regulator
battery & battery hold down clamp
refinished battery tray
2 breather hoses
air intake hose
hood silencer pad
rear muffler & muffler clamp
4 exhaust system hangers
flushed brake system
adjusted front bearings
rear shock bump stops & shock boots
flushed hydraulic suspension system
2 accumulators
suspension Pull Rod
adjusted ride height
replaced trim piece by front seat
rubber covers that attach to driver's side & passenger mirrors
Acc. belt idler pulley
fan clutch bearing bracket
rear hatch stabilizer shocks-2 & new pins
re-glued MB tex in front side pockets
support joints on rear wheel carriers

Work to be done:
valve stem seals which I’ve ordered
new tires

myfirstbenz

wow, Ron, your wagon must feel like a new ride! Love to see some pics when it is done. What tires are you thinking about? Getting newer wheels? I have my michelin x-ice tires I got this winter on my factory rims, but once the weather clears up this spring I am trying to decide if I want to put my 18's from my 400E on my TE. I have power slot rotors and stainless steel brakelines so brake power isn't a concern. They need to be repainted due to the gravel rash from my accident. I am thinking I might paint them to match the gray of the bumpers as opposed to the original color. Thoughts? I might also try to trade my brother for his 16' 8holes and he could put the 18's on his CE...

Ron in SC

Below is a link to the auction which has a bunch of photos.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6335

I'm not sure whether I'll get new wheels or not. I do have athe 8 hole wheels on another 92 300E and I do like them. As for tires I'm not sure what to get but they will not be Michlen MXV4 or MXV4 plus since I've had those tires on 3 different MBs, they wear fast and can be dangerous in the rain.

Whatever tire I get I'll probably get them wider, like maybe 215s.

And yes the car does drive like new. I've already had offers for it way way over what I paid but it's not for sale it's for my wife. She likes her 92 300E sedan so much she wanted a wagon version too.