1986 300E AMG - Is this a good buy?
09-20-2002, 01:49 AM
#1
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1986 300E AMG - Is this a good buy?
I'm considering buying a 1986 300e AMG w/ 106K miles.
As far as I know it's a real AMG, however has some wear damage. Would appreciate recommedations on repair and parts/ prices.
Thanks - Ulyssesdeguzman@yahoo.com
Issue:
1. Driver side power Recaro Seat won't recline
2. A/C needs some work although heater works
3. Have to step on gas so car will start - Fuel pump?
4. Tune up or valve job needed? - engine doesn't idle smoothly
5. Tires are worn out
6. ABS lite doesn't turn off immediately on dashboard - not sure if lite was wired correctly?
7. From what I've been told, nothing has been upgraded or replaced (eg. shocks)
Would this be a good buy under $5K. What should I look for on a car like this. What are common repairs or repairs to watch out for? How much are repairs/maintenaces?
As far as I know it's a real AMG, however has some wear damage. Would appreciate recommedations on repair and parts/ prices.
Thanks - Ulyssesdeguzman@yahoo.com
Issue:
1. Driver side power Recaro Seat won't recline
2. A/C needs some work although heater works
3. Have to step on gas so car will start - Fuel pump?
4. Tune up or valve job needed? - engine doesn't idle smoothly
5. Tires are worn out
6. ABS lite doesn't turn off immediately on dashboard - not sure if lite was wired correctly?
7. From what I've been told, nothing has been upgraded or replaced (eg. shocks)
Would this be a good buy under $5K. What should I look for on a car like this. What are common repairs or repairs to watch out for? How much are repairs/maintenaces?
09-20-2002, 05:34 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hi,
what you discribe would really scare me a lot. First I doubt there was ever a real (original) AMG 300E. If I'm not mistaken AMG has tuned and upgraded the W124 500E.
The "wear" you describe is major in my opinion, and does not exactly fit the milage of 106k, as per my opinion.
1. A/C, if evaporator (under the dash board) is leaking my guess $3000, other A/C repair is less than $3000, unless the compressor is shot.
2. Recaro seats are pretty expensive too
3. "Step on gas to start", may be something else, since the fuel pump is electric and is not linked to the "pedal"
4. Depending on the milage for an '86 I would expect atleast the valve stem seals to be replaced. Actually for an '86 I would have doubts that 106k mls is the the real driven value (6.6 k per year!?!?!), especially looking at the wear you already found out about.
5. ABS light on during driving is generally not a good sign, and I'm sure that has nothing to do with right or wrong wiring.
6. What is the oil consuption. There are two options, one is leaking through the front enginge gasket (no big deal), second is burning oil through valve stems, piston seal rings, bearings or head gasket (serious)
7. How does the paint finish look like, shiny or dull?
8. Service intervalls have been honored??
9. Oil changes (very important for that car) have been done regularly?? My personal opinion and experience is to change oil at half of the recommended milage.
In general if the W124's are well maintained, than the engines last easily for 200-300k mls.
What you describe does however not look like a well maintained "baby".
I think you may find a car in better shape in the $ 5k range.
what you discribe would really scare me a lot. First I doubt there was ever a real (original) AMG 300E. If I'm not mistaken AMG has tuned and upgraded the W124 500E.
The "wear" you describe is major in my opinion, and does not exactly fit the milage of 106k, as per my opinion.
1. A/C, if evaporator (under the dash board) is leaking my guess $3000, other A/C repair is less than $3000, unless the compressor is shot.
2. Recaro seats are pretty expensive too
3. "Step on gas to start", may be something else, since the fuel pump is electric and is not linked to the "pedal"
4. Depending on the milage for an '86 I would expect atleast the valve stem seals to be replaced. Actually for an '86 I would have doubts that 106k mls is the the real driven value (6.6 k per year!?!?!), especially looking at the wear you already found out about.
5. ABS light on during driving is generally not a good sign, and I'm sure that has nothing to do with right or wrong wiring.
6. What is the oil consuption. There are two options, one is leaking through the front enginge gasket (no big deal), second is burning oil through valve stems, piston seal rings, bearings or head gasket (serious)
7. How does the paint finish look like, shiny or dull?
8. Service intervalls have been honored??
9. Oil changes (very important for that car) have been done regularly?? My personal opinion and experience is to change oil at half of the recommended milage.
In general if the W124's are well maintained, than the engines last easily for 200-300k mls.
What you describe does however not look like a well maintained "baby".
I think you may find a car in better shape in the $ 5k range.
09-20-2002, 12:05 PM
#3
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1986 300E AMG
According to the "3rd" owner, it's an AMG b/c of ext and int modifications. The body is a good condition and the paint is shiny, except for the gas tank area of the body; it seemed dull. I took it for a test drive and I noticed it didn't idle smoothly, however seemed decent.
09-20-2002, 10:59 PM
#4
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260E , 1989 (for now)
From the description you gave, I'd say you,ll have to spend quite a bit of money to bring it back to a decent shape.
Engine (valve guides ($1,500), A/C, $3,000. Shocks ($600) seats ($?), fuel injection/electrical ($?). A 5 to 6$K easy.
Considering the initial $5,000., another 5-6$K on repairs for a 1986, I"d be seriously looking for a nice 1993 with real 106,000 on it for the same money. Your decision.
JackD
Engine (valve guides ($1,500), A/C, $3,000. Shocks ($600) seats ($?), fuel injection/electrical ($?). A 5 to 6$K easy.
Considering the initial $5,000., another 5-6$K on repairs for a 1986, I"d be seriously looking for a nice 1993 with real 106,000 on it for the same money. Your decision.
JackD
09-20-2002, 11:36 PM
#5
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Good buy??? I am not sure. You can probably get something nicer...
And the AMG thing is just a mod, I'm sure.
You could get the car though and get the stuff fixed. That would be like $10,000 for a nice running car!
The older it gets the more maintenance it requires though...
And the AMG thing is just a mod, I'm sure.
You could get the car though and get the stuff fixed. That would be like $10,000 for a nice running car!
The older it gets the more maintenance it requires though...
10-14-2002, 11:15 PM
#6
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First I doubt there was ever a real (original) AMG 300E.
http://www.benzsport.com/forums/show...threadid=14620
