Question about this 300CE for sale?
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Calgary, AB
1995 E320 Cabriolet
Question about this 300CE for sale?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I think the repair prices are a bit inflated, but he's not far off. The AC Evaps usually go a bit more than 100,000 but it depends on the climate. Wiring harness issues I thought were about '92-'96. I wouldn't say it's 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 259
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From: Calgary, AB
1995 E320 Cabriolet
What about the part about the 90-ups being more expensive to maintain
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From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I think it's kind of a toss up. The M103 W124s have less to go wrong, but are older. I don't think you could accurately predict which one will cost more. Some people here have not spent much; others have spent tens of thousands on both models. You just have to try to get one that was well maintained and has had all the necessary work done, including transmission fluid changes every 30,000 miles.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Central VA, Philadelphia, PA
95' E320 Wagon (gave to father) 15' VW TDI Wagon, 05' X3, 97' F150, 99' Buell S3
Sounds like he's building up his car. As one would if they are on a shameless sell job. The discussion goes on and on about 103 versus 104 motor. The CE got the 104 before the sedans, I think in 89'. If he were selling a 104 motored car he would probably talk about the lower power and torque of the 103.
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From: Seattle
1990 300ce
I have a 1990 300ce M104... I'm one of those guys who has spent a fortune maintaining it. I have definitely heard that the 103's are easier to maintain, but as shdoug points out, 103's are older so they might be higher maintenance just by virtue of their age.
But I bet you spend a lot less on labor for M103 work due to the less sophisticated electronics. Or if you like to turn a wrench, the M103 is easier for a DIYer to work on.
As for the wiring harness and head gasket cost, I could see that getting up to the $5,000 range pretty easily (assuming there are a few other miscellaneous things that must be done at the same time, or if you're smart and get a valve job).
But I bet you spend a lot less on labor for M103 work due to the less sophisticated electronics. Or if you like to turn a wrench, the M103 is easier for a DIYer to work on.
As for the wiring harness and head gasket cost, I could see that getting up to the $5,000 range pretty easily (assuming there are a few other miscellaneous things that must be done at the same time, or if you're smart and get a valve job).
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: San Jose
300TE / 300E / 300CE
His statements are worse case but not unreasonable. The age vs. complexity is a valid argument but having had 300E's and a recent 300CE I'd have to say the cost of maintenance parts are higher on the m104 (tune up, brake parts so far). I also had to buy a costly ignition module (unique to a few models) and fear if any unique body parts are damaged. It's a beauty but more high maintenance...
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From: Northern California
It changes all the time
You guys are overlooking one very important fact, and that is cost per mile to drive a very respectable unit. You can pi*s and moan about $100 here and $1000 there, but the fact is you're still driving for cheap. A $13,000 econo box will cost you around $31,000 over the first 5 years when you consider tax, license, insurance, maintenance, and most of all depreciation. The new Chevy Malibu is $19k stripped, and I'll bet no one comes up tu you in a few years and says," hey, nice looking Malibu". The 124 coupe is a very impressive car. My wife works for a vineyard development company in Napa Valley, and for a couple of years until we picked up the 97 129 roadster this summer, she drove a black with cognac 89 300CE. It had pollished rims and Alpine 6 Cd system. Napa valley wine people can be snobby, but it's funny she drives the only $3500 car in a parking lot filled with $30,000+ vehicles, and they all want to ride in her Mercedes when they go to lunch. Think about it ,guys. Your alternative to no repairs is sign on the dotted line for $40k minimum. Start figuring that cost per mile.
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