89fuchswagen

I may have the chance in the near future to acquire a 1992 MB 300 CE. The body and trans have 87k on it. The motor was replaced with a junkyard one four years ago but hasn't been driven since. A mechanic owns it now after the previous owner gave it to him (I suppose for a portion of the bill after the motor swap).Body is straight paint is fair and it has good rubber all around. My question is are these things worth messing with or should I just pass on it. I wont have any cash involved in the purchase the mech that owns it is interested in a couple of older cars I have so he is thinking of doing some trading.

STLe320

To be honest, no one knows where to start here.

I'd go for it of I were you. They're dependable, strong, and still stylish/classy. There are a good amount of mods if you're interested in that as well.

Best of luck on the purchase if you decide that's what you want

RogerJones

If it works as it should, it's a great car. Four years of dormancy after an engine transplant would make me very nervous. You're saying that the car has done 87k but has had that transplant anyway? It all seems a bit odd. If it does all make sense, then get a specialist pre-acquisition inspection on it anyway. In any event, the head gasket will fail at some stage, usually at rear left (looking from front); that's a $1000+ job done by an independent.

89fuchswagen

The story I got was the owners wanted to fix it for their son. The car has 87k on it before the transplant. At that time the motor was replaced with a used/junkyard one. After the mechanic replaced it and got everything operable to the sum of $5000.00 it just sat and then the owner I suppose released the car to the mechanic. Dormancy does not bother me mostly because I would have no cash involved just some old "junk" in the yard the guy is interested in. I can also perform any needed work myself. Head gasket included.

Bigpete123

I think what RogerJones was referring to is why they needed to replace the engine at 87k miles unless the car was heavily abused. I have 203k on mine. I had the head gasket done along with a valve job at 175k. There's no reason the engine would've failed that early other than abuse/neglect.

But if you're up for a project car, this could be a fun one. Remember that parts aren't cheap for these cars, even if you do the work yourself.

Saijin_Naib

My question is, what car will you be losing in trade to get the CE? Don't get me wrong, I love my CE to death, but I am so very dissapointed with it's lack of power and how composed it is. I mean, its a dream to drive on highways or other long-distance trips, but it could stand to be more fun to toss around.

89fuchswagen

I am trying to get cash for the stuff but he is hinting at trading the benz for it. the list of items for trade is: 1963 ford f100 truck in restorable shape, two parts jeeps 55 57, chevy nova rear end and front clip and a old ****** pickup frame.

mr300ce

OK.......get rid of all that junk and get the MB. Great car!

You WILL need new tires, because those on it now will fall apart shortly after driving on them.

I love my 300ce.

Makahveli

With a car sitting around like that sounds like some gaskets are dried out and many leaks are on their way. And why not drive it alot since the transplant? That is odd and it an MB at that soo.... My CE is still under 100k miles too. With that high of a bill why the hell did they put that same engine back in the car is my real question.

Chappy

Go test drive it and report back....