I miss my w124... maybe a w124 wagon this time around?
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From: Petaluma, California
1990 300e 3.0L
I miss my w124... maybe a w124 wagon this time around?
Well, I seriously screwed up.....
Sold the Benz to my aunt (whom loves it, to death I might add) ; and bought myself a Land Rover DII ; because I have property up north and need a truck often - and because trucking my mud-loving hound around in the Benz was getting a bit dicey.
I guess fate was at hand, because after almost a year of owning the Rover ; it was totaled when some moron in a pickup turned right into me, I ended up in a ditch and the truck was toast. Buckled the roofline, windshield shattered, airbags deployed, frame bent in on the pass. side -- everything.
At this point... I'm waiting on the insurance company to get their act together and send me my settlement ; but I'm looking at perhaps a w124 wagon this time around, maybe... just maybe... a clean e320?
I've seen some clean e320 wagons , and I'm wondering about bio-degradable engine harnesses ; head gaskets, etc... lol. My 300E was really reliable, and still faithfully works for a member of the family ; so I figure what the hell - go without the 4 wheel drive but still have muddy hound storage.
What years to go for, what years to stay away from gents?
Otherwise, I'll buy a really clean 300CE just because I like the body style and ruin the front passenger seat.
Also any opinions on e420's, 400e's? I can't afford a 500e, so it would be the next best thing.
Sold the Benz to my aunt (whom loves it, to death I might add) ; and bought myself a Land Rover DII ; because I have property up north and need a truck often - and because trucking my mud-loving hound around in the Benz was getting a bit dicey.
I guess fate was at hand, because after almost a year of owning the Rover ; it was totaled when some moron in a pickup turned right into me, I ended up in a ditch and the truck was toast. Buckled the roofline, windshield shattered, airbags deployed, frame bent in on the pass. side -- everything.
At this point... I'm waiting on the insurance company to get their act together and send me my settlement ; but I'm looking at perhaps a w124 wagon this time around, maybe... just maybe... a clean e320?
I've seen some clean e320 wagons , and I'm wondering about bio-degradable engine harnesses ; head gaskets, etc... lol. My 300E was really reliable, and still faithfully works for a member of the family ; so I figure what the hell - go without the 4 wheel drive but still have muddy hound storage.
What years to go for, what years to stay away from gents?
Otherwise, I'll buy a really clean 300CE just because I like the body style and ruin the front passenger seat.
Also any opinions on e420's, 400e's? I can't afford a 500e, so it would be the next best thing.
Last edited by capthook; Jul 9, 2009 at 08:38 PM. Reason: added a pic of the dead Rover. hahaha
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Maybe a 4matic sedan? That'd be able to do some crawling and you could just put covers in the rear for the doggie.
What type of hound may I ask? bloodhound? Ours is such a mess in the cars, she never goes in my CE. Wouldn't fit anyway
What type of hound may I ask? bloodhound? Ours is such a mess in the cars, she never goes in my CE. Wouldn't fit anyway
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Petaluma, California
1990 300e 3.0L
Good advice, hadn't thought of a 4-matic trans w124 ... which would be very nice to have.
The dogger is a Plotthound / Lab mix... around 40-50 lbs ; doesn't shed much & looks innocent enough - but he wrecks interiors, LoL
The dogger is a Plotthound / Lab mix... around 40-50 lbs ; doesn't shed much & looks innocent enough - but he wrecks interiors, LoL
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 186
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1992 300TE 4matic wagon
Well, I seriously screwed up.....
Sold the Benz to my aunt (whom loves it, to death I might add) ; and bought myself a Land Rover DII ; because I have property up north and need a truck often - and because trucking my mud-loving hound around in the Benz was getting a bit dicey.
I guess fate was at hand, because after almost a year of owning the Rover ; it was totaled when some moron in a pickup turned right into me, I ended up in a ditch and the truck was toast. Buckled the roofline, windshield shattered, airbags deployed, frame bent in on the pass. side -- everything.
At this point... I'm waiting on the insurance company to get their act together and send me my settlement ; but I'm looking at perhaps a w124 wagon this time around, maybe... just maybe... a clean e320?
I've seen some clean e320 wagons , and I'm wondering about bio-degradable engine harnesses ; head gaskets, etc... lol. My 300E was really reliable, and still faithfully works for a member of the family ; so I figure what the hell - go without the 4 wheel drive but still have muddy hound storage.
What years to go for, what years to stay away from gents?
Otherwise, I'll buy a really clean 300CE just because I like the body style and ruin the front passenger seat. Also any opinions on e420's, 400e's? I can't afford a 500e, so it would be the next best thing.
Sold the Benz to my aunt (whom loves it, to death I might add) ; and bought myself a Land Rover DII ; because I have property up north and need a truck often - and because trucking my mud-loving hound around in the Benz was getting a bit dicey.
I guess fate was at hand, because after almost a year of owning the Rover ; it was totaled when some moron in a pickup turned right into me, I ended up in a ditch and the truck was toast. Buckled the roofline, windshield shattered, airbags deployed, frame bent in on the pass. side -- everything.
At this point... I'm waiting on the insurance company to get their act together and send me my settlement ; but I'm looking at perhaps a w124 wagon this time around, maybe... just maybe... a clean e320?
I've seen some clean e320 wagons , and I'm wondering about bio-degradable engine harnesses ; head gaskets, etc... lol. My 300E was really reliable, and still faithfully works for a member of the family ; so I figure what the hell - go without the 4 wheel drive but still have muddy hound storage.
What years to go for, what years to stay away from gents?
Otherwise, I'll buy a really clean 300CE just because I like the body style and ruin the front passenger seat.
Also any opinions on e420's, 400e's? I can't afford a 500e, so it would be the next best thing.I'm partial, but second the 300TE 4matic wagon choice. I am the original purchaser of a '92. Only thing ever of note was the head gasket, because the ex overheated the engine. Depending on your source of info, I'm suppose to have the biodegradable wiring harness...mine has given me no trouble. Some sources say '92, some say '93. To play it safe then, a '91 would not have that problem. There was also an issue with the air bag degrading up to a certain VIN #.
The 4matic system has proven itself again and again over 220K miles. Last winter here, we had over 20 inches of snow in town. My car became a veritable taxi and I could go anywhere the jacked-up redneck pickups could. That sure pissed them off when I passed them or followed them.
And this is with high speed hwy tires.The fit & finish of the wagon inside is phenomenal...go for the MB Tex if you can find one-wears like iron and it would be patient with your puppy.
If you find one, make sure it's had a new water pump, new radiator, new thermostat, working electric fans and new hoses etc. Don't EVER let the motor get hot or you will lose the head gasket seal and warp the head.
Kevin
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From: Petaluma, California
1990 300e 3.0L
s124
Great replies, thanks Kevin !! I like what you had to say about your 4matic still being a very capable vehicle, even in snow. Lake Tahoe without chains is always a good thing.
From what I am hearing, I want to look for a clean 300TE 4Matic wagon ; should I steer clear of the e320 wagons as the 3.2L was not as reliable? (94-95) ... I've seen a few e320 wagons locally that had around 100-130k, & pretty clean too. Any thoughts on those years? I know they're not 4Matic, but that's what i've been seeing more of with lower mileage.
Now ; the 4matic was scratched in '93.... what's this about the 'multiplate clutch central diff' being prone to failure? I assume the mechanical version (86-91) was better... ? Which would lend again to a '90-'91 being a good choice without all the bio-degradable bits, etc..
from wikipedia:
"Two W124 variants of the 4Matic system were produced, the first system (1986-1991) used a mechanical pressure test lever to disable the system hydraulically while the second system variant (1992/1993) used an electrical test switch to break power to the system.
The latter system variant when in test mode allows for continued operation of the rear shock self-levelling-system (SLS) when installed. Plagued with reliability problems at first, the multiplate clutch central differential were prone to failure -- Ritter, S: Mercedes-Benz E class Owners Bible Problems Section page 314 Bentley Publishers 2007 ; it was withdrawn in 1993."
Lake Tahoe without chains is always a good thing. From what I am hearing, I want to look for a clean 300TE 4Matic wagon ; should I steer clear of the e320 wagons as the 3.2L was not as reliable? (94-95) ... I've seen a few e320 wagons locally that had around 100-130k, & pretty clean too. Any thoughts on those years? I know they're not 4Matic, but that's what i've been seeing more of with lower mileage.
Now ; the 4matic was scratched in '93.... what's this about the 'multiplate clutch central diff' being prone to failure? I assume the mechanical version (86-91) was better... ? Which would lend again to a '90-'91 being a good choice without all the bio-degradable bits, etc..
from wikipedia:
"Two W124 variants of the 4Matic system were produced, the first system (1986-1991) used a mechanical pressure test lever to disable the system hydraulically while the second system variant (1992/1993) used an electrical test switch to break power to the system.
The latter system variant when in test mode allows for continued operation of the rear shock self-levelling-system (SLS) when installed. Plagued with reliability problems at first, the multiplate clutch central differential were prone to failure -- Ritter, S: Mercedes-Benz E class Owners Bible Problems Section page 314 Bentley Publishers 2007 ; it was withdrawn in 1993."
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1992 300TE 4matic wagon
Great replies, thanks Kevin !! I like what you had to say about your 4matic still being a very capable vehicle, even in snow. Lake Tahoe without chains is always a good thing.
From what I am hearing, I want to look for a clean 300TE 4Matic wagon ; should I steer clear of the e320 wagons as the 3.2L was not as reliable? (94-95) ... I've seen a few e320 wagons locally that had around 100-130k, & pretty clean too. Any thoughts on those years? I know they're not 4Matic, but that's what i've been seeing more of with lower mileage.
Now ; the 4matic was scratched in '93.... what's this about the 'multiplate clutch central diff' being prone to failure? I assume the mechanical version (86-91) was better... ? Which would lend again to a '90-'91 being a good choice without all the bio-degradable bits, etc..
from wikipedia:
"Two W124 variants of the 4Matic system were produced, the first system (1986-1991) used a mechanical pressure test lever to disable the system hydraulically while the second system variant (1992/1993) used an electrical test switch to break power to the system.
The latter system variant when in test mode allows for continued operation of the rear shock self-levelling-system (SLS) when installed. Plagued with reliability problems at first, the multiplate clutch central differential were prone to failure -- Ritter, S: Mercedes-Benz E class Owners Bible Problems Section page 314 Bentley Publishers 2007 ; it was withdrawn in 1993."
Lake Tahoe without chains is always a good thing. From what I am hearing, I want to look for a clean 300TE 4Matic wagon ; should I steer clear of the e320 wagons as the 3.2L was not as reliable? (94-95) ... I've seen a few e320 wagons locally that had around 100-130k, & pretty clean too. Any thoughts on those years? I know they're not 4Matic, but that's what i've been seeing more of with lower mileage.
Now ; the 4matic was scratched in '93.... what's this about the 'multiplate clutch central diff' being prone to failure? I assume the mechanical version (86-91) was better... ? Which would lend again to a '90-'91 being a good choice without all the bio-degradable bits, etc..
from wikipedia:
"Two W124 variants of the 4Matic system were produced, the first system (1986-1991) used a mechanical pressure test lever to disable the system hydraulically while the second system variant (1992/1993) used an electrical test switch to break power to the system.
The latter system variant when in test mode allows for continued operation of the rear shock self-levelling-system (SLS) when installed. Plagued with reliability problems at first, the multiplate clutch central differential were prone to failure -- Ritter, S: Mercedes-Benz E class Owners Bible Problems Section page 314 Bentley Publishers 2007 ; it was withdrawn in 1993."
My system has the mechanical override lever....so it's Type I, even though it's a '92. And I also probably have the good wiring harness. Be wary of cut off dates unless they are documented by a VIN #. That's why I was saying to go for a '91 or at least look for the mechanical override lever which indicates a Type I 4matic system.
I think the 4matic feature is worth having and looking for....when the Type I system is functioning properly, it really does strut its stuff.
Speaking of Lake Tahoe.....I was there last summer coming down to Carson city, averaging 80-85MPH is those nasty twisties. So much so that I set off the 4matic light more than a few times. Most people think of the 4matic with regard only to slippery surfaces like snow & ice. It comes into its own on dry pavement too when you're slamming it around. I'd think you would be safe with a '92 if it was Type I assembled like mine....I guess it depends on what you find out there. Let me know if you find any cutoff dates by VIN #'s.
Kevin
Last edited by Real1shepherd; Jul 10, 2009 at 02:19 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
I've owned my 1990 4matic wagon for 3 full winters now. I've been conditioned to fear it's failure on these sites, but I absolutely love this car especially in the snow.
DID YOU KNOW?
An s124 can fit 12 dogs, with none in the front seats?
DID YOU KNOW?
An s124 can fit 12 dogs, with none in the front seats?
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1992 300TE 4matic wagon
But....if you are set to rely on dealers and indies, then you have to pay the piper at some point to own and operate these aging cars.Kevin
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Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 67
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From: Petaluma, California
1990 300e 3.0L
s124
Thanks guys!!
I guess that's my biggest fear in finding a good used 4matic... (i.e, did the last owner replace the transfer case seals,?) as it seems a lot of costly repairs on these can easily be averted with proper servicing. Good to know [some] 92's are still without the bio-engine harness.
But... that being said, a lot of the MBZ's here in Northern California are total dealership kitties ; so it shouldn't be (too) difficult to find one with a ton of service history.
Good to know the e320 wagons (94-95) are also worth looking at ; even though they have the 3.2. I thought there was something to do with head gaskets on these engines ; but I could be wrong. The m103 is a fantastic motor ; built to last -- but these cars (are) getting older, and much harder to find in good condition (without 265,000 mi)
BTW, RHW -- I love the sportline benz's ; your 92 looks really clean!!!
I guess that's my biggest fear in finding a good used 4matic... (i.e, did the last owner replace the transfer case seals,?) as it seems a lot of costly repairs on these can easily be averted with proper servicing. Good to know [some] 92's are still without the bio-engine harness.
But... that being said, a lot of the MBZ's here in Northern California are total dealership kitties ; so it shouldn't be (too) difficult to find one with a ton of service history.
Good to know the e320 wagons (94-95) are also worth looking at ; even though they have the 3.2. I thought there was something to do with head gaskets on these engines ; but I could be wrong. The m103 is a fantastic motor ; built to last -- but these cars (are) getting older, and much harder to find in good condition (without 265,000 mi)
BTW, RHW -- I love the sportline benz's ; your 92 looks really clean!!!
Last edited by capthook; Jul 12, 2009 at 12:46 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
1992 300TE 4matic wagon
Thanks guys!!
I guess that's my biggest fear in finding a good used 4matic... (i.e, did the last owner replace the transfer case seals,?) as it seems a lot of costly repairs on these can easily be averted with proper servicing. Good to know [some] 92's are still without the bio-engine harness.
But... that being said, a lot of the MBZ's here in Northern California are total dealership kitties ; so it shouldn't be (too) difficult to find one with a ton of service history.
Good to know the e320 wagons (94-95) are also worth looking at ; even though they have the 3.2. I thought there was something to do with head gaskets on these engines ; but I could be wrong. The m103 is a fantastic motor ; built to last -- but these cars (are) getting older, and much harder to find in good condition (without 265,000 mi)
BTW, RHW -- I love the sportline benz's ; your 92 looks really clean!!!
I guess that's my biggest fear in finding a good used 4matic... (i.e, did the last owner replace the transfer case seals,?) as it seems a lot of costly repairs on these can easily be averted with proper servicing. Good to know [some] 92's are still without the bio-engine harness.
But... that being said, a lot of the MBZ's here in Northern California are total dealership kitties ; so it shouldn't be (too) difficult to find one with a ton of service history.
Good to know the e320 wagons (94-95) are also worth looking at ; even though they have the 3.2. I thought there was something to do with head gaskets on these engines ; but I could be wrong. The m103 is a fantastic motor ; built to last -- but these cars (are) getting older, and much harder to find in good condition (without 265,000 mi)
BTW, RHW -- I love the sportline benz's ; your 92 looks really clean!!!
Good luck with your search.
Kevin
