Mercedes + Newbie= Me
09-01-2009, 09:42 PM
#1
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1987 golf gt
Mercedes + Newbie= Me
FIRST POST 
Hey fellas thinkin about buying a 1989 E300 sedan however i am very unfamiliar with Mercedes (more of a vw guy). Is there anything notorious to look out for on these models? Any help would be greatly appreciated. i drove it today and the transmission seems to stick and it doesnt like finding the appropriate gear. The car is in MINT condition otherwise and the guy is asking $2,850 with 138,000 miles on it. Thank you for any comments!
Hey fellas thinkin about buying a 1989 E300 sedan however i am very unfamiliar with Mercedes (more of a vw guy). Is there anything notorious to look out for on these models? Any help would be greatly appreciated. i drove it today and the transmission seems to stick and it doesnt like finding the appropriate gear. The car is in MINT condition otherwise and the guy is asking $2,850 with 138,000 miles on it. Thank you for any comments!
09-01-2009, 10:42 PM
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1994 e320 sedan
I am a newbie too, but make sure the owner has all the maintenance records.
If the tranny has the problem, I think you can negociate the price more.
I don't really know about e300, other members can help you on this more.
If the tranny has the problem, I think you can negociate the price more.
I don't really know about e300, other members can help you on this more.
09-01-2009, 11:07 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
1: use search, it will give you these answers a hundred times over.
2: there are an incredible number of these cars on the road, if this one needs tranny attention, you can do better for that money.
3: especially being new to Benz, remember - the cheap comes out expensive. Read these boards long and hard and buy carefully.
2: there are an incredible number of these cars on the road, if this one needs tranny attention, you can do better for that money.
3: especially being new to Benz, remember - the cheap comes out expensive. Read these boards long and hard and buy carefully.
09-01-2009, 11:12 PM
#4
Welcome to the W124 neighborhood!
Unless abused, the transmissions are pretty rock solid...
A number of things to check:
1) Make sure no oil in coolant (head gaskets are common problem)
2) check A/C is functional (can get very expensive)
3) Listen for any clunks when coming to a stop or vibration on freeway. These are flex disk problems.
4) Oil leaks, oil leaks. The M103 likes to both burn and leak oil. If its at the front, not a big deal as its probably upper front timing cover seal. If its burning oil, you can have potential valve stem seals, or a complete valve job in line. Depends on how much its burning...Keep in mind though that prolonged will bung up the cats.
Other than that...the w124 is an extremely well built car and the M103 is a very strong reliable engine that has time and time again lasted a great number of miles.
You may want to try and get the price down a tad unless its in very very good condition....If you are worried about the transmission, I'd take it to a good Benz mechanic to check it out and make sure its ok. It might just be something as simple as the throttle linkage. But like RHW said, if any doubts over that tranny, get it looked at or go elsewhere.
Unless abused, the transmissions are pretty rock solid...
A number of things to check:
1) Make sure no oil in coolant (head gaskets are common problem)
2) check A/C is functional (can get very expensive)
3) Listen for any clunks when coming to a stop or vibration on freeway. These are flex disk problems.
4) Oil leaks, oil leaks. The M103 likes to both burn and leak oil. If its at the front, not a big deal as its probably upper front timing cover seal. If its burning oil, you can have potential valve stem seals, or a complete valve job in line. Depends on how much its burning...Keep in mind though that prolonged will bung up the cats.
Other than that...the w124 is an extremely well built car and the M103 is a very strong reliable engine that has time and time again lasted a great number of miles.
You may want to try and get the price down a tad unless its in very very good condition....If you are worried about the transmission, I'd take it to a good Benz mechanic to check it out and make sure its ok. It might just be something as simple as the throttle linkage. But like RHW said, if any doubts over that tranny, get it looked at or go elsewhere.
Last edited by ps2cho; 09-01-2009 at 11:14 PM.
09-02-2009, 02:24 AM
#5
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85 euro w124 300d non turbo black on black......coming soon hx35 turbo intercooler
Turn your ignition on make sure the dash lights are shining especially the check engine light. I just sold my car today and been keeping eye out on benzes the price seems high to me.
