1992 300E Fix or Part Out???
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Joined: Nov 2009
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1992 300E
1992 300E Fix or Part Out???
Have a 1992 300E with only 97K miles on it that was involved in a minor accident, but looks like cost to fix will exceed value. Got hit in the grille, so looking at new radiator, condensor, grille, and fan parts. Figure its worth around $3,500 in its former condition (nearly perfect!), and repair estimates are coming in around $3,000. The party that hit the car has insurance, and they will probably total the car. So should I try to buy this thing back? I figure I could get it back on the road for about $1,000 if I buy used parts and do the work myself. But I am guessing it will get a salvage title. Or I could part it out for probably $3,000, but with a ton of labor and headache.
It is all a shame, because this car drove like a dream and was probably good for another 150K+miles!!!
What does the community think???
It is all a shame, because this car drove like a dream and was probably good for another 150K+miles!!!
What does the community think???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
Have a 1992 300E with only 97K miles on it that was involved in a minor accident, but looks like cost to fix will exceed value. Got hit in the grille, so looking at new radiator, condensor, grille, and fan parts. Figure its worth around $3,500 in its former condition (nearly perfect!), and repair estimates are coming in around $3,000. The party that hit the car has insurance, and they will probably total the car. So should I try to buy this thing back? I figure I could get it back on the road for about $1,000 if I buy used parts and do the work myself. But I am guessing it will get a salvage title. Or I could part it out for probably $3,000, but with a ton of labor and headache.
It is all a shame, because this car drove like a dream and was probably good for another 150K+miles!!!
What does the community think???
It is all a shame, because this car drove like a dream and was probably good for another 150K+miles!!!
What does the community think???
If it is as good as you say, I'd fix it. A $3,000 Honda Civic or Pontiac Sunfire would likely still need repairs and wouldn't be anywhere close to being as satisfying.
That being said, if you live in SoCal you could probably part it out quickly.
Thats my' 2 Cents"
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
1984 190D
Assuming the damage is light...
Settle with Ins company and keep the car...
We just went thru this with my Jeep Cherokee... they paid us $2400 and we kept the car... yes, a salvage title now but the damage was a bent axle tube and wheel... fixed for under $150.
Go to you local Pick-a-Part or Pick-your-Part, even better on a 1/2 price weekend and you will find a ton of 124's.
I bet you can get all you need for a few hundred bucks max.
You know your car, and under 100k, it has so much life left in it...
DO IT!
Settle with Ins company and keep the car...
We just went thru this with my Jeep Cherokee... they paid us $2400 and we kept the car... yes, a salvage title now but the damage was a bent axle tube and wheel... fixed for under $150.
Go to you local Pick-a-Part or Pick-your-Part, even better on a 1/2 price weekend and you will find a ton of 124's.
I bet you can get all you need for a few hundred bucks max.
You know your car, and under 100k, it has so much life left in it...
DO IT!
Last edited by Merkey; Nov 21, 2009 at 03:44 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park, Illinois
1994 E320 (current)
If it were me I would take the money and find a better one. Something with the 104 or even the 4.2 119. They are very easy to find and cheap for the car you are getting. I been wishing someone would t-bone my car for months now.
Have a 1992 300E with only 97K miles on it that was involved in a minor accident, but looks like cost to fix will exceed value. Got hit in the grille, so looking at new radiator, condensor, grille, and fan parts. Figure its worth around $3,500 in its former condition (nearly perfect!), and repair estimates are coming in around $3,000. The party that hit the car has insurance, and they will probably total the car. So should I try to buy this thing back? I figure I could get it back on the road for about $1,000 if I buy used parts and do the work myself. But I am guessing it will get a salvage title. Or I could part it out for probably $3,000, but with a ton of labor and headache.
It is all a shame, because this car drove like a dream and was probably good for another 150K+miles!!!
What does the community think???
It is all a shame, because this car drove like a dream and was probably good for another 150K+miles!!!
What does the community think???
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 281
Likes: 4
From: IL / WI
Depends on the day
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park, Illinois
1994 E320 (current)
True, I haven't done enough of that. Maybe this winter I will hit the Dan Ryan on the first snow. That is guaranteed a fender smacker. It amazes me that people completely forget how to drive on snow in one summer.
Where abouts are you in Chicago?
Where abouts are you in Chicago?
