I decided to learn some financial lessons from this economy and buy a car for cash. Did I need to buy a Mercedes? Probably not. But I have always loved the old school 300TE's. So I bought one for $2200.00 (It was actually posted on here) Anyway it was AS-IS, the guy would not allow it to be taken anywhere because it was unregistered. I checked the fluids, ran it in the driveway, everything looked decent. And for $2200 it seemed like a deal.

Hardly any records from this second owner either. Claimed new exhaust- not true. Claimed new suspension parts- not true according to my mechanic. The one major repair I knew about was the rear axle being replaced. According to my mechanic (a BMW Independent) the job was done so shoddily that it affected the E Brake and I was lucky that I did not drive it in that condition. A little scary, but okay, he took care of it but I could put another $700.00 into that issue to make it 100%. But is now safe to drive. Needs alot of suspension work ( Front Struts, Steering Tie Rod and Center Link, and LF Control Arm/bushing/balljoint) which are original,which is my next round of repairs. Also need to do Alternator and Battery before winter, and he is recommending the radiator and waterpump due to them being original)

So I initially put $1200 into it-
Took care of the rear axle issue to a point (long story)
Transmission Fluid/filter/gasket
Tune Up- Plus/Wires/Air Filter
New Engine Mounts
Serpentine Belt.

I did not drive the car for a week or so after this service and on Monday morning I start driving to work and the transmission will not shift. I drove about 1/2 mile and pulled it over at a Gas/Service Station. The transmission had NO FLUID. It turns out the new gasket had ruptured- and when I had the fluid put in it- it was literally pouring out. So I have it towed and sure enough I am being told that the gasket was faulty. They ordered a new gasket, did a new transmission service, and I am being told that the transmission was not compromised, fluid is fine, no bits of metal, whatever.. This mechanic paid for my tow and rental car so I know they are acceping responsibility.

Car has been running great for the remainder of the week, but it still concerns me. Can an old transmission survive that kind of situation? It sounded horrible. I am willing to put the $3000.00 worth of work that this vehicle needs over the next few months, but not if the transmission is going to go. I would just as soon sell the car for parts or something. It sucks because the transmission was the only part other than the engine that seemed to be well maintained! lol. This was according to the mechanic when I picked it up after the original service/tuneup.

 

How far did you drive with no fluid?

Sorry to break it to you, but you probably have a huge bill of back maintenance...These cars can add up extremely quick. I suggest you begin learning how to do some basic maintenance yourself because at 200k with original items still in, you can be easily be at $10k no in time at all. Even my 260E...I've paid $2.5k in parts of back maintenance and calculated at a local shop it would have cost me about $7k with all the work I have done just to catch up with everything.

 

It was under 1/2 mile..

More like a 1/4.

Oh man, you have no idea how NOT handy I am. I can't put a puzzle together much less change my oil.

I have found a new mechanic( I will never go to this guy again)..

I called Mercedes about the Radiator/Fuel Pump/Hoses and they quoted me $2000.00. Of course I can get this done with non Mercedes parts at my guy for around $1100.00

I would say that the car easily needs $5000.00 in service, including the exhaust as well.

I don't know what I was thinking buying this thing without getting it checked out first. Oh well. I do like the car though. It is a cool wagon.

I drove a 07 Range Rover HSE before this and I am enjoying saving on fuel.