ejsheltra

Looking to buy an older E Class convertible. Any tips on things to look for and / or watch out for? Prefer 1994-95.

pifcat2

• as low mileage you can find and afford
• good records
• Engine runs flawlessly, maintains cooling on hot days, no overheating'
• Top works flawlessly
• original harness was updated
• Transmission works flawlessly
• AC works flawlessly
• no oil in radiator overflow reservoir
• no green coolant
• seatbelt presenters work
• Cruise control works

WDB124066

What was the matter with green coolant again?? Mines only been to MB and it's got green.

pifcat2

MB coolant is clear as is Zerex's equivalent: G05

Green indicates someone filled it with common coolant who is not familiar or disciplined with Mercedes requirements

WDB124066

Mercedes themselves have done it, only they have had the car since new. Could be different in the US.

pifcat2

Check with the service manager next time. Keeping these cars cool is a bigger problem in the US with the hotter weather...

Sherman321

My car has been 100% dealer maintained at Mercedes of Tysons Corner (formerly HBL) and it definitely has clear coolant. I second checking with your service manager and seeing what's up.

ejsheltra

I appreciate the input. Thanks. Beyond the basic mechanics though I was interested in specifics between the model years and if there are any specifics to watch for? I understand the top operation is important, is there anything to pay close attention to that is prone to wear? The seat belt presenters I was not aware of though. That is the kind of info I am looking for. I have owned a 1990 300E sedan in the past and put 242000 miles on it. It was a great car. Any particulars with the available model years? How about things like excessive cowl shake, any extra chassis bracing that needs to be paid attention to, or any model years to steer clear from? Any range of engine options (USA based) or are they all V6 or inline 6? Again, thanks much for the input.

ejsheltra

Pifcat2, which harness are you referring to and what was the update? Is there a way to spot it upon visual inspection?
Thanks for your reply.

pifcat2

Updated harness is A 124 440 56 32 but do a search, there are many threads about the biodegradeable insulation of these ~93-96 harnesses. You should be able to find the tag behind the battery.

Given you know about M103 engines, now search for M104. They have different fuel injection, coils, electric throttle, and you need to build a simple code reader to get the more in depth codes. The valve seals/seats are more robust but it has the same potential head gasket issues when overheated. The water pump seems to be easier to replace but I'm not sure. Same climate issues but system is designed for 134a.

BTW, I believe the cabs started in '93 and were still badged 300CE

autoworrks320

All of the answers you are looking for are available online or by a google search.

ejsheltra

I am aware of that. I am looking for actual owner input.

Kestas

When I bought my cabriolet, I spent a few hours on mercedes forums to learn about my model. Here are a few keywords you can use for searching:

- biodegradable engine wiring harness
- hydraulic cylinders
- flex disc
- headrests
- seat belt presenters
- heated seat relay
- ETA
- upper timing cover gasket
- Code 5, egr plugged
- Code 26, shift delay

The body is rather stiff in stock condition. Few people find the need for bracing. The E320convertible comes only with the inline six M104 engine. I've read about a sportline edition, but otherwise the model comes pretty much with everything standard.

vexed

When you test drive it operate the top and look for drips near the rear tires or any fluid on the rear window. I learned the hard way. Ask the seller if they have topped off the hydraulic fluid.

If the switch for the top blinks during operation there is a fault and a code.

ejsheltra

Thanks guys. That is more in line with what I was searching for. Thanks again.

ohlord

head gasket
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104HeadGasket
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104WireHarness
inspect,inspect,inspect

Kestas

monovalve
evaporator

ejsheltra

Thanks guys. And now to find a good one at a great pirce. The range of 7k to 37K is huge.

RHW

The best deals usually show up in California.

ejsheltra

RHW. What mods did you do to your sig cab? Lowered by what and what type of wheel? Color matched the lower cladding? What else. looks great. Thanks for the heads up.

joef

ejsheltra, when you find your car and you're ready to do mods, pm me. I'm only a 20-25min from Cambridge.

joef

pm'd

RHW

EJSHELTRA, JoeF's help = priceless as you step into a Cab.

Amazing how many Cabs are on ebay right now...

white Cab upgrades:
painted lowers
B&G sport springs
Bilstein sport struts
18x8 et35 Carlsson wheels
grill
debadged rear
chrome exhaust tip
Delaware Water Gap

purchased late 2008 from California, for $10500 w 53k miles + about $1200 to ship her to NJ

joef

thanks for the kind words!

watut

I <3 your cab.. I want one now, all the ones north of the border are higher milage and they want top dollar