1992-1995 E Class convertible
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
1992-1995 E Class convertible
Looking to buy an older E Class convertible. Any tips on things to look for and / or watch out for? Prefer 1994-95.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: San Jose
300TE / 300E / 300CE
- 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
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From: San Jose
300TE / 300E / 300CE
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 15
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From: Sterling, VA
'95 E320 Cabrio, '87 325e
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.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
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.
Last edited by ejsheltra; Jul 29, 2010 at 03:50 PM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 977
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From: San Jose
300TE / 300E / 300CE
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
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
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, N.J
93 500e. 15 GLK 250
w124 rag
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 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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
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.
- 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.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 71
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From: Honolulu, Hawaii
1995 E320 Cab; 2007 E350 Sport
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.
If the switch for the top blinks during operation there is a fault and a code.
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Posts: 6,171
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
upgraded
head gasket
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104HeadGasket
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104WireHarness
inspect,inspect,inspect
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104HeadGasket
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104WireHarness
inspect,inspect,inspect
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
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.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
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
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
Last edited by RHW; Aug 6, 2010 at 04:54 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
1995 E320 Cabriolet
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
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
I <3 your cab.. I want one now, all the ones north of the border are higher milage and they want top dollar
