Buying a 1988 300CE, what to look for?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
1999 C280 Sport
Buying a 1988 300CE, what to look for?
Hi All,
I'm new to the W124 board (I currently have a W202, 1999 C280 Sport). I am probably going to buy my friend's 1988 300CE.
Here are my questions:
#1 Is there anything to look for or watch out for? It is a one owner car and seems like he's got all the service records.
#2 I notice there are lots of 1992 300CE but not that many 1988 300CE. Was their any change to motor, harness, etc. For example, there is a big differeence in 1994-1997 W202 C280, inline 6 whereas 1998-2000 C280 have a straight V6.
#3 First thing I'm going to do is lower it w/ either H&R Sport or Eibach Pro Kit w/ #1 pads all around and get 18" wheels. I was checking around and it seems like they carry only Bilstien Sport Shocks for the rears (www.importec.com & www.thebenzbin.com). Why not the fronts? Is suspension different in the front?
#4 Also, I got a great deal on a body kit from another guy's uncompleted project (he sold his car and basically sold me a brand new body kit for $350- he purchased the kit from www.spoilers.com). So I will be busy with this new project.
I will post stock pictures up as soon as the car is in my hands. Probably by the end of this weekend.
Thanks for all your help and suggestion.
timecop369
I'm new to the W124 board (I currently have a W202, 1999 C280 Sport). I am probably going to buy my friend's 1988 300CE.
Here are my questions:
#1 Is there anything to look for or watch out for? It is a one owner car and seems like he's got all the service records.
#2 I notice there are lots of 1992 300CE but not that many 1988 300CE. Was their any change to motor, harness, etc. For example, there is a big differeence in 1994-1997 W202 C280, inline 6 whereas 1998-2000 C280 have a straight V6.
#3 First thing I'm going to do is lower it w/ either H&R Sport or Eibach Pro Kit w/ #1 pads all around and get 18" wheels. I was checking around and it seems like they carry only Bilstien Sport Shocks for the rears (www.importec.com & www.thebenzbin.com). Why not the fronts? Is suspension different in the front?
#4 Also, I got a great deal on a body kit from another guy's uncompleted project (he sold his car and basically sold me a brand new body kit for $350- he purchased the kit from www.spoilers.com). So I will be busy with this new project.
I will post stock pictures up as soon as the car is in my hands. Probably by the end of this weekend.
Thanks for all your help and suggestion.
timecop369
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
87 300 E
Ah! erebuni body kit. 350 is a good deal since they charge way to much for there kits online. Only thing i dont like about their kits is the fact thats its made of fiberglass. not reinforced but who cares you got a deal.
Check the interior make sure everything works. If something doesnt work double check to see if its gonna be a major fix or not. Make sure it doesnt smell like fuel or nothing. hehe
Check the Engine compartment for any signs of oil leakage. Use ur noise if its bad u could probably smell the oil or fuel.
Make sure he changed the brake fluid every one or two years.
then test drive. Pay attention to the tranny make sure it shifts smoothly without delay. make sure the odometers work. and AFTER your done with test drive look under car see if it leaks.
hope that helps.
Check the interior make sure everything works. If something doesnt work double check to see if its gonna be a major fix or not. Make sure it doesnt smell like fuel or nothing. hehe
Check the Engine compartment for any signs of oil leakage. Use ur noise if its bad u could probably smell the oil or fuel.
Make sure he changed the brake fluid every one or two years.
then test drive. Pay attention to the tranny make sure it shifts smoothly without delay. make sure the odometers work. and AFTER your done with test drive look under car see if it leaks.
hope that helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
87 300 E
Oh the difference between the 88 300CE and the 90+ ce. Is the engine.
They use the m103 which has a single overhead cam. in the 90+ models they use the M104 which is a more powerful dual overhead cam engine.
They use the m103 which has a single overhead cam. in the 90+ models they use the M104 which is a more powerful dual overhead cam engine.
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
260E , 1989 (for now)
The early 103 engine are prone to rapid (relatively) valve guide/seals wear which result in heavy oil consumption.
radiator necks are prone breakage. Make sure the A/C works as it should. The evaporator is a major pain (i.e. $$$$$) to replace.
Head gaskets will regularily leak (right/back of the engine.
radiator necks are prone breakage. Make sure the A/C works as it should. The evaporator is a major pain (i.e. $$$$$) to replace.
Head gaskets will regularily leak (right/back of the engine.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario
C63, M3
i came across this
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/ht...ocks.asp?make='MERCEDES%20BENZ'&model='200,%20230E,%20260E,%2030 0E,%20200D,%20250D,%20300D,%20300D%20Turbo,%20E420 '&year='1989
it says for 1989 tho
could it be used for a 1987?
I'm thinkin about dropping my benz, but I don't like the 1.2 drop ONLY, i was excepting 2 or something.
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/ht...ocks.asp?make='MERCEDES%20BENZ'&model='200,%20230E,%20260E,%2030 0E,%20200D,%20250D,%20300D,%20300D%20Turbo,%20E420 '&year='1989
it says for 1989 tho
could it be used for a 1987?
I'm thinkin about dropping my benz, but I don't like the 1.2 drop ONLY, i was excepting 2 or something.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
1999 C280 Sport
I noticed...
Thanks for the heads up SoldSep, Jackd, & KennytheGreat,
I did notice some radiator fluid around the neck. But my friend told me it was replaced 6 months ago. I'm curious if I have to replace the whole radiator or is there a seal you can put around the neck. I just thought it might be a little overflow. hmmmm.
AC works fine. Don't know much about evaporator. How can you tell if there's a problem w/ the evaporator? There's no oil leakage or gas smell anywhere.
I will definitely take a closer look at all the known problems this weekend.
Thanks Again!
I did notice some radiator fluid around the neck. But my friend told me it was replaced 6 months ago. I'm curious if I have to replace the whole radiator or is there a seal you can put around the neck. I just thought it might be a little overflow. hmmmm.
AC works fine. Don't know much about evaporator. How can you tell if there's a problem w/ the evaporator? There's no oil leakage or gas smell anywhere.
I will definitely take a closer look at all the known problems this weekend.
Thanks Again!
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario
C63, M3
hmm
I might have the same problem, but my Rad is AfterMarket, It's slightly Smaller so I'm not sure...
my AC is not always cold
btw, how much do you think the shocks and spring will cost you?
I have to see how much gold I'm going to dig up for mine
Still I don't like the 1.2Drop, I want at least 1.5 or 1.2 with a large SAG..
Ken
I might have the same problem, but my Rad is AfterMarket, It's slightly Smaller so I'm not sure...
my AC is not always cold
btw, how much do you think the shocks and spring will cost you?
I have to see how much gold I'm going to dig up for mine
Still I don't like the 1.2Drop, I want at least 1.5 or 1.2 with a large SAG..
Ken
Last edited by KennyTheGreat; Apr 18, 2003 at 06:07 PM.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
1999 C280 Sport
KennytheGreat,
Rough estimate on the lowering: springs (either eibach or H&R sport) $260 shipped (www.tirerack.com), Bilstein Sport Shocks $200 for rears (www.importec.com), $350 for front shipped (no idea who has them yet) & #1 Coil Spring shims $30 (dealer). So right there is about $840 + labor ($200) + alignment ($100). Rough estimate $1140 for 1.2" drop, done the right way. So you better dig hard for that GOLD!
I might just do the cheap way... springs only because the current shocks which are brand new. I can ride them out for at least a year with my 18/40/225 and the body kit, the 1.2" will probably be enough. Then again, people on this thread and even the w202 say every car is different. Possible suggestion to close your gap, 45 profile tires for 18" if they fit or make them.
Cheap way: $260 springs, $30 #1 coil spring shims, $140 labor, $100 alignment. Total about $530.
timecop369
Rough estimate on the lowering: springs (either eibach or H&R sport) $260 shipped (www.tirerack.com), Bilstein Sport Shocks $200 for rears (www.importec.com), $350 for front shipped (no idea who has them yet) & #1 Coil Spring shims $30 (dealer). So right there is about $840 + labor ($200) + alignment ($100). Rough estimate $1140 for 1.2" drop, done the right way. So you better dig hard for that GOLD!
I might just do the cheap way... springs only because the current shocks which are brand new. I can ride them out for at least a year with my 18/40/225 and the body kit, the 1.2" will probably be enough. Then again, people on this thread and even the w202 say every car is different. Possible suggestion to close your gap, 45 profile tires for 18" if they fit or make them.
Cheap way: $260 springs, $30 #1 coil spring shims, $140 labor, $100 alignment. Total about $530.
timecop369
Last edited by timecop369; Apr 18, 2003 at 07:14 PM.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
260E , 1989 (for now)
If the radiator neck leaks, you need a new rad. it is not fixable.
You're looking at a +$350 or so job.
A/C: The evaporator is located deep into the front of the passenger compartment. To get at it, you need to remove everthing in the front passenger compartment. Console, dash, steering wheel. It is a 20/24 hours job. Once in there, the vacuum flaps activators should also need to be replaced. Look at ++$2,000.
Lowering the car will have some negative effect on handling and ride. You may want to have a look at suspension bushings before doing that. rear suspension bushings is a $1,500. job.
Good luck
JackD
You're looking at a +$350 or so job.
A/C: The evaporator is located deep into the front of the passenger compartment. To get at it, you need to remove everthing in the front passenger compartment. Console, dash, steering wheel. It is a 20/24 hours job. Once in there, the vacuum flaps activators should also need to be replaced. Look at ++$2,000.
Lowering the car will have some negative effect on handling and ride. You may want to have a look at suspension bushings before doing that. rear suspension bushings is a $1,500. job.
Good luck
JackD
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
87 300 E
Kenny H&R springs specs are a 1.5 inch drop. I say specs because every car varies. You will want to lower your car with the springs first let it settle then decide which pads you would like.
Timecop who are you gonna have lower your car?
and 18" rims are asking for trouble. Although it can be done after fender rolling.
jackd, Lowering your car is not negative towards handling but is negative towareds ride comfort. By upgrading springs you should notice an improvment in handling.
Timecop who are you gonna have lower your car?
and 18" rims are asking for trouble. Although it can be done after fender rolling.
jackd, Lowering your car is not negative towards handling but is negative towareds ride comfort. By upgrading springs you should notice an improvment in handling.
Last edited by soldsep; Apr 18, 2003 at 07:42 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
260E , 1989 (for now)
soldsep: Lowering a car has some negative effects on handling (as well as ride) as it modifies the original suspension geometry.
If Mercedes engineers had thought that a lower car would result in a better handling, they would have do it at the factory.
Jackd
If Mercedes engineers had thought that a lower car would result in a better handling, they would have do it at the factory.
Jackd
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
1999 C280 Sport
soldsep... I have a hs friend that works at a local shop that does mechanical, including suspension stuff for me. He charges me dirt cheap. I just buy the parts online, bring it to him, he does the work, he pretty much treats it like his own car. I get same price whether it's a Honda or a Benz.
This is what my w202 looks like lowered. If he only did body work, he could mount my kit on.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=9
jackD, that sounds like a lot of work for the evaporator. I'll have to pay close attention this weekend as I turn on the AC and leave it running for a while and see if it stays consistently cold.
Thanks Guys!
This is what my w202 looks like lowered. If he only did body work, he could mount my kit on.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=9
jackD, that sounds like a lot of work for the evaporator. I'll have to pay close attention this weekend as I turn on the AC and leave it running for a while and see if it stays consistently cold.
Thanks Guys!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
87 300 E
Mb engineers paid more attention to safety and ride comfort for the luxury sedan. Thats why they offered the sportline suspension. Which was only a change in sway bar shocks and springs. Things you can change yourself. By upgrading too stiffer lowering springs. You improve handling but you give up ride comfort.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 34
From: san jose
too poor now
Originally posted by Jackd
soldsep: Lowering a car has some negative effects on handling (as well as ride) as it modifies the original suspension geometry.
If Mercedes engineers had thought that a lower car would result in a better handling, they would have do it at the factory.
Jackd
soldsep: Lowering a car has some negative effects on handling (as well as ride) as it modifies the original suspension geometry.
If Mercedes engineers had thought that a lower car would result in a better handling, they would have do it at the factory.
Jackd
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
1999 C280 Sport
Hendrich,
I kinda got the car? Basically helping my friend finish this project then I'll buy it off him. heheheh Hopefully it'll be cheaper once it's all done. LOL We all know you lose w/ all the mods. Or if he likes it so much he can pay me for the parts.
Just got a set up used H&R springs. Bought #1 pads for the front (www.importec.com), and reusing the #1 pads for the rear (off my w202 C280 Sport). I got a set of 18" wheels with 225/40/18 and will get the springs installed this weekend. Looking around on eBay for the clear corners. (Trying not to buy from procarparts.com because their quality is questionable- from previous experience of buying 2 sets of clear corners from them for my w202)
I'll see how it looks lowered before installing the body kit. I was quoted $1000 & $800 for mounting on the kit & painting it. Was planning to change it to one tone- all silver, to match the upper part of the body.
Oops... here's a link of the body kit i'm trying to put on:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=36941
Any other suggestions Hendrich?
timecop369
I kinda got the car? Basically helping my friend finish this project then I'll buy it off him. heheheh Hopefully it'll be cheaper once it's all done. LOL We all know you lose w/ all the mods. Or if he likes it so much he can pay me for the parts.
Just got a set up used H&R springs. Bought #1 pads for the front (www.importec.com), and reusing the #1 pads for the rear (off my w202 C280 Sport). I got a set of 18" wheels with 225/40/18 and will get the springs installed this weekend. Looking around on eBay for the clear corners. (Trying not to buy from procarparts.com because their quality is questionable- from previous experience of buying 2 sets of clear corners from them for my w202)
I'll see how it looks lowered before installing the body kit. I was quoted $1000 & $800 for mounting on the kit & painting it. Was planning to change it to one tone- all silver, to match the upper part of the body.
Oops... here's a link of the body kit i'm trying to put on:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=36941
Any other suggestions Hendrich?
timecop369
Last edited by timecop369; Apr 24, 2003 at 02:22 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
W212 E63 & W211 E63
Timecop369,
Sounds like you've got thing handled pretty well. Love to see pix of the car when ur done.
Have you considered using OEM clear lenses from a 94-95 E420? I think they fit, but I'm not sure. Good luck!
Sounds like you've got thing handled pretty well. Love to see pix of the car when ur done.
Have you considered using OEM clear lenses from a 94-95 E420? I think they fit, but I'm not sure. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
1999 C280 Sport
They Might fit? hmmmm, not willing to take that chance unless someone confirms for sure. No point throwing money away cause I can use it towards something else. Even though it's only $30, it could go towards a lunch, an air filter, or lug nuts. hehehehe
