'87 300E new in the family--basic maintainance issues?
06-23-2003, 09:34 PM
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'87 300E new in the family--basic maintainance issues?
I'm just wondering what these cars achilles heels are. Are there any time bombs, etc? Any must have DIY manuals? I usually go with Haynes. I'm new to these cars, so I'm just trying to get my toes in place!
06-24-2003, 02:27 AM
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If the A/C Evaporator leaks almost the entire dash has to come out.
I think the E-Class owner's bible is really good to have because it's got nice pictures and enough DIY stuff. However if you want to do more I'd say get the Haynes manual (Autozone)
I think the E-Class owner's bible is really good to have because it's got nice pictures and enough DIY stuff. However if you want to do more I'd say get the Haynes manual (Autozone)
06-24-2003, 10:05 AM
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W124
The 300E is one of the best used cars there is.
But, it is 16 years old!
How many miles has it done?
Watch out for radiator leaks at the plastic tube on top of the rad.(new rad)
Oil leaks are common at the front of the engine and the diff (not too much of a problem)
worn engine mounts are common but not too expensive (vibration at tickover)
Valve stem oil seals at about 110K miles (dramatic but cheap to fix)
Change the brake fluid and anti-freeze every two years.
Use an independent for servicing and aftermarket spares and it should work out cheap to run.
The most expensive parts are the gearbox and possibly the air-con.
If you do get any problems post them here and someone will have had the same problem before and help you solve it.
But, it is 16 years old!
How many miles has it done?
Watch out for radiator leaks at the plastic tube on top of the rad.(new rad)
Oil leaks are common at the front of the engine and the diff (not too much of a problem)
worn engine mounts are common but not too expensive (vibration at tickover)
Valve stem oil seals at about 110K miles (dramatic but cheap to fix)
Change the brake fluid and anti-freeze every two years.
Use an independent for servicing and aftermarket spares and it should work out cheap to run.
The most expensive parts are the gearbox and possibly the air-con.
If you do get any problems post them here and someone will have had the same problem before and help you solve it.
Last edited by cap'n jasper; 06-24-2003 at 11:11 AM.
06-24-2003, 02:21 PM
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Thanks...Looks like the main money drains are the AC and the radiator, and these look good. I mostly ask because when I bought my 944, the timing belt went before I knew you were supposed to adjust it every 15k miles. 
I wish I knew this before the valves made friends with the cylinders.
I wish I knew this before the valves made friends with the cylinders.
