1988 300CE or 1993 400E better? how about fixing up a 300CE? HELP ME PLEASE
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1988 300CE or 1993 400E better? how about fixing up a 300CE? HELP ME PLEASE
if the regular headlights are busted and the car is driving on lowered high beams, are the headlights easy to replace with HIDS?
how about getting new rotors and brake pads, whos should I look for in getting the rotors and pads for cheap?
how about how much to charge my a/c???
What wheels will fit the 300 CE and also I do like all the newer E-Class wheels like the AMG wheels off of an E-430 sport. Would CLK wheels fit an 300CE? What size is the perfect rim size for a 300CE and also what kinds of spring and shocks should i get?
How do I get an AMG copy kit for a 300CE???
Would you guys rather have a 400E or a 300CE???
sorry for all the questions but I just need your help in my searching for my next project.
thanks
how about getting new rotors and brake pads, whos should I look for in getting the rotors and pads for cheap?
how about how much to charge my a/c???
What wheels will fit the 300 CE and also I do like all the newer E-Class wheels like the AMG wheels off of an E-430 sport. Would CLK wheels fit an 300CE? What size is the perfect rim size for a 300CE and also what kinds of spring and shocks should i get?
How do I get an AMG copy kit for a 300CE???
Would you guys rather have a 400E or a 300CE???
sorry for all the questions but I just need your help in my searching for my next project.
thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va.
1991 300E
HID's very expensive to do right. There's a Russian guy on here who has pictures of his, but pencil in $2grand if you want real HID's.
Rotors and pads are pretty reasonable, any online place will charge about the same for them, try http://www.germanstar.net/
If you have the old refrigderant in your A/c system I don't know if you can still get it charged. But even if you can, charging won't do you any good unless you find where the freon is leaking out of. worst case to fix a/c $2 grand.
I don't know about wheels.
I would personally go with a 300E or E320 over the CE or the V8. They are cheaper and easier to fix. I would stay away from the early coupes. I think they had the squirelly motor in them the first couple of years.
Rotors and pads are pretty reasonable, any online place will charge about the same for them, try http://www.germanstar.net/
If you have the old refrigderant in your A/c system I don't know if you can still get it charged. But even if you can, charging won't do you any good unless you find where the freon is leaking out of. worst case to fix a/c $2 grand.
I don't know about wheels.
I would personally go with a 300E or E320 over the CE or the V8. They are cheaper and easier to fix. I would stay away from the early coupes. I think they had the squirelly motor in them the first couple of years.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va.
1991 300E
I don't necessarily dislike the 400's, I'm sure they are great cars, just in my opinion not worth the extra money over the 300's and a lot more costly to repair. You have to really watch the timing chains on the V-8s. The older V-8's were bad to stretch the chain under abusive conditions and skip a notch on the timing and trash the engine. Plus I think it's harder to find a V-8 that has been properly cared for. Those cars tend to attract people who can't really afford them. For my money, a well cared for used 300E or E320 is about the best value in a used car anywhere, period.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
2003 C32, 1999 E320 Wagon
It sounds to me like most of your concerns about the V8 can be alleviated by finding one that has been well maintained.
I drive a 93 400E, and my last car was an 88 300E. I made sure that the car I bought had all maintenance records, and had the usual problems fixed already (wiring harness, etc...).
The difference between the two cars is definately a marked one. The 400 feels heavier and more powerful, and with bigger tires (a must-have mod) and brakes handles like a true sports sedan. At high speeds there's no comparison. The 300 always seemed underpowered for the highway. The 400 is a beast at high speeds, with a lot of torque and very tall gears.
Either way, you can't go wrong. The 124 is a great car in all its permutations. Good luck with your buy.
I drive a 93 400E, and my last car was an 88 300E. I made sure that the car I bought had all maintenance records, and had the usual problems fixed already (wiring harness, etc...).
The difference between the two cars is definately a marked one. The 400 feels heavier and more powerful, and with bigger tires (a must-have mod) and brakes handles like a true sports sedan. At high speeds there's no comparison. The 300 always seemed underpowered for the highway. The 400 is a beast at high speeds, with a lot of torque and very tall gears.
Either way, you can't go wrong. The 124 is a great car in all its permutations. Good luck with your buy.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
well I am keeping my eyes out for a V8 in great condition, there is a 86 300D turbo in great shape near me for sale but they are asking $6500 and thats a bit high for the milage and year, but I want a strong daily scooter to take the load off the ce so I can get it back upto show condition
