Good morning, all! An apparently good deal (~$3K) for a basically sound 114kmi MB came my way; I am heading out in a few hours to look at her. Besides the littany of electrical problems apparently common to this platform - the C/O already has the electric window issues - are there other quirks to be wary of?

I've owned maintained most nameplates from Fiats to Bimmers, but this will be my first time with a Benz. I plan to do the usual pre-purchase once-over, but any "heads-up" to look for beforehand would be most appreciated. This will be for #1 son, to have some sheet metal wrapped around him for commuter college. Thanks in advance everyone. *Paul*

P.S. If now working, is there a way to get the radio code displayed immediately, lest I soon have to yank the battery to perform service? I'd like not to have to yank the stereo, or visit an MB expert in the first week...!

 

for the radio code.Get an obd2 scanner,change the transmission fluid.Non torbo be prepared to pedal up hills.
inspect and enjoy

 

No such animal as a 96 300E.

A 96 "E300" would be a W210 diesel with the 606.912 engine and 722.438 4spd trans.

Good combo, reilable, won't win ANY races except against a 240D, 300D NA or maybe Fred Flintstone. Good crusier and good mpgs at ~34 highway.

Check spring perches for rust (they fail), find out when GP's were last changed (they have a habit of shearing), make certain AC is cold, etc. Elecrical gremlins are fed by the K40 relay (a common failure), if hasnt been changed its WAY overdue. Nagging fuel leaks form clear plastic fuel lines that can be repaired with viton orings for longer life.

Good car. I perfer the 98-99 turbo so grandma doesnt run over you when you take off from a green light.

 

First thing to check would be the name plate on the trunk to see if it is an E300 or E320. They could be confused on the year of the car if it is a 300E. That would make it the older W124 body.

 

If your serious about safety then buy a 98 or newer... Please watch supporting video...

This is the 96 and 97... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp2N0gce0-k

This is the 98 and up... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSERxtYHQVw

 

96-99's were pretty much the same 2000-2002's had a facelift....I am not sure that a 98 would be any safer than a 96. Rear Curtain airbags became standard on the facelift but were still an option on th pre-facelift.

 

A advice you to visit a nearest dealer.He can advice you better in this regard.