Thoughts on this 1990 300SE

Jul 15, 2003 | 05:57 PM

briannelso

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Newbie

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 9

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From: Vancouver, BC

1990 300SE

Thoughts on this 1990 300SE

Hi guys, great site, and even greater cars on here!

I'm looking at this 1990 300SE in Vancouver, it has 190k kms, gas, 3L, supposedly the newer aircondition refrigerant. It has the mercedes maintenance manual with all the maintenance stamps from the dealer at each 12k kms interval... it drives like a dream... wondering if there is anything to look for in the engine bay? Secial leaks, parts that always should be replaced at this point, ways to test tranny and engine condition....

The price they are asking is actually $9500 CAD ($7000 USD). Is this good for a gas model in mint condition from a dealer with 190k kms (118k miles I believe)? It checks out great on CarFax

http://www.buysell.com/showad.asp?id=23352576

pics are at this site

Thanks for any and all advice guys!

Last edited by briannelso; Jul 15, 2003 at 06:00 PM.

Jul 15, 2003 | 07:11 PM

hany

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Joined: Jul 2003

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Just make sure you're not going to have problems admitting it to the US. Double check US EAP and DOT standards and if the car is conforming to them. Since this is an SE and not an SEL model, I expect that its price would be a bit low (SEs are not very popular). Last but not least, since I usually check buy and sell my self, check this one out: http://www.buysell.com/showad.asp?id=22353873

Hany
300SEL

Jul 15, 2003 | 08:00 PM

dtkw

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Indiana

1986 560SEL, 97 BMW 740iL

As long as you keep it to use in Vancouver
it would be fine. Doesn't sound like a bad deal if the original owner had all the paper work probaby took good care of it.

Jul 15, 2003 | 08:55 PM

izzodesh

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 119

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From: the big square PA

ML 55 and 420 SEL

kinda pricey i think...
my 420 which is on sale too should go for around 10G with new amg rims..
email me :

deshi@bellatlantic.net if u are interested..

other wise good luck but i would not pay more than 5500 us

Jul 16, 2003 | 11:25 AM

briannelso

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Vancouver, BC

1990 300SE

thanks

thanks for the feedback...

what a car... There is an identical model with only 47k miles going for $19000!!! thats still $14k USD. They seem to really hold value here... Anyway, if they ask about $7000 USD, what should I offer?

Do you guys have any input on what to look for (nonobvious stuff that can be pricey to fix) mechanically?

Cheers

Jul 16, 2003 | 11:32 AM

dtkw

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From: Indiana

1986 560SEL, 97 BMW 740iL

Start with 6000 USD. Good luck.

Jul 20, 2003 | 02:36 AM

briannelso

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 9

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From: Vancouver, BC

1990 300SE

Thanks for $$ advice

does anyone have any input as to what I can look for mechanically? It doesn't leak anything that I can see... The transmission is smooth as butter (doesn't like to downshift unless you really give it some gas though, I assume this is normal for this style of car) It accelerates great at highway speeds, as you guys all mention. A/C, climate control, power functions, cruise control, all seem to work just fine...

As it stands, I think I can get this car for $8400 CAD, or 6000 USD which I think is a great deal.

Again, anyone have anything to mention as to what I should look for under the hood?

oh yeah, one more thing, how long do the catalytic converters usually last? This one looks original...

Thanks again!