300E Purchase
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09/18/00

  • I am a young guy about to purchase a Mercedes 300E 1986 model w 195,000 mi
    what should I look for when I go to purchase this car?
    Any problems with this year Mercedes 300E?
    any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.
     
    I love the car but I am scared of the mileage .

    It looks like it has been kept up well.

    What is the largest risk?
    transmission? Engine? other?

    How much would engine rebuild cost if it went bad?
    How much would a transmission cost if it went bad?

    thank You

    Jason

 

  • The 86 300E was a pretty good sedan. Overall I think it is ok , but there are some things to look out for. First check the coolant making sure that there is no oil in it. When you open the radiator cap ( only open it cold )  make sure there is no brown slime, it will look kind of like chocolate pudding. If you see that walk away or ask for an additional 1000 off the price. make sure the back windows roll all the way down and back up. Make sure the sunroof pops up and slides back without any loud noises. The roof could cost 1200 to repair in the worst case. Make sure the engine runs smooth, no shaking of any kind is permissible. Make sure there is at least one oil change per year documented. I know that it has had more but it is a good way to see if the mileage has been set back , which can be done easily in the wrong hands. The maintenance books are nice but are often lost or misplaced. If the engine were to blow the car would be a loss unless you could find a used one. Most used engines range from 2000. The transmissions can be rebuild in 95% of the cases for around 1500 including labor.  I would not buy the first car you find. Look around and do some homework. Don't pay too much. Remember that the car will need something repaired , just find one that doesn't need too much. Check out some news groups or discussion groups and check out the Mercedes Benz club  web site.     Good luck and let me know what happens. JON
 

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