Sorry to do this but with search non-functional I am hoping to get a few tips for checking out 300TEs. I am looking at two early 1990s wagons for my wife - We live in Alaska and need something with a bit o' traction as we live up in the foothills on rough roads.
A few questions:
1- Where are the weaknesses and which years are problematic. I am familiar with the engine issues from the g-wagen world.
2- How is the 4-matic. I heard it was problematic initially - when was it first introduced? Any special way to check out the functionality on these prospects?
3- Special issues for the wagon - rear suspension? (I used to drive a 1980 300TD so I have been there done that rear suspension thing!)
4 - I have heard grumbles that 124 parts are more costly than others - any truth here?
Thanks for your help.
Adam
1999 G500
1991 Vw Syncro Westfalia
1990 Saab 900s (replace with the 300TE?)
Im in a similar boat im still looking for a benz for my wife. I looked at a TE and here is it what my mechanic and a mechanic at the dealership told me
1. Engines seem pretty reliable watch for head gasket on some years
2. 4matic stay away from those with high miles over 200k as they tend to need replacement and can be extremly expensive to fix however dealer said wasnt an issue my mercedes specialist said it was
3 Rear suspensions if its self leveling which I believe some wagons are make sure to get it checked out again real expensive to fix <both said this>
But the key point they both made and im sure most will agree there is no replacement for service records and getting it completly and thoroughly looked over. It may be worth taking to the dealership/specialist as they know these cars best.
BTW the TE I looked at was a 1992 and this particular one was junk<rusty front fenders and rear 1/4, Flat tire dead battery> and had been sitting on dealers lot for over a year and a half<mechanic told me he checked the car for another one of his customers last summer>
I can answer one of those questions. Ther rear suspension. The Wagon uses air cells. They last upto 120k to 130k. As long as these have no leaks the rear suspension is excellent. I just had the car loaded up with 6 people, 4 adults, 2 kids and a ton of luggage on the roof. Nice smooth ride for a 600 mile trip. You can tell they have a leak by a really spongy/ bouncy travel when going over bumps at high speed. If they are totally trashed it will feel like you have no suspension in the rear.
Re the 4-matic, do a search on this forum, lots of info on them. And remember, its a Mercedes, most owners take good care of them, but if they have been left unattended service wise, or abused, be prepared for expensive repairs. Most times a cheap abused one will cost you a lot more than a well maintained dearer one. And once you spend all that cash fixing them, still wont feel the same as a well maintained one.
Just my 2 cents worth
Oh, At the right place the rear aircells arent that expensive to fix, around $200 for parts and $160 labor. Not bad for 120k of use. If you are mechanically minded and a contortionist, you can do it yourself.
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