I just wanted to say hello to everyone. My name is James, I live in Atlanta Georgia and I think I just became a Mercedes addict. I just bought my first Mercedes 2 days ago. I paid $4500 for this car which might have been a bit much. I'm a Georgia Bulldog fan so I had to have car when I saw it was red. I wasn't going to argue over a few hundred dollars. The owner stated there were only 60 cars with this color shipped to the states. Can anyone confirm that?
My last few cars were a Scion TC, 79 RX-7, 67 Camaro, and a 350Z
Here's My Scion
I have a few issues with the car already. Oil pressure gauge is jumping around. I’m assuming it’s a short or the sending unit needs to be replaced. Any ways I guess I have a little work to do before I can install this.
Just kidding, I don't want to see what a 100HP shot of Nitrous would do to an engine with 145,000 miles on it.
That’s about it. I just wanted to introduce myself.
Vehicle: 95 C280 Silver Metallic(champagne), 89 300E Onyx Mettallic<< All Options both w/car phones
Location: NYC, NY
Posts: 241
For $4500 looks right for the mileage. But my god the body of the car ...man it is jaw dropping! Everything is lined up wonderfully. Chrome wheels! And not a scrath on those bumpers from the side hmm nice. MBUSA in HQ in NJ would be able to verify the figures for you on the color code of the car w/production numbers. Its typicaly good to do a full fluid flush on the whole car, aka oil, trans fluid, brake, hydraulics just so that YOU your self are sure the fluids have all been changed. Its pretty cheap to DIY so why not do it. And it will save you headaches in the future
Well, there are dent ,dings and a few cracks in the bumper that are covered up by the rain but overall I'm very happy. So can someone tell me where you guys purchase most of your parts from? I'm sure eveyone has a favorite site. I was told a oil pressure sender unit would cost around $35 but the cheapest I could find online is $65.
Fluids have been changed except the steering . All 4 corners were replaced (rotors/pads) and the tranny was rebuilt 4k miles ago. I hope is last me a good bit.
So what is the average distance a 3.2 can run before a rebuild?
How often should the timing chain be replaced?
The previous owner stated it was changed 45,000 miles ago.
How many questions can I ask before you tell me to do a search?
Welcome. And you're hardly an addict. Your long-term dependance has just begun. I use Europarts San Diego (even tho I am on the East Coast). Steve Schock is a great guy and a transplanted Marylander. His prices are very competitive and he gets the stuff to you fast!
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Scott in MD/DC
94 E320 Wagon (Just getting broken in)
95 C280 (RIP)
87 190E (Sold)
"There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes"
Welcome! I can totally relate, having an 88 260E in a similar color. Mine is signal red which is probably best described as tomato red. Yours is more like a fire engine red. Here's mine wearing its winter tires and wheel covers. It hasn't seen wax in over a year due to having two small kids: http://bos-engel.com/benz/steelies.jpg
As for longevity, I've been told that the M103 bottom end is good for 250k miles. Since the M104 in your car is quite similar the same estimate is probably good. The head has to be overhauled at about 100k or so.
Last year there was a forum member from the Chicago area selling a pristine red 93 coupe. Beautiful car with only about 70k miles but I'm scared or the ASR system. Still, it was spectacular.
So you think I'll need the head done soon (normal with this amount of mileage). Any chance Edelbrock makes an aluminum high flow head for this car . Any idea what that would cost?
I've been looking around trying to find out how much money I would need to fix this car if it was a lemon. Right now I know I need an oil relay, possible a wiring harness, and maybe head work in the future. Also shouldn't be to long before I need to get the timing belt changed.
No timing belts on Mercedes - all timing chains. The timing chain on your motor is bulletproof, one of the best ever, not likely to need work for many years and many miles. Your top end is also very strong - with proper maintenance not likely to need work until 200k to 300k. Actually no one really knows yet how far these things go. No need to do a top end just because a head gasket goes.
. Any idea what that would cost? 
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