1990 MB 300TE Wagon - Benzworld.org

seth099 · 08-18-2003, 11:55 AM

Greetings! I'm retiring my 1991 Volvo 740 Turbo wagon with 250K miles on it and considering the purchase of a 1990 300TE Wagon with 167K. The asking price is 4350 and the wagon is in great condition (smooth, no vibrations/squeaks,rattles, etc.). Should I be aware of any particular problems known to this model/year? Thanks, Terry

andy_k · 08-18-2003, 12:32 PM

Aside from all the usual W124 things like head gasket leaks etc just give the rear suspension a good work out - it's self levelling so you need to see that it works and works properly.

First of all check the rear struts for any obvious signs of leakage.

With the engine off, load the rear - get a couple of friends to sit in there, then start the engine. The rear should rise to level immediately. If it doesn't then check for leaks at the struts and along the whole sytem. There is no fix for any leaks other than replacement of the broken part and although the work is relatively easy to do the parts are very expensive.

Take it for a drive with the rear loaded and unloaded. There should be no difference in the ride quality. if it feels harsh when it's loaded then the accumulators will probably need replacing, again, it's no big job but the parts are also expensive and to replace them involves removing most of the trim in the load area (same goes for the struts). The accumulators are designed to last for approx 100k miles so check the history to see if they have been done, if not then expect to be replacing them any time soon.

Check for any lateral play on the rear wheels - if it's been used for load carrying there's a good chance the rear wheel ties will need replacing, listen for any clunks and knocks from the suspension under load.

As Wagons go - you won't get much better, they are superb work horses and will run forever if properly maintained. Try and see it's service history or at least the service book full of MB stamps.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Andy

seth099 · 08-18-2003, 06:36 PM

Greetings Andy,

Many thanks for your considerate and very helpful comments. I will keep you posted. Again, thanks!

Best Regards,

Terry

AnE2pleaz · 08-20-2003, 07:57 PM

Id say the normal things really, log books is really important and make sure services werent missed because this could pose a problem. Im going through some problems with our 89 300TE with 205000 miles or 330000 kms, it needs alot of work done on it, partly some of it our fault. But check the rear suspension thats a big thing, we have had an 1981 280TE, 1986 230TE and now a 89 300TE and all have had some issue regarding the rear suspension. Make sure that you get the rear checked out. Also, check for oil leaks, they are fairly common.

wbrauer · 08-20-2003, 08:23 PM

Do you have the 103 Gas motor? I have heard that about 160k is all you can expect without reworking the top end. Have you avoided that? I have a 92 with 123k and am hoping this is not "normal" to expect this short a life. The MB is a much nicer vehicle but sure costs a lot more to maintain than my old 740 wagon did. 10cents a mile more I'd say.

AnE2pleaz · 08-20-2003, 08:41 PM

Well we bought our car about 2 years ago with 228000kms or 141000miles. The car had a consistent oil leak and we should ahve got the top end done then. We left it till now 330000kms or 205000 miles later and the leak is incredible. Over night when you look under the car there is a small puddle. Apparently also the bottom end is gone so there u go.

Christian

Stickman · 08-20-2003, 09:39 PM

I certainly hope that 160K miles is not the limit. This is very disconcerting if this is true. What is the concensus out there among 103 engine owners?

Paul

trackho · 08-26-2003, 02:33 PM

Quote:

I certainly hope that 160K miles is not the limit. This is very disconcerting if this is true. What is the concensus out there among 103 engine owners?

Paul

Mine. 91 300TE has 135K on it--it is very strong, replaced valve stem seals, most recently the $200 self leveling hose--aise from that, it works great. I pull a light trailer with 2 motorcycles on it all the time-100+MPH is NO problem--i think that 250K mi is good, if you keep it maintained--my 560SEC needed a vlave job at 120K---but it has big valves that tend to burn whereas the 300 has smaller 4-valves/cylinder

AnE2pleaz · 08-28-2003, 05:06 PM

Well I think the general consensus will say maintenance is the key.

mjtray · 08-29-2003, 05:46 AM

Quote:

I certainly hope that 160K miles is not the limit. This is very disconcerting if this is true. What is the concensus out there among 103 engine owners?

Paul

Paul, from experience with both the M103 and M104 engines, the top ends normally need some work at the 120,000+ mile mark.....head gasket starts to blow normally. As and when this work is needed most people get the valve stem seals replaced. Having done this work your engine will be set for another 120k+. The bottom ends on these engines are normally bullet proof and rarely need work, even with astronomic mileages.

Cheers