[kiteoregon]

I am in the process of purchasing a 300D, I look at the car today, very low miles, and a good price, the seller has informed me of a couple of issues.

The seller tells me that the rear door sticks when 3/4 of the way open and takes some extra love to get open, she think it's just needs to be lubed, thoughts?

She also said that the lock system is tricky. "Uhm, the locks are tricky, like the driver's side has to be locked with a key and the same back passenger door likes to be locked, so if you close it unlocked it will disagree with your choice and lock itself."

Does this sound normal, or is this a vacuum problem?

Also she said that the trunk is slightly damp, is that a trunk seal issue? We live in oregon, it has been very wet here over the last couple of months.

Any feedback?

KO.

 

[mdanielson]

both of my w123's have had all of these issues. The door check/straps often go to hell. They're hard to lube correctly (at least without going in to the door), and it's probably too late, but not expensive to fix. The locks are just a matter of trial and error. They all have to be locked from the outside, though. Vac leaks anywhere in the car can cause the locks not to work, and the little acutuators themselves go bad. I collect these parts when i find a cadaver. Just frustrating, that's all.
I can't believe how many w123's have wet trunks. The majority around here. Trunk seals often yield to heavy weather, and the antenna grommets often leak. Window seals might lead to wet trunk also. Also, not a big deal. These three things sound like the stereotype of "if this is your worst problem, then you're doing great". these things are also gratifying to fix yourself with no special tools.
Check for surprise rust under the bottom of the front door seals, around jack tubes, at the rear of wheel wells, under lip of trunk, sunroof well/tray. Maybe not a deal-breaker, but a drag to find later. Many "no rust" mercedes have rust in some of these places.

 

[kiteoregon]

Thanks for the info. I will make sure to check the rust areas.

 

[300TD1984]

The drivers door is working as intended as it should be locked from the outside with the keys. It also sounds like the rear drivers door is working as intended by "locking itself" after you lock the front door.

I also have the same problem with the rear door not opening fully. It will with a little umph but i can get in just fine with it 3/4 open. I cant wait for warmer weather and a bit of extra cash to fix some of my problem areas.