Prospective 300SE purchase

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Thu 19 Jun 2003 20:53
Prospective 300SE purchase - Harmattan
First thing tomorrow I'm off to look at a 93,000 mile MB 300SE (1989,G)with full dealer service history and a £2150 price tag. Couldn't see it today because it was at its regular servicing dealer getting new MOT and MB exhaust fitted. Sounds like everything works, has had only Mercedes parts fitted and no major scuffs or dings, although tomorrow will tell. I've read the C-by-C breakdown comments so will be looking out for signs of gasket failure etc but is there anything else specific to these that I need to be warned of?

At 93K am I right in thinking that the next major service is 108K? The car is not for me and will be garage maintained if bought, although by a suitable specialist rather than M-B. I'll check the directory listings but any suggestions for a specialist on Tees-side will be welcomed.

Thanks in advance.
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Thu 19 Jun 2003 22:36
Prospective 300SE purchase - Aprilia
Plenty of things to check.

W126 are not as immune to rust as W124, W201 models, so check for rust. In particular, get in boot and look up at underneath of parcel shelf sheet metal. Rear screens leak, and rust here can be a major problem.

Feel for dampness under carpets front and rear - if it is wet then walk away. Dealers were always scared stiff by a leaky W126 !

Valve guides wear - can need replacing at this sort of mileage. Crewe engines do ex. heads at about £600.
Autobox is a simple hydraulic unit. There is a design fault with the rear clutch on this 'box. It tends to partially engage during forward driving and so gradually wears out. With hot engine/box put 'box in 'N'. Then move lever to 'R'. Up to 2 seconds delay before engagement = box OK. More than 4 seconds = rebuild needed now (£1500). 2-4 seconds = 'dodgy'.

At this age/mileage the 'box seals go hard and leak. A re-seal costs about £600 from an independent.

Check for steering box play (not cheap to fix!).

On M103 engine the head gasket can go - oil get into water.

Power steering pump often a bit leaky.

Be aware that although service items can be quite cheap, some parts are v. expensive (e.g. ignition amplifier = £600).

These cars are also a bit ponderous to drive and low geared (its a heavy car even for 3000cc) - the design was introduced in 1982 and it lacks the sophistication of, say, the W124 and W201 which ride and handle a lot better (IMHO).

Car needs servicing every 6000 miles. There is a guy in your area listing as 'Blue Star Enterprises' sells original MB parts - he will know who to take it to for servicing.
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Thu 19 Jun 2003 23:23
Prospective 300SE purchase - Aprilia
PS - If you buy a W126 then I can sort you out with service data, wiring diagrams etc., just post your e-mail address or put it in your profile.

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Fri 20 Jun 2003 07:21
Prospective 300SE purchase - Harmattan
Aprilia

Thanks. Those are exactly the sort of tips it's useful to have for appraising an unfamiliar vehicle, especially when there's a risk of being blinded by a no-expense spared dealer service history.
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Fri 20 Jun 2003 10:13
Prospective 300SE purchase - mab23

There's a place called MercSpec in Middlesbrough, they advertise in the local paper. Haven't used them so can't vouch for them, but there's a possible independent Merc specialist for you.

Mike
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Fri 20 Jun 2003 13:34
Prospective 300SE purchase - Harmattan
Thanks to both for that. Have now bought the car which passed the checks I'd mustered. Just four new tyres (factored in to the buying price) and it's follow the three-pointed star.
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