Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E?

Don't buy a car with a salvage title. There's no shortage of cars so why
buy a compromise?

The model is a well known one and liked by owners. M-B doesn't use
timing belts, only timing chains which can also break but typically only
after 2x or 3x the life of a belt.

Many owners do their own maintenance and repairs; parts for the volume
models, like E300 E320 are widely available on line so don't be shy
about DIY maintenance and repairs.

Find a nice car with a regular title and be happy.
--
© 2007 T.G.Lambach. Publication in any form requires prior written
permission.
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

On Sep 25, 2:10 pm, "-->> T.G. Lambach <<--" <"T.G. Lambach at
NoHamorSpamcomcast.net"> wrote:
> Don't buy a car with a salvage title. There's no shortage of cars so why
> buy a compromise?
>
> The model is a well known one and liked by owners. M-B doesn't use
> timing belts, only timing chains which can also break but typically only
> after 2x or 3x the life of a belt.
>
> Many owners do their own maintenance and repairs; parts for the volume
> models, like E300 E320 are widely available on line so don't be shy
> about DIY maintenance and repairs.
>
> Find a nice car with a regular title and be happy.
> --
> © 2007 T.G.Lambach. Publication in any form requires prior written
> permission.

I have one, same year/model. Thinks/problems to look for:
AC,
Fuel supply (the car must not "shake" in any sense when in D and
stoped).
Rust under the windows rubbers,
Sun roof - opening and tilting without noises,
Exhaust system, resonator, cat, etc...
Slammimg doors,
Becker CD player and changer, automatic antenna,
Front lights ( intensity of from the in-famous sealed beans),

My advise is to take the car to a overall inspection with a good MB
mechanic before you buy,
but a Salvage title is one to avoid, for sure...

HTH,

RSalles
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

Hameed wrote:

> I haven't owned a Benz before but I know they are very nice cars but I
> also know that they cost alot to repair and the average mechanic won't
> work on them.
>
> So, this car is for sale:
> ===================
> 1991 BENZ 300E 116k RUNS GOOD LOOKS BEUTIFULL, CARS HAS A SALVAGE
> TITLE.
> ===================
>
>
> Is that model year good or bad?
> I will check the issue of the salvage title of course but is there
> anything that I need to look for in this particular year.
> In general, is this car easy to work on or not?
> Is it an interference engine i.e. if Timing belt brakes it is almost
> gone?
>

speaking of a 300e
there is a 1993 mb 300 for sale in norman ok for $1450.

ad says no reverse.

how much to fix transmission?

j.
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

cognite tute wrote:

> speaking of a 300e
> there is a 1993 mb 300 for sale in norman ok for $1450.
>
> ad says no reverse.
>
> how much to fix transmission?

If it doesn't go in reverse, how much else is broken? $1450 for a car
that needs a new transmission is highway robbery. $450 would be a more
reasonable price to pay.

-tom!

--
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

Cost about $1800 installedfor rebuilt transmission... Used tranny and
install is around $1000 if you are lucky or lower if you install yourself.
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

Tom Plunket wrote:
> cognite tute wrote:
>
>
>>speaking of a 300e
>>there is a 1993 mb 300 for sale in norman ok for $1450.
>>
>>ad says no reverse.
>>
>>how much to fix transmission?
>
>
> If it doesn't go in reverse, how much else is broken? $1450 for a car
> that needs a new transmission is highway robbery. $450 would be a more
> reasonable price to pay.
>
> -tom!
>

Well, if it was anything like my '91 200E that didn't "like" to go into
reverse except when persuated gently, earlier this year, it may not
require a complete overhaul, (see threads below) but it shoud be kept in
mind that most (?) things start to wear out at that age.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=963365

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=195616&highligh...124+rev

The troubeshooting guide is for a newer box but the principles are the
same.

http://w126.pp.ru/akp722.pdf

Mechanic didn't see any metal bits, did the fluid and filter change
first. No improvement. so crossed fingers and checked the brake bands
and the pistons. Ended up overhauling B3 piston and adjusted the working
pressure, and it's fine now.

But it did have me biting my nails.

Cheers,
WS

--
change to leews to mail
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

cognite tute wrote:
> Hameed wrote:
>
>> I haven't owned a Benz before but I know they are very nice cars but I
>> also know that they cost alot to repair and the average mechanic won't
>> work on them.
>>
>> So, this car is for sale:
>> ===================
>> 1991 BENZ 300E 116k RUNS GOOD LOOKS BEUTIFULL, CARS HAS A SALVAGE
>> TITLE.
>> ===================
>>
>>
>> Is that model year good or bad?
>> I will check the issue of the salvage title of course but is there
>> anything that I need to look for in this particular year.
>> In general, is this car easy to work on or not?
>> Is it an interference engine i.e. if Timing belt brakes it is almost
>> gone?
>>
>
> speaking of a 300e
> there is a 1993 mb 300 for sale in norman ok for $1450.
>
> ad says no reverse.
>
> how much to fix transmission?
>
> j.

I thought $1450 was way too high also.

Thanks, will look elsewhere

j.
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

In article <ftqof3lgunq6tf5lvuke6dd0pb0bj69btm.RemoveThis@4ax.com>,
Tom Plunket <tomas.RemoveThis@fancy.org> wrote:
>cognite tute wrote:
>
>> speaking of a 300e
>> there is a 1993 mb 300 for sale in norman ok for $1450.
>>
>> ad says no reverse.
>>
>> how much to fix transmission?
>
>If it doesn't go in reverse, how much else is broken? $1450 for a car
>that needs a new transmission is highway robbery. $450 would be a more
>reasonable price to pay.
>
>-tom!
>
.... I'd say depends on what the problem is. Case in point, mine
did that at one point... turns out it was a shift linkage at the tranny.
Cost around $300 (don't remember exactly anymore) to mig weld and voila
fixed the lack of reverse problem.

cheers, guenter
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E? 

Plus the advertiser can't spell even elementary words. Would one want to
buy from someone like that?

DAS

For direct replies replace nospam with schmetterling
---
"Tiger" <tiger0002.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:JWaKi.67$aQ6.49@newsfe12.lga...
> Don't bother with salvage titled car... not worth the hassle.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Is it wise to buy a 1991 300E?