1988 Mercedes-Benz W124 300CE review from North America
"Never buy one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Mainly seals and gaskets that dry-rotted. Cost a fortune to fix. At 85,000 miles (and 10 years old). New transmission gasket $18, but it's $480 to install it.
Oil pump gasket, $300 at 80,000 miles.
A/C never blew very cold, even after repairs at 90,000 miles, which were $500.
Water pump at 110,000, $500.
Head gasket at 88,000 miles, $500.
General comments?
Would never buy one again. Nice riding car, but too expensive when repairs come. Spent $4,000 in 2 years on this car. That's a nice trip to Europe!
Might consider a diesel MB, though.
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![]() ![]() | 1989 - W124 300 TE 3.0 Inline 6 cylinder Fantastic Wagon, if serviced and maintained |
![]() ![]() | 1987 - W124 300d Turbo 3.0 litre turbo diesel This car will probably outlast 4 gasoline powered cars!!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 litre Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 88000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 115000 miles |
| Previous car | Acura Legend |
| Date of Entry | 29th April, 2001 |




