1990 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300TE 4matic review from North America
"We have no real excuse to sell this car and expect to get the legendary 500,000 kms from it."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Constant overheating resulted in tightening of head. That didn't solve it. Replaced thermostat. No difference. Finally replaced water pump and now works fine. Spent nearly $1500 to have same shop resolve the problem.
A/C fan in dash began whining on & off, eventually a constant high pitch. Bought blower motor new on Internet site. New mechanic pulled dash and discovered the motor was not the same as was ordered but a tiny black fan. Total replacement @$700.00 and I have a blower motor ready for replacement.
Botched wiring when Japanese radio was originally put in leading to shorts in courtesy lights, console lights don't work. Stereo wiring is stictly for MB products.
General comments?
This is a JDM (lhd) car imported in 2006. The body after 16 years was near perfection. Everything appeared original in and out, over and under. A trip to Las Vegas in July in 45 degree Celsius may have been the start of the overheating problems.
This car still draws looks and comments 18 years on. Great WOW factor.
The ride is velvet smooth, power is subtle and doing 140 KPH is effortless and quiet. The 4Matic only occasionally engages even in a Canadian Rocky Mtn winter. Only indicator is the warning light that AWD is on.
Mileage is a surprise as we get the equivalent of 30-32 MPG (Imperial gallon) combined in warmer months and 25 mpg in winter.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1990 |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 litre gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 88000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 128000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Axxess |
| Date of Entry | 27th June, 2008 |