Wiring harness had to be replaced because insulation on wires simply cracked and fell off exposing bare wires. New harness cost over $750 to replace!!
Transmission failed at 114K miles!! I've driven Mercedes all my adult life, over 35 years, and this is the first transmission failure, but what a hassle/expense! Have yet to get it fixed. Four very intelligent shops have tried to fix it and its still kaput... It has become apparent to me that they are simply building cars too complex today. The dealers fix of replacing the transmission is now the only option. I've never been able to deal with any of Mercedes dealers down thru the years because of the outrageous cost. Just about decided to give up Mercedes altogether and get something simple and easy to repair... Something virtually any mechanic can understand and fix, including myself.
Buy a 1980's (pampered) W126 series MB - and start smiling again!
I have experienced transmission failure with my 380se, just after a transmission fluid change at 143K miles. The best deal I could find was with the local M B dealer, the price for factory rebuilt transmission was only $1,770. and with a two year warranty. The labor was almost another $1,000 but what a car! Don't become discouraged, more people would drive the Mercedes S class if they ever got to experience driving one!
I purchased my 1989 420SEL about 6 months ago and it is a wonderfully made car. It is my first Benz and although it has 135K miles, I have just experienced transmission failure. Well not a complete failure, more like reverse failure. I am currently looking for a 1993 S300 or S400 but I have had no success. I am going to fix the trans because the car is a pampered gem and just needs to be lovingly caressed back to health, but the MB dealer cost is prohibitive. I am looking for a reasonable alternative. Notice I did not say cheap, after all it is a Mercedes.
I have a 1988 300se with 217000 miles and the transmission slips when in over drive so as long as I don't do over 60 mph I'm OK, I tried some lucas transmission addative and it also seemed to help, I don't see spending $3000 on a car this old.
I own a 1988 MB300SE.I have AC problems, start and run problems, and other weird electrical problems...ex.wipers come on when cranking the engine and it won't start until several tries and the battery seems to be weakening. Does anyone know of a common source for these symptoms?
I have a 1992 300se MB. This car is not cheap to fix, nor is my '01 BMW 740il. When I bought the car 6 years ago at 85,000 miles the a.c. condenser went out along with every other little a.c. toy that is involved. That was a grand lovely total of nearly 2 grand. The trans. went out after a trans. flush in my MB last December at 145,000 miles. I purchased a new trans. with labor and cost nearly 6 grand. LOL! I also repaired a little cancer/rust just under the inside trunk area directly above the button for trunk under black plastic lining. That was very easy to get fixed and cost $100. I encourage all people with this S class body style to look for that rust, it is hard to see when not expecting it. Right now the MB is running rich and I am in the process of repairing that. The point here my friends is the car is an AMAZING mechanical nightmare, but when running perfect with no problems the car is the best in the world. The car is a cruiser, a guys night out car, a date car, a get treated like a king car because the car fools everyone. "people think it is a lot newer than it really is/typical with every MB." 1. This car has it all- thickest glass you will ever see, 2. doors and trunk suck in when not closed all the way, 3. Bose 10 speaker system with after market DVD alpine head unit is pretty sweet. 4. Mirrors move in and out with a motor, 5. infrared security system, 6. and new custom telephone with speaker is convenient, much more! This car will look new as long as you keep it up and spend a little $.
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