We bought this one quite cheap for its age and could identify immediately some problems such as cracked headlight lens, broken sun visor catches and dodgy Blaupunkt CD, however these were cosmetic and repaired very easily and cheaply (the AA inspection guy guessed the headlight lens at about $1000, it actually cost $150 brand new and genuine!).
Other things that have gone wrong are; electric window switch failed.
Electric window arm needed replacing.
Electric seat plays up at contact points (switch needed pulling apart and cleaned easily done).
Tyres (2 sets in 2 years)
Engine mounts worn and replaced.
In tracking an oil leak we had the C seal, crank seal and main fan bracket replaced + 2 power steering belts (it was actually the fan bracket the whole time!! But finding a decent mechanic is - well :-\
Main fan bearings worn.
Still has a leak from Transmission to fix.
Radiator top tank replaced when top hose connection cracked and broke.
We love it, best car we've ever had. Fits our family comfortably (7 seats) and is a fabulous cruiser. Very reliable and has never left us stranded.
A bit thirsty and unfortuately you get tarred with this "you've got money" brush despite the fact that is cost far less to buy than what most average people spend on cars!
Performance is great I even kept pace with my brother-in-laws Mondeo ST24 and we were fully laden!
These are great cars and has converted us to Merc-heads!
I'm thinking of picking one up at the auction. I think It may need a tranny because the gears are slipping. My father has a 1983 benz that has had slipping gears for the last 30k miles!! Everyone is telling me that I'm crazy because the transmission is going to fall out on the road, however, I have test drove it for 1/2 an hour and it does not slip if you baby it, just like dads 300 sl. I think I'm going to try to get into this wagon for cheap! If you have any advise about the transmissions please let me know!
Thanks,
An update 2 years later...
The transmission deteriorated to the point where reverse took awhile to engage and the gears would slip under heavy acceleration. We had it reconditioned (new seals etc) for approx $2500 and its as good as new now.
No more oil leaks, however, burns a bit of oil though.
Other things going wrong: The ABS motor/pump unit will sometimes stay on even though the car is turned off - I discovered that a gentle knock with a spanner handle will stop it.
Power steering will sometimes whine (due to low fluid levels).
The electric sunroof is now starting to play up - struggles to close.
Despite all this we still love the car, it has never failed us, still as fast, comfortable and thirsty as ever.
Have an E280 Estate, absolutely the best Mercedes built. I've had a C Class and a 190E. Knocks spots of them.
Has a whine that I've yet to trace, but otherwise its had a heater fan (easy to fit) and a door check in 213000 miles!
What more can I say?
Neil UK.
I own a 1988 Mercedes 300TE and have accumulated 205,000 miles with 3 trips to the dealer. I am the owner and the primary mechanic for this automobile. This is one of the best constructed automobiles I have ever owned. I am impressed with its reliability especially when considering the complexity of the machine.
Chewing through tires is usually because the rubber suspension bushings are worn, allowing the wheels to get out of alignment and causing accelerated wear.
These are routine maintenance items and will improve the handling characteristics no end.
Another year or so later...
Still going (strong). Heater/fan system packed up, had our Mercedes mechanic look at it (apparently non-standard system) would cost approx $1500 to fix/replace, we decided to use the windows instead ;-)
Something has fallen off the sunroof as I can here it rattle when going over bumps and we dare not slide it open for fear of never being able to close it.
Burning of oil apparently caused by worn valve guides ($1500 to recondition - new brass sleeves?). Haven't bothered, just remove spark plugs every fortnight and clean.
Essentially resigned ourselves to taking care of only critical repairs - which fortunately there haven't been any yet (since the transmission went).
Still hasn't let us down, still love driving it and creeping past 240000 miles now. However, with fuel prices as they are we have decided to use her only when we travel as a family, the wife is looking for a cheap little runabout to ferry kids to their various extra-curricula activities. (Gutted by the poor feedback on the A-Class, even our mechanic told us not to go near them! - for shame Mercedes, what have you done?!)
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