thinking of a 300te wagon. I dont know much about them, are they good cars? do the have any common problems?

 

Had a 250 TDT and loved the car. Very comfortable to drive, an immense amount of space, easy to repair, spare parts are still available. Air conditioning was working like a freezer, worked perfect.
I had leather interior, was very good quality, after all those years still in mint condition.

Had some minor problems with sunroof, accumulators of the suspension system (a horror job to exchange them), leaking head lights and failing wipers of the head lights.
For the rest the standard stuff, nothing major.
In the end the gear box failed and the engine needed an overhaul, which made the total cost more than the day value of the car, so I had to say goodbye. Car is standing in the garage, maybe one day I will restore it.

As for the engine I can't say what your problems will be (since I had a diesel), other than high gas usage and probably using an immense amount of oil (up to 1 ltr /1000 km seems to be acceptable).
If you buy the car pay very well attention to the gear box. Most defects on the car can be repaired fairly simple, but if the gear box has even the slightest problem.........leave the car alone. Repairing an automatic gear box of a Mercedes will cost you more than the value of the car. Professional shops start talking at prices you don't want to hear.
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HOW TO ROLL A BLUNT

 

Hello hogson, WELCOME to the forum.

 

I think it's one of the best cars ever made (to buy used), though later models had minor improvements.

Problems are directly related to quality of maintenance and treatment. They really want scheduled maintenance, and adequate amounts of highway driving.

'88 is a bit old, but a garage-kept low-mileage well-maintained vehicle is a good buy.

Head gasket (M103 engine), water pump, leaky differential are all standard major repairs. Rust problems will show up in front quarter panels. Rear windows can leak slightly. A/C can be fussy, like any car though. Rear hatch closure motor can go. Transmission may need rebuild, very expensive. Self-leveling rear suspension needs inspection before purchase. Otherwise very tough car.

 

i've had two 89's this one is a Te and corners like a porsche with a great acceleration

on the high way its like a couch on wheels. Problems rear end differential stalling fix is new sensors rear hatch cylinder's but like anything if you like the ride than you need to be accepting.