Just got a 1989 300E about 10 days ago and just found this site. I usually drive a 01 Porsche 986 but I spun a rod bearing and my engine is toast. I had to have something in the interim until I can afford to get that fixed.

I imposed a limit of $2,000 on myself on what I would pay for the interim car and I saw a 89 MB 300E listed on the web at a lot in Dallas, and went up there to check it out and bought it then. It is so much better than the other $1500.00 and under cars I looked at that day. I paid $1500.00 for it plus TTL for a total of about $1680.00. I've been pleasantly surprised that it runs good, hasn't had any major issues, and hasn't even died on me yet. I wasn't looking for a lot out of a $1500.00 car, but so far its exceeded my expectations. Fires right up every turn of the key, heat and AC work,all fluid levels are fine, great oil pressure and all electronics work with the exception of the windshield wiper only works intermittenly and nice interior with the exception of having to use one seat cover for a cracked passenger seat.I don't know if the wipers on the headlights work as I don't know how to turn those on, I need to get a manual!!! Only thing I replaced is front low beams were both out so popped in two new bulbs and to my delight, that was all that was wrongwith them, cost $20.00 total at Autozone. Exhaust sound is a little loud, but in my Porsche I like it loud so I'll learn to live with it. Idles a little rough until its warmed up, but not too bad.

Never even gave Mercedes Benz a thought before now, but its a lot of car for the money and is helping make me a fan. My son is griping about the Porsche being gone for now, but I tell him that having the Mercedes that runs right now, is a heck of a lot better than having the Porsche that sits still.

Nice site and I look forward to reading up and studying on the 300E.

Take care and have a Merry Christmas!

Mike

 

The 300e is a great car and I've been searching for one for quite a while with low miles. Those things can last 300,000 miles + before an engine rebuld and the diesels will even go longer. A coworker of mine has one with 286,000 miles, never had any engine work done to it. So good luck with yours, even if it's for a short period of time. How many miles are on it?

 

Hi AMGMercedes,

I can't tell how many miles are on mine because they sold it as mileage exempt. The odometer reads in the 160,000's so hopefully it still has some life left in it. I haven't decided yet whether to keep it for a second car once I get my Boxster back. Sometimes, I have found it really nice to have a backseat and some storage space.

I may give it a plug change this weekend just for the fun of it. Kind of a Merry Christmas to the Mercedes.Since I still have $300.00 left on my budget for it, what do you think the best bang for the bucks might be???

Mike