300ce

[conleycrew3]

hi all, just got my first merc, its a 300ce.
just wondering if anyone has any scary stories about the reliability?
any common faults etc?
thanks

 

[Seeker_UK]

hi all, just got my first merc, its a 300ce.
just wondering if anyone has any scary stories about the reliability?
any common faults etc?
thanks

Head gasket failure at approx 100K miles is by far the commonest problem (although I understand the 300-24 is worse).

 

[television]

hi all, just got my first merc, its a 300ce.
just wondering if anyone has any scary stories about the reliability?
any common faults etc?
thanks

the 124 is one of the most liked cars on the forum (hope I am right) I loved mine When I lived in Sweden, I only had a water pump leak in the 80k I drove it.
Malcolm

 

[jberks]

I've yet to hear anyone regret buying or complain about a 124. Other than the fuel consumption that is! Newer models are another matter!

 

[Kully E220 Coupe]

I have a CE too, just got it in september, its really nice fast too... Looks pimp!!!!! 8)

 

[FOZZY]

check s/h

hi all, just got my first merc, its a 300ce.
just wondering if anyone has any scary stories about the reliability?
any common faults etc?
thanks

check s/h if full it ok if no s/h or missing check for clocking

 

[FOZZY]

check s/h if full it ok if no s/h or missing check for clocking

ps i got ce 320 with no s/h it cost me 2000 to get it on the road
but its looking good all the best.

 

[Apial]

Head gasket failure at approx 100K miles is by far the commonest problem (although I understand the 300-24 is worse).

Mine started to leak oil at 55K, but it was 14 years old!

 

[softtop]

Nice looking example

Superb car - the only other cars i'd have would be a classic saab or an old bentley (couldn't afford the service though!)

Here's my (not so) bad experiences...

Delaminating rear screen (milky areas around edges) causes failure of rear demister.

engine dampers tend to go causing cabin vibration

expect slightly clunky gear change on automatic

front wings will rot from wheel lining scraping on in the inside. also dig out dirt from wheel all wheel arch lips.

make sure accelerator mechanism is well lubed (under airfilter unit) and exposed to the elements.

car can be heavy on break discs

if your airconditioning works well, consider yourself lucky

all minor things really. maintain with a good specialist and check oil regularly (expect oil burn as normal - see manual) and it will last for ever.


Soft Top
1990 blue black 300ce-24 135,000
1994 rosewood e320 amg cabrio 105,000

 

[conleycrew3]

thanks guys, all your posts are very usefull.

just done 900 miles this weekend in her, she didnt miss a beat once!

 

[Tomkinsm]

Hi,

Here is my experience with faults on my 300CE-24:

Air-con - needed regassing with a replacement gas as it doesn't take the latest refridgerant.
Rear wing - had some rust that had taken hold in the boot and rooted quite a lot inside although looked minor from outside. Had it all repaired beautifully by John Haynes. I suggest you take out all the boot trim and have a good look - perhaps wax oiling as well if all looks ok.
Fog lights - strange failure on the bulb kept shorting out and blowing fuses
Seat belt delivery system - seat belt had worn a groove in them. Apparently they are cheap to replace but I sorted mine with some glue.
Gearbox - getting old and I think the hydraulics are worn. It takes a minute or so before going into reverse when cold, but fine once warmed up. Can get a reconditioned one fully fitted and guaranteed by George Fraser, but for about £1000.
Ignition barrel - wasn't origninal one and had a diffrent key. By ordering a new one quoting my chassis number I got an original one so one key does everything.
Light failure warning light - this was on permanently and I found it was due to an incorrect bulb fitted in the rear light
Latest problem is my rear demister not working. Still investigating this but it is either the multifunction relay or the fact that the rear screen is starting to delaminate.

Otherwise its a fantastic car, and drives wonderfully.

If yours has no faults at all then you are a lucky man!

PS - nice wheels.