4Matics - Front Wheel Gaiters

[Anonymous]

Hi ; I'm a new member trying out the forum - hope I work it right.

I have a 300TE 4Matic, lovely condition, ballistic miles, heading for an MOT, with a duff outer gaiter.

Anyone got any ideas/experience in this area; I am trying to keep the repair cost down !

I am also interested in hearing from other 4Matic owners.

 

[Steve Chafer]

4 matic

Hullo, sorry I cant answer your technical problem, but perhaps you can advise me, - on 4 Matics in general?

I'm thinking of an E class estate, have seen the occaisional 4 Matic version advertised.

Pub experts rub their chins and speak sagely of importing extra risk through complexity, I'd like to think MB engineering would shine through, any views on 4 Matics as a prospective purchase?

thanks

Steve

 

[Bruce_Jeffares]

4 Matics

Steve; Sorry to have been so long replying; apparently the last upgrade changed my user name and I could not access the forum.

As you would expect, the 4-matic feels just as good on the road as a normal transmission car. The great benefit is that four wheel drive is available on those occasions when you would pay almost any money to have it. This is indeed rare, but in my experience it was a godsend.

I'm not sure whether you realise that the four wheel drive is not normaly in use; a transfer gearbox engages it automatically when sensors detect front wheel speed differs from the rear wheels.

The horror stories surround the cost of repairing said transfer box, if you are unlucky. I do not know the exact figure but I understand it is well into four figures. Earlier writers to the forum differ on how often these things give out.

My 300TE has done 197k now, mostly up to Scotland and across Europe (hence the need for four wheel drive) I am told that mine is in good shape, apart from the outer boots that have just been replaced (not too expensive after all)

Subject to having an inspection before you buy, I would be more concerned about mileage and the effect on eventual re-sale, than the four wheel drive.

Mine is now available to a good home; it is a ****** lovely car but people do not like the high miles.

Hope this is not too late to be of use. Good Luck with your next MB, whatever it is.

 

[Steve Chafer]

Hullo Bruce,

Thanks for the info: and no I didnt know the FWD was part time, so to speak, when are you thinking of seling your Car? is it a seven seter ?
Perhaps we could exchange details by E mail?


Glad you sorted out the Gaiter thing in a cost effective way.

Steve Chafer

chafers@bp.com

 

[Bruce_Jeffares]

4-Matics

Steve;

The car is available now. It does not have the extra seats, unfortunately.

I will send you the details on your e:mail.

Regards; Bruce