Buying guide for newbies?

[Supersonic_Stevie]

Heya all!

Am new here, as you might have guessed by the post number (1).

Are there any good 'guides for purchase' for the CE range that anyone
can recommend, things to lok for, parts to keep an eye out for at time
or purchase, etc, etc...

Am a Rover man at the minute, but am hanging me eye over a luvely
220CE, but not knowing where and what to begin looking at.


Regards
Steve

 

[Ramius]

Helllllloooo.....Welcome.

I have a W124 300TE24. I would love a CE but with my family size....thats no an option for now.

I am not the most knowledgable but will put my tuppence worth in.

1. Rust. Front wings seem to be the standard area that goes first as there is a lip in the wing that catches road muck.
2. Knocks, grinds and bangs are not a good sign. These engines are bullet proof but can be abused and then can cost a few quid. Gearbox should be smooth and check the ATF fluid too.......nice red colour is what you are looking for.

there lies the limited knowledge......i wouldnt want to say more or i'll be made to look a right plum by the really cleaver bods here

 

[kit820]

I had a 300ce 12v a few years back, it is still my best mercedes by far be it for the price, reliability or comfort. Needless to say, it has plenty of style.

CE comes with many gadets, namely the electric seat, sunroof etc, these are the things to look out for. Great to have but a headache to repair. As for the 220, it may be a little under power but even if you dont mind that, given its power output, 'getting it to shift' may well means a lot of 'peddling' or gear changing (even if its an auto), hence, there would be the natural wear and tear. In my opinion, go for the 320 or 300 ce 24v. Enough power for an easy cruise and hence, it would not be so hard on the engine.

The older model also has an issue with difficult starting. You can learn to live with that, but it s something you may wish to know about. Otherwise, given its sports persona, it s almost inevitable that previous owners might have carried out various modifications, like suspension let say. If the car has been modified, beware of the spec or the make of the equpiments added. If modifications are carried out, then ask what these are, who were these carried out by etc.

good luck, it is a great car to drive and if possible, I would love to get one again.

kit