Just buying E300TD (1997/98) - What to look for

[DaveK]

Hello all,

I'm on the verge of buying an E300TD Elegance saloon but I know nothing about Mercedes. Is there anything in particular I need to look out for? Is there any kind of service literature I can obtain? Is there anything anyone would recomend changing straight away e.g. gearbox fluid, mechanical bits that are prone to failure, etc?  How well does this club cater for this vehicle? Any info greatly appreciated.

I'm a compentant DIY mechanic (out of enthusiasm rather than anything else).

Dave K

 

[Guy]

Just buying E300TD (1997/98)

The more mechanically minded will give you practical advice, perhaps, but I bought a 300TD Estate new 1/1/98.
Its been an excellent car, but it's been properly looked after - that seems to be the key.
Recently, at about 55k, had new brake pads/discs all round, but that has been the only 'unusual' expenditure.
If the car has a good history and has been looked after, it should be a good buy.
Good luck.

 

[wportre]

Just buying E300TD (1997/98)

I reckon 55k for the discs is about par: these are big heavy cars that are hard on brakes and tyres. Good news is it should be a DIY job for a competent amateur. People are rude about Haynes manuals, but they cover most of the stuff. And this forum is a great resource. On the tyres, keep an eye on the wear for any abnormal pattern: as I say, they work them hard so any error in the steering geometry just tears them up and those can creep in as a car ages. Again the trick to Mercs is to "listen" to them and look after them: then they just run and run and run.

(Edited by wportre at 3:44 pm on July 31, 2002)

 

[DaveK]

Just buying E300TD (1997/98)

I didn't imagine that there was a Haynes manual for the E-class. I'll have a look.

Anyway, I've gone and bought it now. Seems OK so far. 74k miles with a full SH. The last service wasn't done by MB though so the service due warning is nagging at me. Is there a tool I can buy to reset it?

I was a bit disappointed to find that it didn't have the folding wing mirrors option. I wonder if I can retrofit that?

The suspension "bangs" a bit at the front. Do they all do that or is the suspension normally super quiet (remember, I have no Mercedes experience so I have nothing to compare it against)? Some designs of car have noisier suspension than others.

Discs and pads won't be a problem for me. I also own a Lotus Carlton and don't trust anyone to work on that. I've become quite adept at most things now.

Cheers all.
Dave K

 

[Guy]

Just buying E300TD (1997/98)

Suspension should be quiet - I think I read somewhere that the stabilizer rods (?) at the front can cause this noise, and the fix is cheap and easy.

Hope that makes sense, I'm a payer not a doer.

Enjoy your car.

[BTW, my car has retractable mirrors - must have been an option, but I can't remember now - so you should be able to order & fit.]