Looking at a 300TE 24V Sportline 1991

[hux300te]

:?:

Hi guys,

I am new to the forum, so please go easy!

This weekend I am looking at a 1991 300TE 24v sportline estate (5 not 7 seater, no leather). It does have a FSH, main dealer up to about 110k then specilatist the last 25k (total 135,000 miles).

Can you experts please let me know what I should be looking out for and also what benefit the sportline offers (it was factory order and has 5spd auto etc).

Also any guides on what you think it is worth????

Thanks in advance.

 

[njpumphrey]

Hi, I went to look at a similar car the other day. H-Reg 300TE 24V (not sure about the sportline bit). No leather but 7 seat, FSH, 190,000miles, good tyres and exhaust, but a bit of bubbling around wheel arches and a dent under rear light. Sunroof didn't work either, and there was generally a bit of wear and tear. They were asking £1850, but I could also use some advice about whether this is a good price.

 

[Andy]

Hi

£1850 ain't a lot of money for a car of this caliber. Make sure the body is ok. The engine and box are ok. All electrical consumers work. Or make sure you are good at DIY.


You have to realise that a car of this age and millage will need some TLC.But usually they all scrub ok.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[nickh]

Watch out for sportline, some people lower the car and call it sportline, to my knowledge sportline entails lower suspension springs, tuned shocks, harder bushes, wider wheels with 205/ tyres a quicker response steering rack, I think maybe a sportier steering wheel, plus sportline badges on front wings, check to see if on the inside of the fuel filler cap, there is a sticker that refers to sportline.

To be honest refer to what Andy is saying, check everything works, and the cooling & oil system is clean and check the history with a fine toothcombe

good luck.

 

[njpumphrey]

Cheers guys. The history seems fine on the surface, but I haven't checked to see what all the reciepts are for yet. When checking the coolant system my finger didn't reach any in the reservoir - should it be empty when cold? There was a bit of oily residue on the side but that may have been from an old repair of the headgasket. The oil level was low too, but it was parked on a camber. I haven't been back yet, but hope to see it again at the weekend if it is still there.

 

[Richard Moakes]

Sorry to say, but low oil and coolant point to someone who doesn't care for the car!

The header tank should contain coolant when cold, there is a line on the tank to guide you.

Look at things like tyres, are they quality, Michelin etc..., if they are a cheap brand then you can assume the owner is a cheapskate, and all the things you can't see will have been neglected.

Good Luck,

Richard

1989 W124 300E

 

[njpumphrey]

I hear what you are saying about the oil and coolant - the owner is quite willing to accept he know nothing about cars and has never personally done any maintenance, but he is also taking a big hit in the price - he paid £3500 only a year ago. If I see another car with fluid levels at the right height I still don't know if they have been low in the past, and just put right for the sale..

I like your tyre theory. I remember it from a previous post and think of it whenever I go and see new cars! I will be back this weekend taking it for a drive, and if it comes up to scratch I think I will have a hard decision to make.
Right price vs slightly wrong spec and high miles :?