What are the things i really need to know about my 1992 W124 300E

[BENZVE]

Hello People,

I`m new at this, so i`m gonna introduce myself. My name is Juan, i`ve just bought a w124 300E 1992.

this is my third Benz, I`ve owned a w 114 (280) German version, a W123 280E (also German version), and recently my 300E (USA version).

I`ve been told by many mechanics that the M103 engine it`s one of Mercedes Best invention.

So, what i really want to know it`s your opinion about this, and what sort of things should i look regarding this car, any special advise?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Richard Moakes]

Things I have learned on a 1989 W124 300E

• Change the oil often, use quality oil and filters
• Check the radiator, if it is original, it will be falling apart
• Water pumps leak and are tricky to replace
• OVP and Fuel Pump relays fail or go intermittent causing all kinds of problems, stalling etc...
• Keep an eye on coolant levels, they can use a little without it being too serious
• Spray rustproofing on the brake lines, particularly at the rear of the car
• Be prepared for suspension springs to break and need replacing
• The engine can be 'ticky' on the top due to failed hydraulic lifters, not too difficult to replace if you find it annoying
• Hood pad will probably need replacing, they biodegrade and crumble

None of these are showstoppers, the older W124's are some of the nicest, cheapest cars to run on a daily basis

 

[brianbrian]

Check body work (chassis) where rear sub frame 4 bolts to.

 

[Smudge]

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Check body work (chassis) where rear sub frame 4 bolts to.

I would echo that. My '89 300te has just failed MOT and will sadly now be broken for spares. As the sub frame mounts had rusted away. This despite the rest of the car being rust free!

 

[brianbrian]

Smudge if rest of car is O.K. M.B. sell these body parts about £5.00 each, you just have to find body shop or welder I had to have it done on my 1992 300d 124 now as good as new.

 

[BENZVE]

Thanks a lot for the advices.

Fortunally the radiator isn´t falling appart just yet!!, and there appears to be no rust on the body work.

however, what´s the normal temperature of the engine when hot?

usually on my other mercedes was 80 degrees when hot, i´m talking about the M110 engine of my previous w123.

I´ve heard that the normal working temperature of this engine was a bit more than 80 degrees. Normaly is between 95 and 100 degrees.. is this true??

 

[wireman]

Normal temp 85C to 95C, expect a wee shade more (<100C) in hotter conditions, if its less than 80C the thermostat should be changed. Slight water loss may be due to an ageing filler cap.
Oil pressure 3 Bar when mobile or at more than 1200RPM or so, at least 1 Bar when hot at tickover.

The rubber bushes on front wish bones, anti roll bar and rear sub frame mounts all get tired on high milage & older cars as does the steering damper, these parts are most common culprits for poor handling/feel or clonking. Most of the other rubber bits in the suspension can also get tired and loose. The belt tensioner may also suffer from wear on its pivot bearing and damper. The front suspension lower ball joints also wear out given time and miles. These parts will need changing sooner or later.

If you are not sure of the age of the antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor change it to prolong the life of all the cooling system and heater, check the coolant hoses for degradation, softness and swelling.

And most importantly (for the safety of others) :- If the brake fluid is more than 2 years old change that too.