"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars)
02/20/2016 at 10:21 • Filed to: Mercedes
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"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars)
02/20/2016 at 10:21 • Filed to: Mercedes | 0
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A clean 1993 Mercedes 400E has gone up for sale a few miles from me, and I would like to know if it would be a good purchase or not.
Interior looks clean, too.
For reference, it’s $3,200, it has 166,000 miles and a new Delphi wiring harness. It looks to be in good shape, too.
Steve in Manhattan
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 10:47 |
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I had an ‘87 300D (W124) for about 110K (purchased new). A lot of stuff failed, all under warranty: a few window motors, sunroof motor and cable, cruise control, the radio ... a few other things I can’t put my finger on. I had an extended warranty. I’d say make sure all the switchgear works and take it to a mechanic that specializes in German cars for a stem-to-stern checkup before you buy it.
LOREM IPSUM
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 11:06 |
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Harness or harnesses were replaced? I believe there are two underhood, an upper and lower, both of which tend to fail and require replacement.
That model year is one of the many effected by the crappy biodegradable wire insulation so despite the fact that underhood harnesses may have been replaced, literally every piece of wire in the vehicle is suspect. Things like opening and closing doors and trunks tends to cause the wires to fail in these areas as well, and rewiring them is no fun.
I owned an 89 300e and while it was a great car I would never consider buying a benz from the early 90's because of the wire insulation issue.
If you choose to proceed, stock up on rear window regulators too. You’ll probably need ‘em.
Cé hé sin
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 11:46 |
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I’ve never heard of a 400e. US specific model?
RTChoke
> Cé hé sin
02/20/2016 at 12:02 |
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There was a 500E too, hot rod
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Jack Does Cars
> Steve in Manhattan
02/20/2016 at 15:08 |
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Thankfully, one of the best Mercedes specialists in the U.S is 30 minutes away and does $50 PPIs. So, *if* I consider this 400E, I’ll be sure to take it to him.
‘87 was the only year of the horrid 6-cylinder diesel, though.
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Jack Does Cars
> LOREM IPSUM
02/20/2016 at 15:10 |
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As I was telling Steve in Manhattan, one of the best Mercedes specialists in the U.S is 30 minutes from me and does $50 PPIs, and if I consider it, I will take it over to him and only purchase it if it has a clean bill of health.
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Jack Does Cars
> Cé hé sin
02/20/2016 at 15:12 |
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Yes, 15,000 or so we’re sold here from 1992-1995. It had a V8 which made 275 HP and 295 LB-FT of torque, and did 0-60 MPH in seven or so seconds, which isn’t bad for a 3,700 pound sedan.
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Steve in Manhattan
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 15:16 |
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The engine itself was powerful enough, but the trap and turbo blew out of warranty. But Mercedes made good - no charge. They knew they’d blown it. See what I did there?
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Steve in Manhattan
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 15:17 |
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I think at this point they had added a passenger side airbag. On my ‘87 there were no electrical issues unless you count the blown window and sunroof motors.
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Jack Does Cars
> Steve in Manhattan
02/20/2016 at 15:22 |
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I did, great pun, 10/10. While I’m not sure if the ‘92 had side airbags, as a response to your other comment, it would be another great reason for my mother to approve it as my first car.
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Steve in Manhattan
> LOREM IPSUM
02/20/2016 at 15:44 |
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Aha - you had the same window problems I had.
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Steve in Manhattan
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 15:45 |
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I’m almost positive it does not have side curtain airbags.
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LOREM IPSUM
> Steve in Manhattan
02/20/2016 at 16:36 |
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Best advice I can give is to use the rear windows as much as possible. Open and close them frequently, even if you don’t plan on leaving them open. This keeps everything from sticking due to lack of use. I believe it’s overcoming the sticking that stresses the components to the point of failure. In other words; if you don’t use it you lose it.
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Jack Does Cars
> Steve in Manhattan
02/20/2016 at 22:53 |
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No matter, our roomate loves rare vehicles as evidenced by his 1/111 white 2006 Audi A3 3.2 VR6. Plus, it’s a Mercedes. They’re safe, which my mother likes, this one is quick, which I like, and I have also thought the W124 was always a looker.
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Steve in Manhattan
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 23:24 |
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Yes, it’s a safe design, and if you want a car from that era, you can’t go wrong with a W124.
Justin T. Westbrook
> Jack Does Cars
02/20/2016 at 23:34 |
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So what do you need us for wise guy