whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Not unheard of for a first buyer to drive the car only a few hundred miles a year, so the 1900 in 6 years is very possible. Maybe it was then sold/lent to someone who used it much more (hence the 115K miles), then it went back into the hands of the original owner or another who just used the car sparingly. If all the documents tally, then i wouldn't worry You are right as it is all possible-looking at W124's for sale there are many 20 year old ones with 70,000 odd on them
I'd have bought the car without any history as it looks and runs great.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Four weeks ago I purchased a 1989 Mercedes 300E that came with a stamped service book which I flicked through-the stamps were mostly Mercedes main dealer, latterly independents-and some MOT's. I bought the car mainly on it's condition and mechanics, so having a stamped up service book was a small bonus. There are only a few receipts, but this doesn't bother me at all as the car cost me little more than its scrap value.
Today I had some time on my hands so looked properly at the service book and MOT's and noticed some odd things.
It had its PDI in October 1989. The first inspection due at 3,000 miles was carried out at 1,900 miles in September 1995 (six years later)!
By February 2008 the speedo reading was up to 115,200 miles, averaging 8,700 miles per year. Nine years later it is now just over 121,000 miles (3,000 of that in the last 12 months).
All this tallies up with the MOT's I have (first one dated September 1995). I wonder what it did for the first six years of its life, and between February 2008 and January 2014 when the previous owner to me purchased it? Maybe I'd be better off not knowing!
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Ford P100 pickups. They were the bootleggers vehicle of choice, and Customs crushed everyone of them that they seized to stop them going to auction to be purchased by more bootleggers.
Audi 80 Sport (the 1988/89 model)
Cavalier SRi 130 (mid 1980;s model, the MkII was it?)
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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I found this site purely by chance-I was looking for a cheapish auto to buy to use for a few months (bad left knee)and Google pointed me here. I looked through the cars for sale section, then, intrigued, I looked through the general section, all interesting stuff. I have owned older vehicles in the last few years-a 190E that made way for a VW T4 along with a LS400 that were sold to part finance my current VW T5. This I primarily use to move my motorbikes around in, and I have modified it somewhat over the last three years,
So from this forum I got interested in older cars, and that led me on to older Mercs, W124's in particular. Which is why I ended up with a 300E rather than some bland automatic hatchback. It was very (very) cheap, and in great condition. Friends are taken aback that "for an old car" it has no rust, and that it has full leather interior, air con, electric window, roof and arial. Or how cheap it is to insure
The T5 will stay as it has a distinct role in my life, but I love driving the Merc, and plan to keep it long after my knee is better. It has all the modern toys I like to have, no worse off than the pool cars I get to drive at work (BMW's Audi's, GTi's and RS's), just a little slower. But speed is never what having a W1214 is all about.
As I said I have a some motorbikes, but a 26 year old motorbike does nothing for me-give me a modern 1000cc sports bike any day of the week.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 16, 2015 13:48:48 GMT
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I have heard of some people* apply boot polish to the side walls. This fills the gaps and makes them look newer.
*But Monroe, of the "Fastest Indian" World speed record holder.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 16, 2015 13:41:56 GMT
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Remove the rear seats and you can get a motorbike in there. Easy with the wheelchair ramp most of them come with. And you still have the two flip down seats (although not the most comfortable seats in the World). Cool as a cool thing when turning up at track days.
I got to use one for a while (a 2002 FX4) which was fine as long as you are not too tall, as the bulkhead stops the seat going back very far. Metro (?) instruments and switchgear, decent heater and air con in the one I used. Easy 80 mph cruising on motorways, 50 mpg achieved. This one was manual too, and the 2.5 Transit engine.
Can't think of any reason not to buy one - a 7 seater, great turning circle, cheap servicing and parts (see the archways in the E3 area of London), and with some thought out insulation, not too noisy.
Think I want one now!
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 13, 2015 18:50:05 GMT
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Thanks Scratcher-I've only seen video's of it, and no first hand experience. Had some panels wrapped on the van, very cheaply (so very thin wrap) and they have stood the test of time with just some wear evident on the dorr frame from where I shut the door.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 13, 2015 13:09:55 GMT
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Stumbled across RR as I was looking for a cheap car to buy and got directed here. Geat way to spend a few hours being facinated by some of the cars and people here. I do like really nice cars and really crappy ones too-both have their merits.
From intending to buy a 3 door hatchback I purchased a Merc 300E and got invaluable information on the cars before I took the plunge. Maybe something else is on the cards-I have spare room on my driveway!
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 13, 2015 12:54:44 GMT
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Its fairly robust, but does come in various thicknesses, and thus price. Thicker wraps are harder to apply to. You pays your money and takes your choice.
keep looking ar plasti-dip for my van. Its cheap, easy to apply and will protect the vuneable areas of paint on yhe van. I'd be tempted to peel it off though!
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 10, 2015 18:38:43 GMT
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We don't want the skin of an animal as the interior of our cars. Simple
No offence intended, but is that the case for ALL vegetarians? Or just those that don't like leather? Serious question by the way.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 10, 2015 18:07:37 GMT
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I never understood the "I am a vegetarian so won't have leather" stance.
I'm tee-total but I still happily use alcohol wipes and hand cleanser.
As for leather/cloth, it matters not. The price dictates what I buy, not the seat facings.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Jan 10, 2015 17:18:54 GMT
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Name : Colin
Location : North Essex
Current Cars: 1989 Mercedes 300E (purchased last week), VW T5 Transporter (modified over the last 2.5 years).
Retro/Interesting Cars Owned : 1962 Consul 1200, then a series of company cars (MkIII, MkIV and MkV Cortinas, Granada 2.3 Estate, Renault Feugo, Cavalier 1.9 GLS (RWD), Cavalier (x2) FWD) then back to owning Golf Mk1 and Golf Mk II, Audi 80 Sport, Capri 1600 auto, Cavalier SRi 130, Saab 9000 (Abbott tuned), Mercedes 190E, Jag x300, and finally a Lexus LS400.
Shows Regularly Attended : Local classic shows in Essex and Suffolk, Bugjam Santa Pod, VW events and drag racing at North Weald airfield.
What are you hoping to do here: Like hearing and reading about older cars being kept running.
Anything else we should know? : Love my motorbikes too-if its got two wheels and an engine, I'll ride it and love it. Rode my motorbike along the Croatian Adriatic coast line last year (including Tučepi, Darjan) and on to Montenegro and the Serbian border, before riding home via Montenegro and Bosnia. Beautiful countries.
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Last Edit: Jan 10, 2015 17:24:13 GMT by whysub
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Newly acquired 300E
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Front wings rust free-last owner used to wash the inner wheel arch lips-there was no build up of muck there when I cleaned them today.
The front nearside wing looks a slightly different shade of gold under street lights, so probably been replaced. I'll keep them clean and hopefully avoid any future issues.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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It's had a good wash (not that it was dirty) and a wax, Needs the inside glass degreased and cleaned, and the over mats shampooed next. Just a few little paint blemishes (but not dings or dents) here and there, but generally very good and straight. I think the front nearside wing has been replaced because I think I can see a very slight difference in colour. Started first turn of the key and ticked over as it should, and pulled away with no hesitation. Just as it should do. So here are some photos: Still a little condensation in the rear window: Under the bonnet (think I'll respray or chrome the air filter top though) The small amount of wear on the drivers seat. A bit of black dye and some Gliptone will have it like new: Debadged rear end: Still has the original real number plate (and the dealer sticker in the back window: Air con switches-does this help in tracking down what fan I will need?: I presume this is the 1989 pre face lift model? When taking the photos I stepped backwards and my calf caught the bottom rubbing strip on the door-I hear a ping at the same time. The strip is now bent, and no amount of glue will hold it against the door without it springing out again. That will teach me to be so clumsy-I presume I can get this from Mercedes? On the plus side, not sign of rust underneath the strip.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Thanks Carat-I was aware that the distributer cap could cause issues if pattern ones were fitted. It looks to be OK but whether it is Bosch or not I don't know, but I'll have a proper look tomorrow. Went out in it again this evening and it is fine now-think it was damp from sitting around for months.
I'll post some photo's tomorrow once I have given it a good wash and wax, and have cleaned the wheels.
I'll also ring Waterhouse in Braintree to see if they can tell me what fan is fitted from me giving them the VIN.
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whysub
Part of things
Posts: 65
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Well, needless to say this morning I purchased it. I had no option but to buy it, as it in great condition, drives really well (and very quiet), lovely smooth gear changes up and down. The leather interior is unmarked. There is a bit of service history with it, but it has mostly been carried out by the last owner and by an independant Mercedes mechanic. I had a real good look today with the aid of a torch, and there were no tell tale signs of oil leaks from either the back of the head or the can cover at the front. There is no sign of oil in the water and the engine oil and transmission fluids are lovely and clean.So a deal was done (which was a very good deal for me). It started easily with no smoke from the exhaust-even though it hadn't been driven for three months (since the date of the MOT)
There were some things that became evident when I drove it away, which were:
1). The engine ran a bit lumpily at low speed (i.e at junctions) 2). Lots of condensation on the interior glass 3). Heating fan motor very noisy and sluggish I took it for a 50 mile drive by taking the long way home, and that sorted out the lumpy running-it runs like a swiss watch now. The condensation did reduce with the heater going (but see below). I'll sort that out using the method of half filling a biscuit tin salt and leaving one in the front footwell and one on the back seat(it really works), but nicer weather than what we have now and a bit of use will help.
However, the interior fan packed upon the drive home-it was making really loud squealing and rumbling noises and sounded like it was under strain, and then it stopped. Result was the windows steamed up quickly unless I was moving.
I will check the fuses tomorrow when it is light, but suspect the motor has seized. Having had a look on youtube this evening it seems straightforward to get to, if a little fiddly. However I am unsure what fan my car has fitted, as it could be the one with two fans (described as squirrels on some websites), one fan either side of the motor, or a single fan sitting underneath the motor. Before I order a replacement, how do I know which one is fitted to my car (the car has is air conditioning, but not climate control)
When I got home I found that the key would not turn the drivers door lock-I can lock and unlock it via the passenger door and boot. I see that the door has a large rubber bung at the height of the door lock, something I'll look into tomorrow. And I'll get some photos too.
Overall it was a bargain, even with these niggles to sort out-it is 26 years old after all.
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whysub
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Posts: 65
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I struggled to get £750 for a near mint 1994 W124 E280. Estates that are mint, particularly the oil burners are where the money is at present. 124 saloons seem to be bottoming out value wise, just like the 123 did about 10 years back when I was picking them up for £300. I've just had a look at the prices of W123's now, they are a lot more than that £300. If this is the case that W124 values are bottoming out, then now is probably a good time to buy. Hoping that with nothing more than a little TLC and regular maintenance one of these will give me more driving pleasure than buying a modest and cheap 3 door hatchback.
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whysub
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Posts: 65
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Thanks. I checked closed listings through eBay to see what they sold for, and found many of the cars put on there hadn't actually sold.
just got back from looking at it properly. The car is excellent - well cared for with solid floor, front wings and rear arches and quarter panels. Engine is dirty BUT with no sign of oil or water leaks. Engine very quiet and gear changes very smooth, as is kick down, and has service history (last done 4000 miles ago).
inside is very good, with just a slight creasing on the drivers seat bolster, but I can sort that easily (I have seen many with shabby cloth interiors that I can't).
So based on what is written here and from my research I made an offer and left him my number should he wish to accept it. It was lower than he is asking for, but I don't think insultingly so. He wants to sell, but doesn't need to, so I will see if he calls back or not.
Can't see why without regular cleaning and routine maintenance it can't go on for a few more years without losing much in value, and being something a bit different. Insurance quotes of £98 fully comp it looks a good overall package. The alternative is a twelve year old Focus with double the insurance costs.
oh curse word, looks like I've talked myself into really wanting it!
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Last Edit: Jan 2, 2015 15:55:45 GMT by whysub
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whysub
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Posts: 65
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Dec 31, 2014 23:58:29 GMT
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Advertised locally with "offers invited". Petrol, auto, 120k,full history, leather, alloys, 2 owners from new, absolutely as standard
Only had a quick look (will be going back for a proper look underneath) but blemish free and no sign of rust in the usual Mercedes areas.
If it is good underneath and under the bonnet I'd like to make an offer before someone else gets it
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