1988 Mercedes-Benz W124 300TE 3.0 Liter 6 cylinder

Summary:

Exceedingly Well Engineered and Executed

Faults:

Head Gasket replaced.

Timing Chain replaced.

Rear suspension accumulators replaced.

Climate control panel replaced.

Two rear window lifters replaced.

Gas struts for rear lift-gate replaced.

All repairs done upon purchase from car lot.

General Comments:

This is an outstanding vehicle.

With the exception of the climate control panel and the head gasket, all other repairs are essentially regular maintenance items.

No rust after 225,000 miles.

Car handles exceedingly well.

Cruises at high speed like it's new.

Cabin is comfortable and almost silent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2004

1988 Mercedes-Benz W124 300CE 3.0 litre

Summary:

Never buy one

Faults:

Mainly seals and gaskets that dry-rotted. Cost a fortune to fix. At 85,000 miles (and 10 years old). New transmission gasket $18, but it's $480 to install it.

Oil pump gasket, $300 at 80,000 miles.

A/C never blew very cold, even after repairs at 90,000 miles, which were $500.

Water pump at 110,000, $500.

Head gasket at 88,000 miles, $500.

General Comments:

Would never buy one again. Nice riding car, but too expensive when repairs come. Spent $4,000 in 2 years on this car. That's a nice trip to Europe!

Might consider a diesel MB, though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th April, 2001

2nd Jun 2001, 10:22

Shame your car didn't work out. Usually, the W124 are totally reliable.

Cheers, Wolfram (300CE)

21st Apr 2005, 08:23

These cars are very reliable, but they DO need maintenance once in a while!! If you buy one with a maintenance backlog (and the one above probably was), you'll pay for it sooner or later (and most of the time sooner). So you either realize this and bargain the price of the car down, or you just leave it behind and focus on a better maintained 124, which might be a bit more expensive, but you save lot of money in the end.

18th May 2005, 10:40

Hey!

I bought an 88 mbz 300ce a couple weeks ago. Its in really good condition and drives great. The guy that sold it was asking 4500 but I talked him down to 3300. It has almost 200k miles on it, but had the engine and trans rebuilt a couple years ago. Its fun to drive and I love the jealous looks I get from old people that think they couldn't afford it. Your car is what you put into it. I've already put about 1000 bucks into it, but I love the car. I used to have a 190e with 65k orig. miles, but I recked it about a year ago, the ce is way faster.

In reply to 2nd Jun 2001, 10:22

15th Jul 2013, 14:17

I own an 88 300TE wagon. It's my first Mercedes. I have always been leery of "German" cars, as my BMW was a bad experience. My wagon is used daily, it's comfortable and is reliable and fun to drive. I think this car will last me for many years, even though it's old, and I do not see myself selling it.

I picked up a 400lb console stereo that was 77 inches long, 60 miles from home; it felt like there was nothing in the car!!

For urban living it's the best, no need for a truck. Best car I ever owned, and I've owned many, no greenhorn here!

1988 Mercedes-Benz W124 300 CE 3 litre gas

Summary:

The mechanic will have it more than you will

Faults:

Where do I begin? Let's see... The A/C never blew really cold, even after it was repaired. Thank God it didn't need a complete overhaul, that would have been over $2,000.

What really killed this car was gaskets. They just dry rot.

Engine mounts $300.

Oil seal $400.

Transmission seal $500.

A/C $500.

Head gasket $500.

Water pump $500.

"Maintenance" $1,000.

General Comments:

That was one expensive car to keep up!

Gas mileage wasn't very good either. 18 MPG around town, and requires premium. My Toyota Avalon gives 25 around town and uses regular.

I would not buy another one, but I hear MB diesels are great cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2001

9th Mar 2006, 05:46

1988? This car is 18 years old. How many miles?! Was it always maintained?! That has to be fairly judged. Do your history. It's a strong car.

27th Sep 2007, 17:56

I have a 1988 300CE with 137k miles. Although it does leak transmission fluid (front seal), It runs like new.

Very strong. I guess I agree with high costs being a factor, but I like the feel of this car cruising down the highway. They don't make cars like this anymore. My good friend lives in Stuttgart and he says this car is a killer and will run forever.

28th Sep 2007, 17:06

Stuttgart, huh? Impartial opinion, perchance?

8th Jul 2008, 19:04

Stuttgart yes, impartial probably no, correct yes.

10th Jul 2008, 03:11

Writer of last comment meant to say Stuttgart yes impartial probably not run forever YES.

29th Oct 2008, 16:15

I have my 230 CE 8 valve from 1988 completely new, bought with only 26.000 KMS., 6 months ago. Now with 32.000 kms.

Everything in the car is new, but on the highway with speeds above 120/km /hour, I feel the car very unsafe, instable, and is worth with lateral winds.

The tyres are new 65 series - Michelin 195/65/15, the steering is correctly aligned, and the shocks? Probably OK.

At present time I don´t know how to fix this problem? New tyres 205/60/15? New shocks Bilstein?

20th Oct 2011, 20:28

Ditto that. I have the same unit. Drives well and smooth!! In terms of power, it's still pretty impressive, especially when we are sprinting uphill... One can feel the 6 cyl working really well, as the car breezes up the hill.

Nonetheless, it's a cheap and reliable unit to purchase considering its breed.. the three point STAR.

Sheldon Deng

Malaysia.